AFTER working with motorcycles for 45 years, Griffith local Barry Day has made the decision to retire.
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Mr Day clocked into his last shift at J&P Motorcycles on December 20, signalling the end of an era for this MIA motorhead.
The mechanical mind of Barry Day saw him find work as a mechanic, technician and salesman over the span of his career.
He began working as an apprentice at Joe's Honda Centre, now known as the Griffith Motorcycle Centre.
Mr Day secured that role in 1974 and has since played witness to a number of significant changes that have swept through the automotive industry.
"Over the years it has been a massively changing industry," Mr Day explained.
"We've gone from very basic bikes to super bikes, adventure bikes, motocross, you name it."
Despite the changes to rider format and building processes, Barry Day never lost his love for motorcycles, retaining his position at J&P for a total of 22 years.
"It's just passion really," Mr Day said.
"I had three stints working with J&P, beginning in '83."
Barry and his wife Margarita are both heavily involved with a number of motorcycling organisations across New South Wales.
They are both members of the Griffith Classic Motorcycle Club, Christian Motorcyclists Association and also Expatriates Auto Club.
"We've had the privilege of travelling overseas with the CMA," Mr Day said.
"We were lucky enough to work as missionaries in South Africa, the USA and the Philippines."
According to Mr Day, working with motorcycles provided him with a number of life experiences that could never be matched elsewhere.
When asked why he had decided to hang up his boots, Barry could only smile.
"I've just done my time," Barry laughed.
"I'm now in the late part of my 60s and my bikes at home do get neglected.
"The passion to ride has always been there, but now I can feel passionate about working on them too."
Now, Barry says his is looking forward to taking his Triumph Bonneville out for a nice, long ride.
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