Hundreds of eager cyclists gathered at Fonterra's Te Rapa site last Saturday morning to celebrate the opening of the region's newest cycleway.
This latest section of Te Awa River Ride links Hamilton with Horotiu and is the result of nearly three years of planning.
Saturday's opening included speeches, live music and spot prizes, including six Avanti bikes.
"It was incredibly rewarding to see so many people from all walks of life enjoying Te Awa.
"The feedback has been amazing and there's no doubt this section of Te Awa is going to be well utilised and enjoyed by our community," said project director Jennifer Palmer.
The next two sections of Te Awa, expected to open next year, will connect Ngaruawahia to Horotiu and the Avantidrome to Cambridge.