Wednesday 18 March 2026

Leader: Bryan Wild

Seven of us cycled up to Otaki along the expressway cycle track, then we explored the delights of Crystalls Bend Walkway. This is a series of tracks in the bush, on the eastern side of Otaki and close to the Otaki River.

There are lagoons, streams with small bridges and a whole array of small gravel tracks. The weather was grey with an early autumnal chill to start with, but after an hour or so it started to warm up just as we did. All but one of us were on e-bikes and as Susan’s e-bike is in hospital, she was lucky enough to burn more calories, as she kept pace with everyone on her ‘muscle’ bike. Good one Susan. We repaired to the Riverstone Café for a late morning coffee and sat outside in the sunshine as the temperatures really started to climb.

We got underway again and thundered back down the expressway cycle track but this time with a deviation via Otaihanga. Another great ride and with good company and banter.

Those on the trip were:

Bryan Wild, Susan Robertson, Brandon Holman, Dave Cox, Jen Perry, Yingjun Shelton, Lynsay Flowers

Photos were not supplied for this report.