I first got introduced to motorcycles in 1976. I had dropped out of an economics degree at Adelaide University and took up a job selling doors and curtain fittings at Harris Scarfe in Adelaide with pub work at weekends. I was looking for a cheap form of transport.
I bought my first bike in 1976 at the age of 17. It was a Honda 75-4 which probably explains why my mother went grey early! I dropped out of it for a few years when my children were young.
I greatly enjoyed riding with my brother when we were younger. He remains the most skilled motorcyclist I’ve encountered in my personal life (no offence to ‘The Bear”, Peter Thoeming).
I currently own a Triumph Speed Master which I like to ride anywhere but particularly up the old Pacific Highway to Wisemans Ferry with a stop at the Warriors Café. I also participate in bike reviews for Australian Road Rider Magazine regularly which takes me on overnight trips.
My favourite types of motorcylcyes are cruisers because I enjoy sitting upright, relatively low to the ground and taking it easy.
As any motorcyclist will tell you, safety gear is essential to enjoying your time on the road. I have two bike jackets. The first is a much loved Rivet, I inherited from my late brother and the other is a tailor made two piece full leather set. I have three sets of gloves but basically one for summer and one for winter.
The BMW gloves and wet weather gear, I can assure you, I have tested in blizzard conditions and they keep me miraculously dry and warm. I have two Shoei full-face helmets (one metallic red and the other black) and also a jet open-faced helmet. I usually wear a pair of Triumph road boots that you can also get away with wearing at a pub or in a semi casual environment. I also have a brilliant pair of BMW touring boots which I can guarantee are warm and waterproof.
My advice to fellow riders is that whatever you do, always assume that 
everybody else on the road is going do the wrong thing. Always assume there will be unanticipated obstacles or animals around the next corner when out on a country road. Always assume your skills are not as good as you think and whatever you do, undertake a HART (Honda Australia Roadcraft Training) or a Stay Upright course.
How often do I go riding? Not enough!