In February 2023, Hawke’s Bay was hit severely by Cyclone Gabriel. Lives were lost, and bridges, roads, homes and farms were smashed. The repair work is still ongoing. Crownthorpe and Matapiro Roads were in final repair mode as my friends and I headed out. This was my first time back since the cyclone. The Crownthorpe Loop was 60 kms for me today.

We started off in fog. After 16kms of riding we reached the blue sky. The soft winter light on the green countryside was stunning. I had forgotten just how undulating the land is until we reached the straight Matapiro Road that runs alongside the massive Delegat’s vineyards.

A reminder: this is a Bring your Own Refreshments ride as there are no cafe’s. The route is on country roads. Scenery entails cattle and sheep farms, vineyards and orchards. For ebike riders, a fully charged battery is essential.

We parked our vehicles on the corner of the Taihape Road and State Highway 50, beside the church and cemetery at Fernhill. From there: Taihape Road, Left into Ohiti Road. Right into Matapiro Road. Left into Crownthorpe Settlement Road. Left into Matapiro Road. Right into Ohiti Road. Right into Taihape Road. Return to start.