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He is the only one to have taken part in all 14 Chopper Bike Rides but raising money for a very good cause keeps him coming back, he says.
The annual Westpac Chopper Appeal 230km cycle ride from Queenstown to Invercargill will take place on May 8 and organiser Phil Taylor will have his Lycra on for the 15th time.
Mr Taylor who is Westpac NZ’s Lower South Island Consumer Banking regional manager, said he took part because he knew how far the funding went to save lives in Otago and Southland.
“At the end of the day, you've got to take great pride in supporting a life-saving organisation like the Trust.”
It was also the camaraderie on the ride and support from the public that kept him going, he said.
“Looking back to when we started out, the event has grown beyond our wildest imaginations.”
Support crew member Murray Heath of Invercargill has also been helping out since the beginning.
“He's a detailed man. He always makes sure we haven't forgotten anything.”
During the meal breaks on the ride many people would share stories about someone they know who took a ride in the helicopter, he said.
He knew times were tough economically but appreciated the support of people who gave to the cause.
“This year we're aiming to raise $150,000 for the Lakes District Air Rescue Trust, who flew nearly 2300 missions in 2025,” he said.
Along for the ride for the first time will be downhill mountain bike champion Brook Macdonald who experienced a severe crash while racing in Canada in 2019.
MacDonald said the memory of the crash had never faded.
“I still remember the sound of the helicopter blades echoing through the trees at Mont-Sainte-Anne.
“These guys make the difference between good and bad outcomes,” he said.
Track and field Olympian Sarah Cowley-Ross will also ride for the first time, and broadcaster, Paddy Gower, will be back for the third year.
The 12-hour ride will stop in at Lumsden School, Balfour School, Gore Main School and Mataura School on the way to Invercargill.
While biking was not part of his exercise regime, he and about 30 riders gathered at the weekends to build up their fitness prior to the ride taking place.
Donations for the Chopper Bike Ride can be made now by visiting the ride’s internet site Givealittle page.