Rev Tony Conlan, chaplain, Beaumont Hospital
What attracted you to motorbikes?
I always liked bikes - I suppose I wanted to just go mad fast on a track and see what it was like on two wheels.
What is your current machine and what did it cost?
My present bike is a Suzuki Bandit 600 cc. What a bike, solid, great handling, hugs the road, great fun. I use it every day, rain or shine. It cost me £6,000. Insurance €400, approximately.
What problems do you encounter as a motorcyclist?
Biking is expensive - thanks as always to the Government. How many ministers ride bikes and don't just sit on them for photo opportunities? If they rode bikes then maybe they would be more aware of what bikers need, i.e., cheaper insurance for a start and VAT on bike gear to be abolished.
How much do you spend on gear?
As I said, with VAT on lifesaving gear, it is expensive. My helmet is a top of the range Arai Quantam - £500. Leathers - €880. Dainese Cordura jacket and trousers £800 - three years old. Gloves GP Sports €150. Boots €350.
What is your next bike likely to be?
I hope to purchase a CBR 600R Honda in the New Year, if I can sell my lovely Bandit. Any takers? Maybe I will finally get the knee down.
What's been your longest journey on the bike?
It was a trip around Ireland with a friend from the hospital, Wally, in aid of the MS Society, and over three days. My sister suffers from chronic MS and I wanted to raise awareness of this terrible disease. We were very grateful to the MS Society for their very warm reception as we travelled to various centres.
Next May I hope to do another trip around Ireland covering a different route on a Harley V Rod, kindly lent to me by Harley. The aim of the trip is to raise vital funds for the trauma research and development programme being undertaken jointly between Royal Victoria Hospital and Beaumont.Hopefully, I will have the support I so desperately need - sadly lacking this year.
Have you ever had an accident on the bike?
To date I have never had an accident but I have had a few near misses caused by careless driving. Drivers just never look out for bikes, shocking. Bike awareness should be a vital part of the car test. In accidents involving bikes, it's not always the biker's fault - honestly. I think that needs to be said.
In my work as a hospital chaplain, I have had to see the bodies of fellow bikers and sit with their devastated parents, wives and families.
Does it put you off biking?
No. After a long shift of 24 hours I may have dealt with up to several deaths from an 11-month-old baby to an 89-year-old adult. It can be very difficult at times but it's what I trained for.
When I get home the only way I can relax is to get out on my bike and ride the roads.
Oh, the freedom. You've got to feel it to understand it. Sometimes I can ride up to 150 miles a day. Over the last three years I have covered over 45,000 miles on my bikes.