Sporting legends and locals alike are upping the ante for this year's Chopper Bike Ride from Queenstown to Invercargill on Friday 9 May in honour of the late legendary organiser, fundraiser and mate to many, Reece McDonald.
For more than a decade the keen cyclist and business community leader was a dedicated fundraiser for the Westpac Chopper Appeal and joint organiser of the Chopper Bike Ride. Sadly, last year was his final ride, as he passed away unexpectedly in October 2024.
Reece himself required the lifesaving support of a rescue helicopter when he suffered a heart attack in 2019 - an experience he shared freely to highlight the service and recalled in detail during the 2023 Chopper Bike Ride.
In honour of his contributions, riders will wear race shirts with built-in black armbands emblazoned with "Reece". This year's fundraising target is a record $150,000, with all proceeds going to the Lakes District Air Rescue Trust to support the Otago Southland Rescue Helicopter Service.
"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," says organiser and Westpac NZ Otago and Southland Regional Manager, Phil Taylor.
"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."
Along for the 230km ride again will be All Blacks legend and Westpac NZ ambassador Richie McCaw and 2012 Olympic gold medal-winning rower and local hero Nathan Cohen. Dual Commonwealth Games medallist and Black Sticks champion Gemma McCaw will be joined by fellow former Black Stick, Diana Te Awa.
Back for a second straight year is award-winning journalist and broadcaster, Paddy Gower, and as always, members of the Otago Southland helicopter rescue crew will be at the front of the pack.
The 12-hour ride will stop at Mossburn School, Takitimu Primary School, Otautau School and Thornbury School along the way, with time for riders to refresh and have a kick around with students and donated sports equipment from the iSPORT Foundation.
A smaller group of riders including Westpac NZ Managing Director Institutional and Business Banking, Reuben Tucker, are taking the fundraising to a new level by riding 800km from Nelson to join the start of the Chopper Bike Ride in Queenstown.
"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. The schools and communities who come out to cheer us on and donate to the cause keep us smiling through the gruelling parts," Mr Tucker says.
Last year's ride and ball raised a whopping $144,000 for Westpac Chopper Appeal, part of a nationwide total of over $1.4m.
Lakes District Air Rescue Trust Chairman, Jules Tapper, is grateful for the continuing support of regular riders and the star power that boosts the fundraising towards a vital cause.
"The Otago-Southland rescue helicopters flew 2,097 missions last year, saving countless lives with rescues and medical transfers across our remote and rugged lower South Island," Mr Tapper says.
"It's amazing to see the growth of the event over the years. There was a small pack of five riders at the first event in 2011, and it looks like more than 100 again this year. Over $1m has been raised over that time and the momentum is growing every year."
People can donate to the ride now by visiting Chopper Bike Ride 2025 - Givealittle
