Gala fun to open Rotary river trail

The final of the Cycling CHB, Sport Hawke's Bay, Central Bikes CHB Primary School road series will be held at the opening day.

The first stage of the Waipukurau Rotary river pathways will be officially opened on Sunday, November 30, at 10am to much fanfare.

It's the culmination of more than two years work by the Rotary River Pathways Trust, which was formed to improve cycling and walking access next to the Tukituki River.

Trust chairman Roy Fraser said it had been encouraging to see the growing number of people using the paths before construction was completed.

"We have received nothing but positive feedback. We have had excellent support from the CHB District Council, Hawke's Bay Regional Council and Rotary Club of Waipukurau. Supporters include Eastern and Central Community Trust, Infinity Foundation Parsons Trust, Pub Charity, Hatuma Lime and Opus."

The completed trail extends along the Waipukurau side of the river from the SH2 bridge to just beyond the Mt Herbert Rd transfer station. On the other side of the river, it goes from the bridge to Tapairu Rd.

"This stage is only the first of a much larger plan to build a network of walking and cycling trails along the Tukituki and Waipawa rivers plus establish a mountain bike park.

"For us to develop these plans, we need to show the community is behind us, so I encourage you to join us on opening day," Mr Fraser said.

The opening will include bike races and spot prizes.

The Rotary Club will be manning a barbecue and Cycling CHB will be offering drinks and ice blocks after the races.

There will be a celebrity bike race between CHB Mayor Peter Butler and regional council chairman Fenton Wilson, and a mountain bike race is also being organised.

"During the past month, we have been clearing old tracks among the trees on the Waipawa side of the Tukituki River in preparation for a mountain bike race on the opening day," said Mr Fraser.

"I encourage anyone with a mountain bike to join us. The clearing of these tracks will provide better access for those using the river berms for horse and motocross riding, hopefully avoiding any damage to the limestone tracks."

On the day, a fourth and final race will be staged as part of the Cycling CHB, Sport Hawke's Bay, Central Bikes CHB Primary School road series.

Races have already been run at Otane and The Terrace with Ongaonga this Saturday.