Twenty-five riders on little Honda CT110 or CT90 motorbikes, with a top speed of about 80km/h, embarked on a six-day endurance challenge that raised money for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service and the neonatal intensive care unit at John Hunter Hospital.

The $40,000 was split evenly between the two recipients and on the weekend helicopter service general manager Richard Jones travelled to Inverell to receive the cheque from the Post2Coast organisers.

The idea was conceived by Inverell men Clint McSpedden and Stuart Griffin, who both know first-hand the importance of first-class medical care.

Mr McSpedden is an ambulance officer who has seen the rescue helicopter in action, while Mr Griffin’s twin daughters spent 187 days in John Hunter after being born 15 weeks’ premature.

For the participants the 1100km journey was relatively incident-free, and riding into Newcastle’s EnergyAustralia Stadium was especially satisfying for the two men behind the inaugural ride.

Mr McSpedden said it had exceeded all expectations and paid tribute to his fellow riders at the conclusion of the event.

“I’m still glowing, and rather than worry about the next one (will) enjoy the moment, because it will be hard to replicate,” he said.

“We have done something good here and I’m glad we did it together.”