A group of cyclists braved cool weather and State Highway 1 traffic yesterday as they rode 150km from Balclutha to Invercargill to raise money for the Westpac Chopper Appeal, supporting rescue helicopters.
From front left: Westpac Balclutha manager Chris Hargest is joined by Westpac Invercargill manager Phil Taylor, Allan Dunn of Harcourts Invercargill, Westpac Southland area manager Andrew Moreton and Gary McLister, of Invercargill, as they set off on the marathon ride. The riders were accompanied by dozens of Balclutha Primary School pupils on bikes and on foot for several blocks before the youngsters returned to school.
The seven cyclists arrived at the Westpac branch in Invercargill at 4.20pm yesterday. Mr Hargest said the group had exceeded its fundraising target of $3000.
"The weather was great and we were all totally convinced we'd make it to Invercargill," he said.
The money raised would be split between the Southern Lakes and the Otago rescue helicopters. The appeal runs for the month of May.
Donations can be made online or at any Westpac branch.
