When and why did you develop an interest in riding a motorcycle?
My partner had ridden bikes most of her life, but she became ill and could no longer ride. She still had a Yamaha Virago 535 in the garage.
How old were you when you first rode a bike?
The Virago needed an MOT; I’d just turned 50, and needed a challenge so, at 50, I took my CBT, then my DAS and started riding bikes.
Of the bikes you’ve ever owned which was your favourite if you had one?
I’ve only ever owned 3 bikes, two of which were the same model, so my favourite is the BMW 1250 RS, Triple Black.
If you were given the opportunity to own any bike on the market which would it be?
That’s a difficult one as I’m happy with my RS and don’t really hanker after anything different. Is that boring.
What is your favourite motorcycle gadget?
I have two, one of which is my Sat Nav, currently the BMW CRN. The second is my Held Air Vest.
Where is your preferred place to ride in the UK?
I love riding in Scotland and go for at least a week each year.
And abroad?
I’ve only ridden abroad twice, so far. Once was a trip to Luxembourg and then the second a trip to Ypres, both of which were great.
If you were offered the opportunity to go on an extended bike tour, who family members aside who would you choose as a riding companion?
There are a couple of friends that I ride with more regularly than others and we did the Ypres trip together. But I enjoy riding on my own, so will often take myself off for a week or so.
How would you describe to a non-rider the attraction of riding a bike as opposed to driving a car?
Riding a bike gives you that sense of freedom, that driving a car doesn’t. You’re much more aware of what’s going on around you, and this allows you to immerse yourself in ‘The now’, putting to one side any troubles. It’s great for mental health well-being.
When do you intend to give up riding?
I’ll continue riding until I’m no longer able, or safe, to continue which I guess will be dictated by age or health.
Describe your scariest moment on your bike:
My scariest moment was when I tested my Held Air Vest on a trip up to Scotland, for a week touring and camping. On the way up I followed a route through the Dales and took a left-hand bend, marginally too quick, and low sided my bike, sliding across the road, with my bike. The bike came to a dead stop against the kerb, on the opposite side of the road, but I didn’t!
I flew diagonally, forwards, off the bike coming down on my front, with the air vest inflated, protecting me from serious injury. I walked away with some bruising, a broken wrist (now with a plate) and fractures to my two big toes; I was lucky. Oh, and the bike was written off, which is why I’m now on my second RS.
