Bikes to fly at Karāpiro

Competitors take on the obstacle course during the Cambridge Cycling Festival. Photo: Supplied.

Organisers are calling it a Kids’ Kerfuffle; kids are likely to call it a lot of fun.

The new event at Lake Karāpiro on Saturday for pre-schoolers through to Year 8 is an obstacle course for kids on two wheels.

The popularity of the event at the Cambridge Cycling Festival earlier this year has seen it replicated at Mighty River Domain. Bicycle Revolution’s Jorja Swain said they are putting the finishing touches to an obstacle course which will see children undertaking some hilarious and somewhat mindless tasks.

“All on, or close to your bike,” the previously top-ranked New Zealand junior cyclist said.

The difference between the festival event – held on Victoria Square – is the Kids Kerfuffle has more of a cross country feel about it.

“Bring a change of clothes and prepare to get wet and muddy,” said Swain.

Karāpiro at the same time will be heaving with people and bikes with the return of the Karāpiro Flyer, back for its 23rd year and fourth at its current venue.

More than 1500 cyclists will compete on a 100km circuit taking in Roto-o-Rangi, Kihikihi, Wharepapa, Pukeatua and Maungatautari.

Organisers have also introduced a 50km and 16km event.

The Kids Kerfuffle starts at 11.30am with the under five-year-olds giving children plenty of time to watch the more serious cyclists head off from 9am.

There will also be bouncy castles and face painters.

Helping hand: Organisers will be on hand at the Kids Kerfuffle to help kids ride the obstacle course, as they were earlier this year at the Cambridge Cycling Festival. Photo: Supplied.

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