THE PROTEGES

There aren’t too many feelings that compare to the excitement of getting a new motorcycle. I’d spent my teenage years earning hardly enough money to afford some old, shit bikes, but once I cracked that first new machine at the age of 21 – a 1996 KX250 – there was no turning back. I was hooked on dirt bikes and wasn’t owning anything unless I was peeling plastic wrap off the seat or was the first to fill the tank with fuel.

22-years on, I’ve had more than my fair share of new bikes, and while it’s always a good day when you’re wheeling a brand new ride out of the shed, the excitement isn’t quite what it used to be. I’ve ridden and raced too many motorcycles into the ground to ever again look upon them like they’re a toy under the Christmas tree. My moto-innocence has long been lost to the motorcycle industry, jumping from one project to the next and using motorcycles to earn a living, rather than just the simple pleasure of going for a ride. And hey, don’t get me wrong – I love bikes. I mean, there’s no way I’d be in the same game after 22-years if that game were riding or promoting lawn mowers, or fridges or whatever. You know what I mean.

With no sign of moto projects slowing down in the near future, I’m grateful my passion for bikes has manifested a revival of the pure excitement I once felt as a kid – albeit vicariously through the amazing worlds of Millie and Tom. They are the children of Ryan and Sarah, who form a family that are very close to my own. Ryan and I were competitors 20-years ago racing Enduro in WA. These days, we’ve resumed play as a couple of mates stoked on being part of a new journey – The Proteges!

Enjoy the ride…

AR