Kirwan keeps pace in Chopper fundraising ride
The race organiser describes him as ‘‘a big boy to push up the hills’’ – but former All Black and mental health advocate Sir John Kirwan had kept up with the bunch and looked pretty fresh when he rode his bike into the northern Southland town of Riversdale yesterday.
Kirwan, and Black Spokes team members Aaron Gate, Campbell Stewart and Dylan McCullough, made up a group of about 90 riders raising funds for the Westpac Chopper Appeal Bike Ride, to raise funds for rescue helicopters.
‘‘It’s been tough so far but very enjoyable. I’ve made it this far, so I’ve broken one record,’’ Kirwan said.
His day on the bike began in Queenstown just before 5.30am, and when he arrived in Riversdale, some 135km and a couple of big hills down the track, he was cheered on by the thought that he was halfway towards his destination of Invercargill.
A waiata from Riversdale School pupils, who had made signs for the riders and raised more than $300 for the cause, made it all worthwhile, he said.
‘‘That’s just brilliant. They’ve put a lot of effort into those signs and to see them all here singing to us is just fantastic.’’
Everyone had a story or knew someone who had been in a rescue helicopter, and they were now a quintessential part of Kiwi life, he said.
‘‘I’m very proud to support a cause where every cent goes back to the community.
‘‘These kids raised over $300 today and that will all go back to their community.
‘‘The helicopter lets people live their best lives. If you’re out hunting and break a leg, or whatever you’re doing, the chopper is there to help,’’ he said.
Southland district councillor John Douglas also donned his lycra for the day and said he was looking forward to a hot shower and a cold beer when he reached Invercargill.
The ride was the ninth Westpac Chopper ride he had taken part in.
‘‘They just get better and better, and the response from the kids today really does make it worthwhile,’’ he said.
As the riders prepared to leave their lunch stop, the low cloud parted just enough for a rescue helicopter to land in the school grounds for the pupils to look through.
‘‘I hope I’m not going to need that,’’ one rider said as he waited to leave.