Big Al's 52 Years on Two Wheels: A Life Lived on the Open Road

Big Al isn't your average biker. He's a storyteller, a home-mechanic, a rider with 52 years of experience under his belt, and a passionate advocate for classic motorcycles, in particular Ducati's. His story, told with a warm chuckle and a glint in his eye, is a testament to the enduring appeal of these special bikes.

Al's journey began with a humble Honda, purchased for a mere $100 to get him to his bank job. "I didn't like catching trains," he explains, "so I just snapped it up." That simple need for transportation sparked a lifelong love of motorcycles. From the Honda, he progressed through a series of bikes, each one marking a new chapter in his riding career. There was the Honda XL 250, a popular choice in Australia at the time, and then the bike that truly captured his heart: the Ducati 750 GT.

"It was just like riding a bike for the first time," Al recalls about his first test ride on the Ducati. "Even though I'd been riding for a few years, it was just like getting on a bike for the first time, and I just loved it." He bought his first GT in 1976 and, four years later, acquired a second, a dilapidated "basket case" found in a backyard, with the intention of using it for spare parts.

But fate had other plans. In the late 80s, Al decided to restore the second GT, a project that took two years and more money than initially anticipated. The result? Two magnificent Ducati 750 GTs, ready to conquer the open road. Al and his wife even embarked on a 3,000km journey to World Expo in Brisbane on their matching machines.

The Ducati 750 GT, Al explains, is a classic touring bike. "It's a very basic motor," he says, "an L-twin 750cc, about 45-50 horsepower, weighs about 180kg dry." While the original models had their quirks, like leaky fiberglass tanks, the later versions boasted steel tanks, improved carburettors, and better brakes. Al's own GTs have been lovingly upgraded with bigger carburettors, high compression pistons, electronic ignition, and other enhancements. "Once you go to electronic ignition, there's no looking back," he declares.

Al's passion for Ducati extends beyond just riding. He's a regular at the World Ducati Week in Italy, an event that draws tens of thousands of enthusiasts from around the globe. "It's just a great way to share your common love of Ducati," he says.

While the Ducati, holds a special place in his heart, Al's motorcycle collection has grown over the years. He owns a 2016 Multistrada 1200S for longer trips and a couple of Royal Enfield Himalayan's, including the new 450 model that he describes as a "totally different bike" compared to his previous 411. He even does his own maintenance, including the oil changes on his Royal Enfield, a task he's become quite proficient at over the years.

Al's love for riding is more than just a hobby; it's a part of his life. "It's part of the therapy, really," he says. "If I'm not feeling 100%, I'll jump on the bike and go for a ride." He's even started a monthly club ride called "Big Al's Ride Em, Don't Hide Em South," encouraging fellow riders to bring out their classic bikes and enjoy the open road.

At 70, Al shows no signs of slowing down. He's looking forward to many more years of riding, fuelled by his passion for motorcycles and the camaraderie of the biking community. His story is a reminder that the love of riding is timeless, a journey that can enrich your life in countless ways.

I reckon we'll be checking in with Big Al in another 10 years.