Adventurer, motorcycle collector and Rhubarb Lane developer.
I grew up in the Australian bush. In many ways it shaped who I am. I still long for those wide open spaces, the animals and the sounds and scents of the occasional, ever-welcome rain. I think it's where my work ethic came from.
My oldest memory is of falling from my first pony, Tom Thumb. I just had to get up, dust myself off and try again. There's a certain self-reliance that only growing up in a remote place can give you.
New Zealand has become my adopted home. I love it. This mighty island nation of hamlets is known the world over for its inventive, resourceful culture, its beauty and its bravery. Kiwis do worry a lot about all sorts of things, though. If I could change anything, I'd like to see Kiwis celebrate their "greatness" more and be a little more positive across the board. You have every reason to be.
I've faced my share of challenges. A few times I've been on the ropes and really close to failure, with me locked on the wrong side of the door. Once or twice it has been in business and a few times when adventuring. You can always make a good decision, I know that, and a few times now I've found it bloody hard to get my attitude right so I can positively hunt for that "good decision". My work has taught me that absolutely every person has something great to offer and it's up to me to find it. As for pros and cons, I am an entrepreneur and there's plenty of good and bad with that. It's exciting on many fronts, as well as lonely and risky. Me and stress are close companions.
I do enjoy making things happen. Teddy Roosevelt said something along the lines of "the credit doesn't belong to the critic, it belongs to the doer of deeds" and I get that. You have to have the humility to face total loss. Ultimately, it's good being self-reliant, so while the last few years have been especially tough, I treat them like extra time at a football game.
Being a young boy feels like a hell of a long time ago. If that boy could see me now, he'd be confused as to why I'm not on the family farm. I just know I'd love my motorcycles. I'm not sure if my mum would be so happy though. But even I think keeping my old cars and motorcycles is a complete waste of money - not that I have any intention of stopping.
If I could pass on any advice, it would be never complain and never explain. Of course, I'm still prone to having a bit of a grizzle myself. Now, if you don't mind, I'll go back to dreaming about taking my son on an African motorcycle adventure, before taking my old boat to Lord Howe Island and spending one Saturday night living the good life in Austin, Texas.
Doug Rikard-Bell's business projects are inspired by shed-built custom motorcycles.
