(January 2024) A group that came together for a one-off bike ride on the Lake2Lake Trail, has now been meeting weekly for six years to enjoy bike rides throughout Southland and beyond.  

The Wrinkley Cyclists (or the Wrinklies as they often call themselves) are a group of Fiordland residents who meet every Sunday for a bike ride. With ages ranging between 70 and 79, the group – all equipped with e-bikes – are huge advocates for cycle trails, and the numerous benefits of cycling together, including physical and mental health impacts and the strong sense of camaraderie it brings.  

“About six years ago things hadn’t been going so well for a few of us, so we organised a cycle trip on the Lake2Lake Trail,” local cyclist Marg Cockburn explained.  

“After that we decided we should make it a weekly event, so now we meet every Sunday at 10.30am.” 

Now, the group has been pretty much all over Southland, and they even head to the North Island for cycling adventures.   

Lake2Lake Trail users may recognise the name the Wrinkley Cyclists – it features on not only one but three beautiful wooden seats along the trail.  

“We just decide that (purchasing the seats) was a good way to remember us all,” Marg said.  

“We put two up to start with, but we needed another one to fit all 12 of us. It was a good way to give back to the Fiordland Trails Trust, too.” 

There are a number of seats along the Lake2Lake Trail – it’s one of the fundraisers for the Fiordland Trails Trust. For just $1800 supporters can purchase a seat along the trail which will have an engraved plaque attached to it.  

As for the Wrinkley Cyclists, the group is made up of 12 friends and you do need to be asked to join it … however… the group has recently lost two men from the group and any fun-loving ‘practical males’ who could help with lifting bikes on and off the transport when the group travels away for cycle trips would be welcome!

Seats along the trail

If you’re interested in buying a seat along the Lake2Lake Trail, please contact the Fiordland Trails Trust; email info@fiordlandtrails.nz