Who are the Silver Foxes?
As often happens, it was an idea whose time had arrived. When a group of men come together and express the desire for more…in life that is…..anything is possible. After a boozy afternoon, the concept of “The Silver Foxes” emerged, a group of wonderful gentlemen with significant life experience and a desire to be part of a Group committed to motorcycle riding and being cool. And so it was…….
There are many groups but this is the real thing. It is the Constitution which drives our behaviours. The preamble says it all:
“WE ARE NOT A SUPPORT GROUP”
Our first tour was Route 66 in May 2014 upon various Harleys. Since then, have completed 5 major global tours and many Australian tours with increasing complexity, variety and impressive planning. To date it has been a “Great Fox Adventure”.
Members
Hydro
Steve “Hydro” McGeorge is a Foundation Member.
Given the aging demographic of the Foxes, Hydro has proved an outlier in terms of his working knowledge of the ‘tech’ world. With an array of technology tied to his bike and helmet, he is able to read maps while riding and film our escapades. He is our ‘Chief Technology Officer’ (CTO).
If there is a flaw in his character, it is his inability to identify an appropriate road. Hydro’s idea of a good day on the bike is to attack a gravel road with brutal potholes and ridges. This has led to many of the group members suffering mental health conditions. He has been known to literally ‘lead us up the garden path’. All routes are now required to be submitted prior and cross checked by the Executive.
Hydro’s choice of bike is a BMW GS, obviously having the ability to ascend mountains and ford rivers. His riding style is described as ‘volatile’. When leading, Hydro can be seen disappearing in the distance without regard for the rest of the group. Alternatively, he may retire to the rear of the group in an attempt to bond (unsuccessfully) with the other members.
Hydro’s dress sense is described as ‘grunge’. His gear is old and in poor condition from overuse. Hydro enjoys a red wine at the end of the day and a good laugh over other’s misfortunes.
“I have found a purpose. The Foxes cannot function without me. I’m on a power trip really. While the Foxes are not a support group, I am overrepresented in this area.”
Singo
Foundation Member and Chief Blogger. Used to ride a Kawasaki Vulcan Nomad with distinction but has recently capitulated and swapped it for the BMW RT1200. His riding style has been assessed as nakedly aggressive and has a dress style similar to McQueen/Brando.
“Without the Foxes I fear I may have spiraled into an existence of misery and desperation. These guys are awesome. You can never have too much awesome. I’m stoked on life and dancing.“
Russ
Foundation Member and Treasurer/Backup Navigator. Rides a Ducati Multistrada 1260s after trading the old Harley Softail. Normally a fairly conservative rider, with an occasional breakout. Dresses Fashionably Biker.
“I used to be a Banker. The Foxes have changed my life. I have found my mojo. You just gotta get out there and do as much as you can all the time, LETS RIDE (HARD)”
Lewy
Foundation Member, rides the rare Yamaha Palamino and has an unpretentious style (unlike the others) and likes it steady at the back of the pack. His marine rescue background qualifies him superbly for the critical role of sweeper. Loves to wear the double denim (and lace).
“At a very early stage I understood where I was settling in this group….I am the necessary foil for their excessive antics and humour. Bringing up the rear, I am constantly on alert for potential disaster ahead, I am THE essential member.”
Boxy
Admitted in 2014 (After many very difficult interviews). He used to ride a Harley Heritage Softail (Deluxe), but has recently traded up to a Triump Tiger. He has a relaxo, smooth riding style. His role in the group is “the canary in the coal mine”, reminding us when petrol is running low, if its getting dark, or its time for a wee break and more recently pothole alerts. Likes to dress traditional Biker.
“After a tough upbringing and an amazingly successful business career, both of which I am still to convince the Foxes, I am privileged to feel humbled in their company. They give me a hard time, but hey, I’m tougher than the rest.”
Tony
Foundation Member, used to ride a Harley Heritage Softail, but it stayed on the trickle down too long so traded it for a Kawasaki Versys 1000. His style is always upright and purposeful. His role in the group is as mentor and advisor on what we have signed up for and what we haven’t and what looks cool or not. Always dresses immaculately.
“I have learned three things – Life begins at the edge of your comfort zone; live in the moment and leave no change on the table. The shared experience and laughs with my bros will stay with me forever.”
Gibster
Founding Member, has ridden everything in a long riding career but curently abreast a BMW 1200. His riding style is usually at speed and way in front of the pack with a full leather covering. His role is to counsel members on riding style (not dress style – that’s Tones role).
“I feel very paternal, having developed these cubs into an awesome riding unit. Before meeting these guys, I had low expectations for much fun in the saddle. Now I’ll ride till I can’t stand up, which may due to age or too many Rusty Nails.”
Myway Mike
Admitted in 2016 (not sure why). Likes to ride very small bikes that look nice at the café, as a result he has a consistent riding style of desperately trying to catch up. His role in the group is to keep a straight face and keep the rest of us guessing. Has an impressive Bohemian dress style.
“There is no point trying to compete with the outrageous behaviour of these idiots….so I don’t. Always seems like I am trying to catch up but I wouldn’t trade my membership for a secure job.”
Richo
Casual Member (2014). Riding for all his adult life he has now settled on an Indian. His experience allows him to take a role of “doing his own thing”. Dresses professionally and has a very mature riding style, in fact makes the rest of us look pedestrian.
“I have more experience than the rest of this lot put together, With a real job, I am not always available for their frivolous activities, but I am curious about how they survive, I will keep dropping in”
Sarge
R.I.P – Founding Member who loved his big Moto Guzzi. His role was to be the respected face of the group and his classy riding haute couture also reflected that. He had a riding style that said “don’t dick with me”. He is sorely missed.
“Establishing this group and putting down the ground riles was a major achievement. I may have seemed a little English upper crust at times but the Foxes didn’t care. A group that just keeps on giving
Silver Foxes Motorcycle Club Australia 