THE 18th annual Ride for the Chopper event stopped over in Scone on Monday, with dozens of riders showing their support for the life saving Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service (WRHS).
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
More than 70 people are participating this year, in a cause that has already raised more than $90,000 since it’s inception.
Travelling over 450 kilometres from Tamworth to Kurri Kurri on mostly on back roads and uphill terrain will challenge the group, but ride captain Steve Livingston said it’s all worth it.
“It’s all about being a big family and representing the helicopters, so that’s what it’s about and it’s a really good time,” he said.
He also spoke about how everybody meshes and socialises on the trip, and walk away with new connections and even some new friendships.
“The big thing that we notice is that every year we get a whole heap of new riders as well as the existing ones, but by about day three they all come together as a team and really start bonding,” he said.
Community liaison officer for the New England north-west branch of WRHS, Tamara Ferguson, said the ride is a great way for people to show their appreciation.
“We have about 72 riders and 12 support crew as well, they’ve all donated their time to come and take part in the event, and they’re raising money for WRHS to make sure that nobody ever has to pay for the service,” she said.
She noted they had good numbers this year and thanked everybody who helped out with the event, including the sponsors who help with the raising of funds.
“It’s been really good, we’re having a really good year and it’s been a really positive year too,” she said.
“We’d like to thank Alive and Well on farms, Orica and the many supporting sponsors because without their dedication and donation we wouldn’t be able to put on the ride.”
Ms Ferguson also thanked Martins Haulage in Scone, who put a much-needed barbecue lunch on for them upon arrival, after having ridden an impressive 69 kilometres for the day.
They were met at the venue by WRHS CEO Richard Jones, who applauded the group for their efforts.
“Pedalling 450km’s over 7 days is a huge commitment and we are so incredibly thankful for the support from everyone involved,” he said.