‘I need extra padding’

• Published date: 18 April 2024
• Publication title: Mountain Scene

Among the other 99 riders tackling the 230km Chopper Bike Ride, which ends in Invercargill on May 10, are former All Black and Westpac ambassador Richie McCaw, his wife, Black Sticks champion Gemma McCaw, 2012 Olympic gold medal-winning rower Nathan Cohen, and seven members of the Lakes District helicopter crew

All funds raised will go to the trust to support its life-saving work — last year, the Lakes District and Otago Regional rescue helicopters flew 2123 missions between them, saving countless lives with rescues and medical transfers.

Gower reckons he ‘‘must be crazy’’ to commit to the ride.

‘‘It is brutally long and starts at a ridiculously stupid hour in below freezing temperatures.

‘‘I know it is going to cause me issues — I will need extra padding in the bike shorts. But...