Things to do  |  1 Oct 2019

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Gear up for the Rainbow Rave as Christchurch cyclists prepare to spin their wheels for Biketober.

Kicking off along the City Promenade on 5 October at 8pm, the colourful Saturday cycle-fest is one of several special events organised for the month-long cycling celebration.

Christchurch City Council Planning and Delivery Transport Manager Lynette Ellis says Biketober underlines the importance of the city’s sustainable approach to transport.

“Christchurch’s investment in cycleways is vital to addressing climate change, creating healthier communities and reducing congestion, so it is great to see residents make the most of the new network,” Ms Ellis says.

“Biketober celebrates the many positive outcomes of the city’s new transport infrastructure, encouraging people to have some fun and get back on their bikes.”

Cyclists are being encouraged to ride to their rhythm with a fun pedal along the promenade to Rauora Park for the Rainbow Rave.

A bike DJ will pump up the music along the way, with cyclists invited to decorate their bikes.

Cyclists can then park up to dance the night away at Smash Palace (R18) or the Dance-O-Mat.

Donations from the Rainbow Rave will go to Qtopia.

If you prefer a day out, check out the family focused Two Lakes Healing cycle events exploring waterways restoration along the Little River Rail Trail on Saturday, 5 October.

A 50-kilometre round trip from Wairewa Marae in Little River will focus on Lake Wairewa, Birdlings Flat and Kaituna Lagoon. Cyclists can arrange to stay at Wairewa Marae on Friday night.

Riders can also opt for an easier 20km ride, joining the main group at Birdlings Flat.

Closer to home, cyclists can become artists, “drawing” a picture with their bikes using GPS navigation during the Biketober Strava Art Contest.

Cyclists can also explore the city while taking in the SCAPE Public Art season. Use the Council’s SmartView to find you favourite public artworks and take a selfie to score a prize.

For the more experienced cyclists, join the Canterbury Mountain Bike Club on a social ride around Bottle Lake Forest on Sunday, 13 October.

Cyclists can also join the Climate Crisis Progress Ride on Thursday, 17 October.

Guided by experts, the free ride provides an opportunity to look at architecture, transport and the environment and to learn about moves to deal with the climate crisis.

For the more active cyclists, take up the Passport Challenge from 1 to 25 October.

An online map features more than 40 destinations where cyclists can pick up the unique code and fill up their “passports”. Some spots offer deals for anyone arriving by bike during October. A prize pool valued at over $7000 value is up for grabs.

You can also race into the free Passport One-Day Challenge on Saturday, 26 October. Powering up from 9am, see how many destinations you can get to by 4pm.

Finish off Biketober with the Halloween Ride through the Beckenham Loop on Thursday, 31 October.