Ulysses 12th Annual Charity Motorcycle Ride set to raise funds for Night Vision Goggles for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Crew

Up to 1,500 motorcycles will take to the Auckland motorway this Sunday (11 February 2007) to raise money for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter in the 12th annual Ulysses Motorcycle Charity ride.

“Any street legal machine on two or three wheels is welcome to participate – from motorbikes to trikes to scooters,” says Ulysses event organiser Bob Leeper.

“Just be at the Karaka Bloodstock Centre at 10.30am for the 11.00am start”.

Non-riders can also show their support by going along to the end of ride event at the Akoranga AUT campus.

“The bikes will start arriving from 11.30am and will be on display for a couple of hours. The event will also be visited by the Westpac Rescue Helicopter,” says Mr Leeper.

“We encourage everyone to come along and show their support of the biggest charity bike ride in New Zealand – and of the Westpac Rescue Helicopter”.

Over the last 12 years the Ulysses motorcycle club have organised the ride which to date has raised over $110,000. The $11,000 raised in 2006 kitted out the Westpac Rescue Helicopter crew in new red overalls. This year the money raised will go towards purchasing a pair of Anvis 9 Night Vision Goggles.

Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust Helicopter Manager Greg Brownson says that night vision goggles will dramatically change night operations.

“Night flying always involves a certain amount of risk and night vision goggles will reduce that risk significantly.”

“The Ulysses Club has made a huge contribution to the Trust over the past 12 years and the rescue crew are really grateful to the Ulysses Club for all their efforts” says Mr Brownson.