When and why did you develop an interest in riding a motorcycle?
First interest was from watching scrambling on Grandstand back in the day. Had a couple of friends at school also interested in bikes and we always talked about getting them when we were 16.
How old were you when you first rode a bike?
First rode when I was 16. Had the classic parental battle about getting a bike and was told that I could never have one, which caused the rebellious 16 year old me to become very stroppy and I’m told “difficult to live with”. Then out of the blue, I was told I could have a near neighbour’s bike a 1947 AJS 500 single, I had to dig out of the garden it had been left in, but I didn’t care – I had a bike. Unbelievably a few days later, after a bit of cleaning, with a new spark plug and clean fuel it started! Took me a few months to make it road worthy (first riding on waste ground) and then legally with a sidecar frame fitted. It was only years later I found out that our neighbour had promised my mum, that the bike would never go, which is why I was allowed to have it – I don’t think she ever forgave him.
Of the bikes you’ve ever owned which was your favourite if you had one?
My Honda CB500s, first proper bike I had after my return to riding and passing my test over 20 years ago, it is pleasure to ride, and I still have it.
I still have a soft spot for very first bike, and I have one of that model again now (spends more time in the garage with me tinkering than on the road!)
If you were given the opportunity to own any bike on the market which would it be?
I like the retro style, so probably a Triumph or Royal Enfield
What is your favourite motorcycle gadget?
Heated grips, makes winter riding more bearable.
Where is your preferred place to ride in the UK?
Used to have a place in the North Yorkshire Dales, loved the roads and the scenery.
And Abroad?
Have only ever ridden in the USA on a tour – Route 66.
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?
Jim Morrison, I loved his music, poetry and style. I am sure he would be fascinating to talk to
How would you describe to a non-rider the attraction of riding a bike as opposed to
driving a car?
The pleasure of the open road, getting away from traffic and enjoying the feeling of freedom
When do you intend to give up riding ?
Hopefully not for a long time, may have to choose a smaller lighter bike.
Describe your scariest moment on your bike
Like many I suspect, ill-judged overtake approaching a bend that arrived sooner than I expected, with an oncoming car in the middle of the road.
