David Guiney, electrical engineer
Your bike? A Ducati M600
Why the Ducati M600? Having owned quite a few motorcycles, I was looking for something with more precise handling this time rather than having a lot of horsepower. I prefer the unfaired retro look so the M600 was the ideal choice.
How did you become a biker? I started to ride motorcycles off-road with some friends after school when I was around 13 years old. I bought a moped when I was 16 to travel to work as an apprentice because I couldn't afford a car. I've held a full motorcycle licence since I was 17 but didn't get one for a car until I was 20. Now I ride mainly for pleasure, although I would still rate a motorcycle as my preferred choice of transport for commuting to work. I take the Ducati whenever I can.
Did your parents worry about you becoming a biker at such a young age? Yes, my parents were very apprehensive especially as nobody in the extended family had ever been remotely interested in motorcycling. They've grown a bit more accustomed to it over the years, although I know they still worry.
How many bikes have you owned and which stand out in your memory? I'm climbing well into the double figures in terms of ownership. The ones that stick in my mind are a Suzuki GT380, Kawasaki GPZ900 and a Yamaha TDM850. I also remember a Yamaha XV535 but more for the poor pillion seating because I heard a lot about that one from my wife.
Why do you enjoy riding motorcycles? It's physically and mentally more rewarding than driving a car. There's a sense of freedom that can only be experienced while riding. I find motorcycle riding very exhilarating and end up feeling very mellow by the end of any journey.
Are you a fan of motorcycle racing? I got into following motorcycle racing practically as soon as I got into motorcycles. However I don't follow real road racing as much now. I've grown to prefer track events. I started to follow the World Superbike series and then progressed on to Grand Prix. I try to get to at least one MotoGP every year. One of my sons has recently taken up mini-moto at the ripe old age of eight. It was his choice not mine, so I'll be following that closely.
Taken any rider training? No, but I did the Ron Haslam Track Experience at Donington a few years back which gives you a totally different perspective and an appreciation of what racing is really about. It was great fun - a real blast.
Do you drive a car? A 10-year-old Vauxhall Frontera to transport the kids and all their gear around - it's the family workhorse.
Do you worry about your safety on the bike? Yes, always. It's very important to remember that it's not only you but other road users that can cause accidents. You can't lose concentration for a moment - and you must always make sure that other drivers can see you and you must anticipate their intentions. To be fair I find most car drivers are courteous to motorcyclists and vice versa. However, you can always meet the exception to the rule.
Any accidents? Yes, only one in the past 20 years involving a car. There was nothing I could do about it but it still haunts me even though I was totally exonerated. It really damaged my pride and affected my wallet because I lost my no-claims bonus.
Any survival tips? Always ride well within your ability, read the road conditions, allow plenty of distance for braking and always expect the unexpected.