Rotorua and Single Speed World Champs weekend

Last weekend we visited Mark, Rachel and Holly in Rotorua, so that the boys could compete in the World Single Speed Mountain Bike Champs. Basically, 1000 riders, from about 30 countries, who almost all dress up like weirdos and ride 40ish km on bikes with only one gear. Oh, and if they want to take short cuts in the race, there are places to do so, but you must either drink/chug a beer to earn that shortcut, or if you don't drink you have to down a small bottle of concentrated Redbull. You know, pretty standard athletic endeavour!
The boys dressed like horse jockeys. Note the extra effort the boys put into putting horses on their handlebars, and the white women's tights they wore as riding pants. I had thought I might take the tights over from Bryce after a good wash, but as muddy bum bike stains, don't come out very well, I have taken a pass from inheriting the tights. Dirty bum on white pants is not a good look, outside of the bike trails.
From left: Bryce, Joel, Mark and Carl


Emily, the gangsta rapper: "take heed, cuz I'm a lyrical poet; Daddy's hat's on my head, just in case you didn't know it"


Emily, the avid bike race supporter. She even called out at the riders as they went past. It sounded more like "ah yaah, ah yaah yaah, blllbb bbaaah", but I know that means "Go Daddy!"

We were able to crash a family get together that Pam and Andrew had in Turangi on our long drive home; and visited with them for a little bit. It was good to break up the long drive and because we don't get to Tauranga that often, we will take Pam and Andrew time however we can!