My Story

I’m a mechanical designer, motorcycle instructor, lifelong rider and left-arm amputee.

Motorcycles and engineering have been part of my life for as long as I can remember. Both have taught me a great deal about problem-solving, persistence and the importance of understanding how things work.

Losing my left arm in a motorcycle accident changed almost every aspect of my life. But it didn’t take away my curiosity, my passion for motorcycles or my determination to find a way forward.

Since then, I’ve built a career in mechanical design, developed my own adaptive riding equipment, returned to motorcycling and become a qualified motorcycle instructor.

Along the way, I’ve learned that rebuilding a life involves much more than solving the physical problems. And, as it turns out, I’m still learning.

Getting Back on a Motorcycle

Following my accident, returning to motorcycling presented some fairly obvious challenges.

Conventional motorcycles aren’t designed for someone with one arm, and the available adaptive equipment didn’t meet my needs.

So I started developing my own solutions.

Drawing on my mechanical knowledge, I designed and built a riding prosthesis and began modifying motorcycles to accommodate my disability.

It wasn’t a straightforward process. There was plenty of trial and error, problem-solving, and a fair bit of frustration along the way.

Over time, I’ve developed and refined mechanical and electrical modifications that let me ride confidently, from slow-speed manoeuvres to road riding and track days.

The engineering hasn’t stopped, either. I’m constantly evaluating, improving and occasionally redesigning things as my understanding develops.

It’s a combination of two things I genuinely enjoy: engineering and motorcycling.

And there’s something enormously satisfying about developing a solution to a problem that initially seemed impossible.

Engineering and Mechanical Design

My professional background is in mechanical design and drafting, with more than two decades of experience across a range of industries.

I spent over ten years designing mechanical components and assemblies for high-voltage mining equipment, working within demanding technical requirements and Australian Standards.

Since then, I've worked on access systems, industrial equipment, structural components, residential and commercial projects, and plenty of unusual mechanical challenges.

I enjoy taking an idea, understanding the problem, and developing a practical solution that can actually be manufactured, assembled, and used.

Good design isn’t just about making something look impressive on a computer screen. It’s about understanding materials, manufacturing processes, tolerances, functionality and the people who eventually have to build or maintain it.

I particularly enjoy projects that require creative thinking.

My adaptive motorcycle equipment is probably the most personal example of that approach. It’s engineering driven by necessity, refined through experience and continually improved through practical use.

I continue to work in mechanical design and drafting, including subcontract projects, and I’m always interested in worthwhile technical challenges.

Motorcycling and Rider Safety

My accident fundamentally changed how I think about motorcycling, risk, and personal responsibility.

But I don’t believe surviving a serious accident automatically makes someone an authority on motorcycle safety.

What matters is what you learn from the experience and what you choose to do with that knowledge.

Over the years, I’ve become increasingly interested in rider behaviour, skill development and the relationship between confidence, competence and risk.

That interest eventually led me to become a qualified motorcycle instructor.

I particularly enjoy working with learner riders, helping them develop sound techniques, build confidence and understand the importance of making good decisions.

I’m also committed to improving my own riding. Whether I’m practising slow-speed manoeuvres, riding on the road, or enjoying a track day, I approach motorcycling with an open mind and a willingness to learn.

My goal is simple: to contribute positively to motorcycle safety and help others enjoy riding for as long as possible.

More Than an Amputee

Losing an arm has undoubtedly shaped my life, but it doesn’t define everything about me.

I’m a father, an engineer, a motorcyclist and someone who enjoys learning, building things and taking on challenges.

I’ve also made plenty of mistakes, faced setbacks, and had to reconsider what really matters in life.

The physical challenges of living with an amputation are often the most visible, but they’re not necessarily the hardest.

Rebuilding confidence, adapting to change, maintaining relationships and finding a sense of purpose can be just as demanding.

I’ve learned that resilience isn’t always about pushing harder or refusing to give up. Sometimes it’s about recognising when something isn’t working, being willing to change direction and accepting that you don’t have all the answers.

That’s something I’m still working on.

Why I Share My Experiences

For a long time, I wasn’t particularly interested in sharing my story publicly.

I was getting on with life, solving problems and doing the things I enjoyed.

But I’ve come to appreciate that some of those experiences might help others.

For someone living with a disability, my adaptive riding equipment might offer an idea or demonstrate an alternative approach.

For an engineer, the design challenges and solutions might be interesting.

For a motorcyclist, my experiences might encourage a little more thought about safety, risk and the importance of developing good riding habits.

And for someone dealing with an unexpected change in their own life, perhaps it’s worthwhile to see how another person has navigated similar challenges.

I don’t have a formula for overcoming adversity, and I certainly don’t have everything figured out.

I’m willing to share what I’ve learned, what I’ve built, and what I’m still working toward.

If that helps someone else, then sharing it has been worthwhile.

Life Beyond Motorcycles and Engineering

One of the most important parts of my life is being a dad.

My daughter and I have shared many experiences over the years, including our love of motorcycles. Watching her grow into her own person has been one of the most rewarding and challenging parts of my life.

Outside of work and riding, I enjoy martial arts, working on my home, spending time in the workshop, and learning new things.

Life is busy, occasionally chaotic and rarely goes exactly to plan.

But I still have plenty to do, plenty to learn, and, apparently, no shortage of things to build.

I’m proud of how far I’ve come. I’m also very aware that I’m still a work in progress.

And I’m quite comfortable with that.