Kaiapoi’s new W75 Cycle/Art Trail looks set to become a star attraction for the river town.

An enthusiastic bunch of cyclists turned out for the official opening of the 75 kilometre loop track last Sunday morning despite bitterly cold conditions.

The trail provides a mix of spectacular scenery and a collection of fine art installed in five stamp station stopping points along the way.

It is the idea of Nigel Cook and Caroline Davidson, of Kaiapoi, who were inspired by a similar cycle trail they rode during a holiday in Taiwan where stamping stations added a sense of achievement to the journey.

Cyclists at Sunday’s launch were excited to be taking part in the first official ride on the track.

Emma Hodge and Lisa Falk travelled to Kaiapoi from Christchurch to be part of it.

They are both keen cyclists and Emma said she thought the round trip would take them about 3 hours to complete. "It depends how many stops we have along the way," she said.

But that was all part of the fun.

“You see so many more things when you are cycling. Things you don’t see when you are driving. It’s all new.”