Cycle Paths around Napier

A few weeks ago I cycled on the paths from Clive to Napier on my road bike. Most of the way was sealed but the first ks are not and in some parts there is deep sand. I nearly took a tumble. It was a really enjoyable ride otherwise and I would like to explore further, so to this end I have rebuilt my old touring bike that took me over the Alps and across France in 1987, using parts from four other bikes, and also new Continental cyclocross 700x35c tyres. The larger tyres should I hope cope with the sandy areas. The pic of my new construction looks a bit odd.