Peter Donaldson

Next Saturday, at a time most people are tucked up in bed, Peter Donaldson will be leaving Christchurch on a commuter scooter, hoping to reach Hokitika before the sun sets.

Hayden Meikle counts down the 150 greatest moments in Otago sport.

No 113: Ireland wins Isle of Man (1982)

It was a life-changing invitation - to sail "anywhere that was warm, had plenty of beer, and the girls didn't wear very much". Peter Donaldson learns more about Barrie Neilson's remarkable journey.

When the apfelstrudel arrived, I swear the waitress delivered it from a metre out.

By mid-1975, a fresh-faced 23-year-old with short hair and a neat side parting knew his chances of retaining the US Grand National Championship were slipping fast.

Long gone are the days when Hyde boasted several hotels, just about as many churches, plus a butcher, a baker and probably a candlestick maker.

It's a day of dreams. A 300kmh-capable superbike, vast expanses of deserted Highway 85, a clear blue sky, little wind, and a warm spring sun.