‘A lot of emotions' as late ride organiser honoured
Fat raindrops disguised the tears streaking riders' faces on the Queenstown to Invercargill Westpac Rescue Helicopter fundraiser.
Westpac regional manager Otago/Southland Phil Taylor said his 14th ride was a challenging day for everyone involved.
Riders experienced exceptionally wet and cold conditions until they reached northern Southland.
Riders wore black armbands emblazoned with "Reece" to honour former ride organiser Reece McDonald, who died unexpectedly in late 2024.
"We missed him. He's certainly in our hearts and he was such a key part. We want to do his legacy proud ... he helped to build this. There are a lot of emotions around it. But we want that too, because we want to keep his memory there and its OK to be a wee bit tearful about it."
Wensley Cycles owner Rob McMurdo, who provided mechanical support for the day, loved the camaraderie the ride had developed over the years.
"I love being part of this group."
While there were plenty of tears, "that's good because it helps [to] heal. It makes it special. It brings us together better. It's a really strong group."
A pair of cleats and 20 punctures were the only casualties of the day.
Media personality Paddy Gower joined the ride for a second time.
"It was wet. It was dark. It was extremely cold ... all the way through Kingston and beyond.
"I thought I was in for a hell of a day and then of course it just fined up, which is awesome.
"There was so much energy in the ride today because of Reece McDonald ... It was fantastic to honour him: a man of the South who came up with solutions for the South."
Gower used a drink bottle branded with Reece's name and company logo.
"I was thinking about him the whole time. He was the one who got me into this."
Former All Black captain and annual rider Richie McCaw said he was happy to join the ride again.
"It's a great bunch of people ... and obviously for a great cause.
"I've got to say, the first two or three hours in the rain and cold this morning, I was starting to question how good of an idea it was, but it came right.
"The highlight is always going to and stopping at the schools — they were excited to see the bunch [of riders] come in."
Olympic gold medal rower Nathan Cohen also joined the ride for a second time.
After being raised in the South he appreciated the importance of the role the rescue helicopter played and
was happy to help raise funds for the vital link to the region.
"There's obviously a great bunch of people ... it's hard not to enjoy it just because of the enthusiasm and the energy that it brings," he said.
He particularly loved the connection the ride had with the rural communities.
"They're just real down to earth people ... everyone's very genuine."
Messrs Cohen, McCaw, Gower, Taylor and McMurdo all expressed an interest in riding the event again in 2026.
Mr Taylor expected the final fundraising effort to come to more than $100,000.
By Toni McDonald
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