Singlespeed events are more eccentric than mainstream mountain bike events with costumes and beer short cuts. However, at the sharp end they are just as competitive with traditional winner's tattoos at stake for the leading man and woman.
Garth Weinberg is someone who knows how tough it is to ride a one-geared bike over demanding singletrack.
The Rotorua rider is a three times New Zealand Singlespeed champion and won the 2010 World Championships in front of his home crowd.
"Having my family at the finish made it even more emotional and I still get choked up when I see photos or video of the finish," he said.
"Having the champs back in Rotorua is splendid, because we get the best crowds and the atmosphere is like nowhere else."
The championship weekend will start on Thursday, April 25 with a dawn ride to the Anzac Day service at Ohinemutu Marae on the shores of Lake Rotorua.
"There is a really big crew of Aussies coming here for the Singlespeed champs," said club member Paul Laing.
"The event has always been run on the week of Anzac Day, when Aussie and Kiwi soldiers are commemorated and celebrated, so it'll be good to share a beer with a few of them."
The Society is hoping that all mountain bikers and cyclists will join them on the dawn ride and at the race itself.
"There was a big spectator crowd at the Singlespeed Worlds in 2010, which added to an amazing atmosphere," said Sullivan.
"We want people to come out on April 27, make some noise and support locals like Garth."
Race HQ will be at the Waipa Mountain Bike car park just south of Rotorua.
"We're keeping the course under wraps, for now," says Sullivan. "But some favourite viewing places are included on the course and are an easy walk from the car park."
The event website, with a full programme, is: www.rotoruasinglespeed.com.
