65 people, many arriving as you would expect on their bikes met at the Hurunui Hotel to celebrate along with the stakeholders the opening of the Hurunui Heartland Cycle Ride.

The Hurunui Mayor, Winton Dalley, Jonathan Kennett from NZTA and the originator of the ride concept, Dr Richard McCubbin cut the ribbon to open this first stage of the route, from Amberley to Mount Lyford. The balance, on into Kaikoura in the north and Kaiapoi in the south will be signed and hence opened shortly.

A huge thank you to so many including the Hurunui Trails Trustees, present and past, the Mayors of all the regional councils and their staff, NZTA Cycle team, instrumental in creating the signage and extensive shoulder widening necessary, NZ Cycle Trails for their recognition and the many funding agencies involved, with special mention to Hurunui District Council, Rata Foundation and the Lotteries Earthquake Recovery Fund. So many individuals contributed their time and expertise to create this inter regional spine – let’s ride it and build on the opportunity.