Westpac Otago and Southland regional manager and ride organiser Phil Taylor said the May 9 ride would honour the late Reece McDonald, a dedicated cyclist and business community leader, for his unwavering support for the annual appeal for more than a decade.
Last year’s Million Dollar Ride became his final one. He died unexpectedly in October.
Mr McDonald’s passion for the annual appeal deepened through the life-saving support he received from the rescue helicopter service after a heart attack in 2019.
During the 2023 Chopper Bike Ride, he shared his experience to highlight the important service helicopters provided to the region.
Mr Taylor said sporting legends alongside locals would turn out to honour Mr McDonald at this year’s ride.
"Reece was such a passionate advocate for cycling and the business community in Southland, and a staunch supporter of the rescue chopper service.
"He knew first-hand how vital the helicopters are in our part of the country.
"While it won’t be the same without him, he’ll be in our thoughts all the way.
"It’s going to be an emotional day, but we’ll come together to celebrate Reece’s contribution, share some stories and keep up his legacy."
A smaller group of riders, including Westpac institutional and business banking managing director Reuben Tucker, were taking the fundraising to a new level by riding 800km from Nelson to the Queenstown start line.
All Black great and Westpac ambassador Richie McCaw, and 2012 Olympic gold medal-winning rower Nathan Cohen, will be joining the 230km ride again alongside Black Sticks champions Gemma McCaw and Diana Te Awa.
Award-winning journalist and broadcaster Paddy Gower will also be back for a second year.
"It’ll be a long and likely freezing ride, but with such a great team of generous people, all together we will make Reece proud," Mr Tucker said.
"The schools and communities who come out to cheer us on and donate to the cause keep us smiling through the gruelling parts."
The 12-hour ride will stop at Mossburn, Takitimu, Otautau and Thornbury schools along the way, with time for riders to refresh and have a kick around with students and donated sports equipment from the iSport Foundation.
Last year’s ride and ball raised $144,000 for the appeal.
This year’s fundraising target is $150,000.
All proceeds will go to the Lakes District Air Rescue Trust to support the Otago Southland Rescue Helicopter Service.
People can donate to the ride at the Givealittle Chopper Bike Ride page. — APL
