When Tim Kiernan's 1985 BMW K100 motorcycle was hot off the showroom floor, he was a kindergarten pupil more interested in their Matchbox counterparts.
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But the Wanniassa local has rescued the old bike from its retirement and is preparing to ride it across the Australian outback.
Mr Kiernan is the only ACT rider in a team of motorcycle enthusiasts dubbed The Hillbillies riding to Urana, 100km south-west of Wagga Wagga, for the Scrapheap Adventure Ride.
The rally raises funds for Down Syndrome NSW, a not-for-profit organisation which provides advocacy and support for people with Down syndrome, their families and carers.
While riders are encouraged to purchase a motorbike for less than $1000 and do it up themselves Mr Kiernan went one better, scoring his wheels for free – and with a pretty impressive legacy to boot.
"This bike has been on every scrapheap adventure so far. It's owned by my girlfriend's uncle Joe, he's done all of the rides so far," he said.
An auto-electrician by trade, the bike is currently undergoing a few modifications in his workshop so he doesn't get stranded on the side of the road as he heads north to meet up with the rest of The Hillbillies.
'The Beaminator' hasn't had the best of luck in the rally – she went careening out of action last year following a collision on the M7 while uncle Joe was riding.
While many of us would be concerned if our partner planned on riding hundreds of kilometres on a motorcycle old enough to have a mortgage, Mr Keirnan's girlfriend Kate Hogden is actually riding shotgun on the adventure – she'll be on the back of the bike.
"It's a really nice challenge to bring a bit of life back to these bikes and revive a 'clunker'," Ms Hogden said.
"It's also a good opportunity to explore a part of NSW we haven't seen before."
She's fortunate to have a seat on the back, according to Mr Kiernan.
"Joe used to have a sidecar on it called the 'scare chair' but I've taken it off it because I've never ridden a bike with a sidecar on it and I didn't really want to start now," Mr Kiernan said.
Down Syndrome NSW executive director Tracylee Arestides said their team has been inspired by the generosity and goodwill of everyone involved.
"That generosity has a very real effect. It helps us reach out to families, especially in country areas, with information, understanding and support at the time they need it most," Ms Arestides said.
The Scrapheap Adventure Ride begins on September 26. Get behind the Hillbillies by donating to their Everyday Hero fundraising page: https://scrapheap2015.everydayhero.com/au/the-hillbillies
