Bryce ‘Baldy’ McGahey has driven trucks in New Zealand and Australia for 35 years. Image: Alf Wilson
Long time truckie Bryce ‘Baldy’ McGahey loves his job and is also a keen photographer.
Baldy – as many in the road transport industry know him – has been a driver in New Zealand and Australia for about 35 years.
“I have been in Australia for 16 years,” he said.
Enthusiastic lensman Baldy has driven for B&K Bulk Haulage based at Gladstone for about six years and was near his Kenworth T909 when I saw him.
“I am carrying cement powder and lime,” he said.
Baldy rates many parts of the Bruce Highway as a challenge to drive on. “Many stretches north of Gympie and especially the section between Rockhampton and Mackay,” he said.
Regarding rest areas, Baldy added that more are required with facilities such as toilets and shaded areas.
Baldy likes stopping at the Lights on the Hill Roadhouse on the outskirts of Hughenden.
“I have got some good meals there,” he said.
Baldy is a skilled photographer and had a recent edition of Big Rigs with him, which included one of his truck snaps in it.
“I have a Nikon camera and like it,” he said.
Despite his enjoyment in taking pictures, Baldy was at first reluctant to have his photo taken for Truckin in the Tropics. “I am normally the one holding the camera and taking the pics,” he said.
However, after we yarned for a few minutes he was delighted to pose near the Kenworth.
I asked Baldy for his New Year’s Resolution. “It would be hoping my numbers come up when I play lotto,” he said.
A keen rugby union fan, Baldy barracks for the Christchurch-based Crusaders and the New Zealand All Blacks.