Things to do  |  29 Sep 2020

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The month-long festival of cycling, Biketober, is back for another year.

Biketober will kick-off on 3 October with the light-hearted Biketober Rainbow Rave.

This night-time pedal through the city is suitable for families and starts at 8pm from the Vaka A’ Hina sculpture in the East Frame. A bike DJ will pump music along the route to create a party vibe and people are encourage to decorate themselves and their bikes.

Biketober organiser Robert Fleming says this year’s Biketober schedule is packed full of community rides, workshops and family fun, with 50 events over the month.

“It is a great chance get out on your bike, learn about bike maintenance or to encourage a friend to give biking a go. We have a growing network of safe cycleways that make it enjoyable to bike around town.”

The festival also encourages people to explore Christchurch by bike via the Biketober Passport Competition.

During the month, people can cycle to destinations around the city and use their smartphone to check in using a code unique to each participating business or site. Or, they can take part in the Biketober Passport One Day Challenge and do it all on October 31. The more sites people visit, the greater their chance of winning prizes.

Other events planned for Biketober include:

Vélo à l’est – Te Ara Ōtākaro: Ten years on from the 2010 Canterbury Earthquake what we know as ‘The Red Zone’ is beginning a journey of managed development which will take the next 30 years. Join a guided ride on Te Ara Ōtākaro (Avon River Trail) on Saturday 24 October along our beloved river, stopping at several points along the way to hear from those who have been involved in the community development of this special area.

The Wheelie Great Scavenger Hunt: Get your friends or family together and cycle around South New Brighton following a series of clues to complete a scavenger hunt. The hunt begins and ends at Common Ground in South Brighton and you can start and finish at your own time. Clue sheets are available from Green Beer Coffee.

DIY Maintenance for E-bikes: Find out from an experienced mechanic the best way to maintain your e-bike. There will be a 30 minute presentation, a question and answer session, and the opportunity to chat one-on-one. The workshop is being held at the Action Bike Club, 8 Walker Street, from 2 to 3.30pm on October 10.

New Brighton Ride: Join the Wednesday Wheelies at 9.30am on 7 Otober for a 28km ride east to New Brighton for lunch, returning via Te Ara Otakaro – Avon River Trail. The ride starts from the St Albans Tennis Club, 37 Dover Street.

For details of other events and the Biketober Passport, check out the Biketober Christchurch website.