But bike riding has been a significant part of his life and even more so today with the coronavirus pandemic.
For about 20 of his 30 years school teaching in Rutherglen from 1969 to 1998, he rode his pushbike to work. “I reckon I’ve ridden all up, about 110,000 kilometres,” he told The Free Press.
“I ride every morning. Before the COVID-19 I rode over the bridge around the wineries. Now with the restrictions it’s within Corowa down past the race course for one hour a day.
“This is my fourth bike. I’ve gone through three!”
A strong believer in fitness, Ray said he taught the four Rs at primary school: Reading (W) riting, Running and (A) rithmetic. “If you’re physically fit, you are happier inside,” he reasoned.
Riding the bike is very much part of him handling the COVID-19 restrictions, as well as loving his property of seven acres and chopping wood. His biggest regret during the pandemic is not being able to see his grandchildren.
Arriving in 1969, Corowa has been home for 51 years to the much-played footballer and award winner. “Corowa’s a great spot. I’ve always been attracted to the river.”
Unfortunately Ray doesn’t possess his old Collingwood and Corowa football jumpers and would love to have both on his fence along with the other jumpers he wore yesteryear.
After playing 20 games with Magpies despite plenty of knee trouble, Ray taught at Mooroopna Primary School in 1965, coached the Mooroopna Cats in 1966 and 1967, won three league best and fairest and was admitted to the Goulburn Valley Football League Hall of Fame before moving to Corowa in 1969, finishing second in the Ovens and Murray League’s best and fairest award.
“A true giant of country football”, “an immensely talented player” and “a thorough gentleman” are descriptions from Mooroopna and Corowa of the former Collingwood ruckman who used to palm the ball to his rover, along the lines of the great Polly Farmer of Geelong, John Schultz of Footscray and current St Kilda ruckman Paddy Ryder.
Ray, who turned 79-years-of-age last Saturday, August 22, said his father-in-law Jim Stapleton is 107, the inaugural president of Rich River Golf Club and is still playing bowls.
With his health and determination, Ray is giving himself the best chance to keep riding for many years to come.