NZ Tour -- In Memory of Mike

$37,500 of $35,000 goal

Given by 293 generous donors in around 6 months

We're touring NZ, from North to South, in memory of Mike Doig, fundraising for the wonderful rescue helicopters along the way

Dunedin, Otago

+202 images

The world-famous Phantom riders are off on another NZ tour, in memory of Mike Doig who we sadly lost last year. We're raising funds to support the Otago Southland Rescue Helicopter Trust, who do great work and whose services some of us have used in the past!

We start our trip in from Cape Reinga on 2nd March 2024, and will spend the next 21 days on the road, ending at Bluff on 23rd March.

Whatever you can donate will make a big difference to the rescue helicopter trust

Your $10 donation will sponsor 1 km of our journey

Your $100 donation will sponsor 1000 metres of elevation for our climbs

Your $1000 donation will sponsor either the North Island or South Island legs of our journey.

...and your donation of any other amount will be greatly appreciated by our burning muscles!

But Wait, There’s More — 12th Man Brings Innings to a Close 2 June 2024

As our fundraising efforts are now drawing to a close, there has been one 'last hurrah' this week from Martin who last year moved back to Christchurch. Martin was due to join us for the South Island part of the Tour but had to withdraw due to family illness in the UK. Given that 11 riders managed the whole trip from the Cape to Bluff, Martin was (to use cricketing terminology) the 12th man who wanted to bring the innings to a close.

Martin decided that he would try to ride 10 days consecutively doing the same distance (and the same number of vertical metres) as we did on the South Island from Picton to Bluff except that he would do it around the Port Hills in Christchurch. He joined the normal Saturday and Sunday Phantom rides this weekend to finish off his 10 day journey. He was particularly grateful for the help of several 'domestiques', having ridden about 900km on his own before the final 2 days in Dunedin.

It was also good to hear that he suffered from shortened daylight hours, a bad stomach, heavy morning frosts and two days of rain. Suffering is all part of being a Phantom on tour! It was Martin's way of honouring Mike's memory and making up for the disappointment of not being able to join the real Tour.

And, as with the other 11, Martin suffered through a ‘climb from hell’, on his final day — the dreaded Norwood Rd in North East Valley. The photo on the update is Martin just after the climb. Chapeau Martin!

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DM on 08 Jul 2024

Well the ambitious target has been reached and it is a measure of how much Mike was loved by all his family and friends that we have reached this Milestone. A huge thanks goes out to Richard for his dedication in maintaining the 'Give a Little'page' and thanking everyone that donated to such a worthy cause. The Otago/Southland Helicopter Trust. we know will put the funds to good use. The Phantoms can't thank them enough for the times they needed their Services. We miss Mike every day and he will forever be in our memories

$2,790

Phantom Riders Cycle Group

Well, DM, you deserve an extra special thanks and congratulations for this amazing donation! Coming just before the official close of the campaign, with the memories of Mike and our ride still strong in our hearts and our legs, you have closed things off perfectly. Your leadership and fellowship in guiding us and supporting us, and showing us how the climb up through the Gates of Haast should be really done, has always been top notch. Your generosity has also earned you the 'top donor' award, alongside your donation having the honour of taking us up to and over our $35k fundraising target. We shall conceive a fantastic award for you, which may involve an extra coffee and cheese roll at Salt cafe on a coming Saturday! With sincere thanks and appreciation from all "The Phantoms"

Ian on 03 Jul 2024

$100

Phantom Riders Cycle Group

Thanks Ian. Your donation takes us pretty close to our (very ambitious) fundraising target of $35,000, which we hope to achieve when we close of the Give-a-Little page in 10 days time. Keep an eye out for future adventures, from "The Phantoms".

Colin on 19 Jun 2024

Best of luck.

$500

Phantom Riders Cycle Group

Thanks Colin, that's awesome and exceptionally generous. We're still basking in the glory of our North-to-South expedition, particularly now that the aches and pains have subsided for most of us now! We are so pleased to have been able to honour the memory of our mate Mike in this way, and to support the great work of the Rescue Helicopter Trust. With best regards from "The Phantoms"

The Carswells on 15 Jun 2024

$150

Phantom Riders Cycle Group

Thanks folks! You donation has lifted us above $34,000 since we started our fundraiser, which is well above our initial expectation and getting close to our 'aspirational' goal of $35k. We've got about a month until we close things off (with some thoughts about a 'grand finale' post, so watch this space). Most importantly, your generosity and that of our other donors will give the Rescue Helicopter Trust some additional resources to help them deliver their services to our communities. All the best from "The Phantoms"

June on 10 Jun 2024

$100

Phantom Riders Cycle Group

Thanks June. We're getting closer to our fundraising goal, and your generous donation has closed the gap significantly. The Rescue Helicopter service does such a great job for our communities and it will be great to present them a cake or a big (fake) cheque when we reach our goal. All the best from "The Phantoms"