Biketober is back for the second year, to promote active transport on two wheels. 

Run by not-for-profit organisation Wao Aotearoa, the annual Southern Lakes Festival of Cycling means October is packed with workshops, races, family events, film nights and more.

Across Alexandra, Roxburgh, Queenstown, Glenorchy, Arrowtown, and Wānaka there are a range of events for all ages, from a native plant cycle tour, six-hour mountain bike race and e-bike picnic to film nights, maintenance workshops and a kōrero [discussion] on bike-packing.

On Saturday October 21 the Central Otago Resilience Trust Alexandra Airport Challenge mountain bike enduro is on, with proceeds going to help locals with medical costs. 

The following weekend, on Saturday and Sunday (October 28-29), there is a Golden Ride on the Clutha Gold Cycle Trail, from Roxburgh to Waihola, at starting at 9am. 

Central not-for-profit Up-cycles refurbishes and adapts donated bikes to pass on to those less fortunate.

Director Chris Foggin (Foggie) said cycling builds connections and can be rewarding and good for your physical and mental health.

"Getting on your bike can bring about a feeling of greater self-esteem, self-control and the ability to rise to a challenge; making you feel good about yourself and the world around you.

“Being active also makes you feel good, and there is a great deal of evidence that shows regular physical activity is associated with lower rates of depression and anxiety across all age groups.

“When you're riding this month, connect and support our cycling community, by building camaraderie amongst fellow riders, thanking courteous motorists or joining a local social ride group to find cycling buddies.”

Wao Summit programme manager Babu Blatt, part of the organising team behind Biketober, hopes to see more bikes on our roads come October. 

Babu said this year the number of partner events has ramped up.

“It’s awesome - the whole community is coming on board.” 

And, if it is competition that gets you moving, try entering the Biketober Challenge through Lovetoride.net.

You might surprise yourself, and inspire your mates to get involved and give you a run for your money.

Central mountain bikers playground, Matangi Station MTB now has spring passes available (adult $90, children 5-17 years old $30) and they are valid until November 30.

Naseby forest is also a great place to get on your bike.

It is the setting this Saturday (October 7) for the six and 12 hour Naseby Challenge, and more than 400 mountain bikers are signed up to participate in the team and solo categories. 

There are local clubs covering a wide range of cycling. Find them on The Central App’s Group|Clubs section

For more about bike clubs, check out Alexandra BMX Club, Central Otago and Wakatipu Cycling Club, Cromwell BMX Club, Cromwell MTB Club, and Mountain bikers of Alexandra (MOA)

For inspiration and information about trails see: Things to Do | Cycling| Walking or visit the Biketober webpage to learn more about the awareness month.