Noel Rowlette, technician
Rides: Project Imola
This is an unusual machine. Tell us about it: This bike is a mixture of old and new. It's the brainchild of John Baines of Baines Racing. He made a frame kit called Project Imola that mirrors the old Bevel bikes of the 1970s and early 1980s into the newer Ducati bike of today. This particular bike is a copy of the 1977 Daytona winner that Ducati raced against the odds with two famous motorcycle journalists. It was a famous day in Ducati motorcycling history.
When did you start biking? During the 1970s - mainly as a means of transport but my interest just grew and grew from there.
Did you take rider training? Back then I don't think there were any rider training courses available but there also wasn't as much traffic.
Do you hold a full licence? Yes, my test was many moons ago. On the day before the test a friend told me that as well as using my indicators I would also need to use hand signals. Boy was that fun, I had to try to use the throttle and turn at the same time - much to the enjoyment of the tester.
How much does it cost you to insure this machine? It's around €500 and has stayed in and around this price for years.
Do your family mind you biking? My family always worried but they never stopped me from biking. My mother told me of her anxiety. One of the worst times of her life was when she waved goodbye to my sister and I as we turned the bottom of the avenue heading for England and Wales on a Honda 400/4. She cried all week long but we returned safe and sound. We never took a wrong turn but got lost in Dublin. There are stories of me having to tie my sister to my back with bungee straps because she was constantly falling asleep as we drove through Wales. I don't think it helped my mother's blood pressure come to think of it, but they were great memories.
Do you worry about safety? Yes, I'm more aware of what is around the corner nowadays than I would have been in the early days, when the quicker you went the bigger the man you were. How fast and how low to the ground we could put parts of the bike fuelled our male egos.
When do you take your bike out? It's only used for sunny day trips with a friend or two to enjoy, look at and talk about the technology of the new versus the old machines.
Had any accidents? I have had some accidents, both off road and on. Sliding down the road with the front wheel of a car less than one foot away from my head, locked solid with smoke pouring out all over me is not a moment I would like to repeat!
Do you enjoy watching motor sports? Yes, when I do look at telly I must admit I enjoy the World Super Bikes and the Moto GP.
What conditions would you like to see improved for bikers? The weather! Seriously, I think the improvements in the bike end of things are great. Nowadays there are better brakes, better tyres and improved handling. They are light years ahead of bikes back in the 1970s and 80s. New bikes are so quick that you can do 0 to 100 in three seconds. Overall, though, bikes are much safer now compared to years ago.
I think road markings are lethal for bikers, those double white lines, double yellow boxes and speed zones painted on the road are very dangerous. Try rubbing your shoes on one of these when it's wet. Gravel left on the roads for months after it has been tarred is also dangerous.
I think if we are going to take on all the rules and regulations Europe insists on, the government has to be prepared or willing to put the money into the upkeep of our roads.
What are your survival tips? Rider training from an early age and more than just a day course. There are a lot more of these going on these days and BMW do some great training days. Even us oldies can't expect to get on the latest machinery and go hell for leather without consequences. Also, good gear is a must.
- PATRICIA WESTON