Ronald Oliver is not your average senior citizen.
At 75 years old, the Anzac resident shares many characteristics of others his age – wise, affable and full of interesting stories, but he’s also much cooler.
Happiest on two wheels, this veteran biker’s look commands attention wherever he goes.
While the cowboy boots and hat can guarantee a few stares, it’s Ronald’s denim jacket, emblazoned with dozens of badges and patches, that gets the most looks.
He has lost count of how many he has acquired over the years and still has more waiting for their place of honour.
The majority were collected at biking events and rallies, while others have been given to him by friends.
His favourite is a pin badge that reads, “I can’t stand people who wear badges”.
Among the melange of fabric, Ronald points out the first patch he received – a teddy bear on a motorcycle.
The patch is from the 2006 Toy Run, an annual event he has supported regularly since.
Ronald told the Herald he will eventually have the jacket, which he estimates weighs about 20kg, extended in order to add more patches.
He also admits he doesn’t mind being the focus of so many eyes.
“A lot of people, well mostly its women, come up to me and ask me about the jacket,” he said with a cheeky grin.
“They tell me how much they love it.
“There are also people who say they have shoeboxes at home full of patches, but that’s no good if I can’t see them.
“I want to see where you’ve been.”
Ronald purchased his first motorcycle, a Luojia Phoenix, in 2006, never realising it would fuel such a passion.
He rides the same bike today and has added his own personal stamp to the vehicle with distinctive accessories.
The septuagenarian was previously involved in a car and truck club, but left because of “politics”.
This is another reason he feels so drawn to biking.
“You don’t have to belong to a club to feel like you’re part of something, I am a lone rider and don’t belong to a club,” he said.
A retired boilermaker, riding a motorcycle helps keep Ronald active in mind, body and spirit, especially with events and rallies taking place most weekends.
“At my age, it’s important to keep busy because if you sit down, you get bored and you die,” he added matter-of-factly.
Read: Expect another petrol hike in May
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