He thinks it had something to do with retiring and the feeling the need to do something a bit adventuous;  with seeing an opportunity to get back at his sons, having been traumatised over the years from the worry of their riding motorcycles – much to his chagrin; and, no doubt, with his wife’s deciding she wanted a 'better' or different life and subsequently heading off with someone to seek it.

Anyway, that was at the beginning of 2005.

Since April 2005, when he got his learner’s permit and his first bike – a well used Suzuki GS500 – and ventured out warily onto the neighbourhood roads for the first time, he’s covered more than 120,000km on ten bikes in four countries spanning four continents.

And it’s all been just for the fun of it. No commuting.  Pure Touring.

Before that, he lead a normal life. He was born and spent his early years in the Sydney suburb of Lakemba. He later lived on a farm in the Sydney suburb of West Pennant Hills. He spent a few years in a religious order immersed in Scholastic philosophy and theology.  He did law at Sydney University. Then spent 19 years in the Australian Diplomatic Service and another 15 years in other Australian government departments.

He lives very contentedly in Canberra, Australia, with his 21 year old stepdaughter, her two dogs and her cat. He cherishes two adult sons and their wives, an adult daughter, two adult stepdaughters (compliments of their new-life-seeking mum), two grandsons and a granddaughter. 

He owns a car, which he rarely gets access to, with a 21 year old whose old jalopy broke down a couple of years ago! He's thankful he has a bike - or two.