This week My bike and I talks to Mike Robinson
Rides: Honda CBR1000F
Why this bike? Because it offers ballistic capabilities with long-range comfort - it's like a rocket-propelled armchair.
When did you become a biker? I learned to ride a motorbike like every kid learns to ride a bicycle. I think riding is a continual learning experience, a journey, not a destination - a bit like life itself.
What do you like about riding a bike? Two wheels have more exciting dynamics and by its very nature biking is more demanding and requires your absolute attention. You can drive a car and be thinking 'have I enough bags to carry all the groceries', or 'what time has the video to be back'.On a bike who cares!
Is your insurance expensive? My insurance is about €800 for fully comprehensive, which is very expensive when compared to other countries.
Do you worry about your safety? I can't say I worry but I am aware of it. There is an increase in fatalities, but I would like to think this has a positive influence in that it makes people ride more safely.
What do you use your bike for? I use my bike for mental and physical stimulation. It is one of the most exciting means of travel.
Had any accidents? Yes, one minor one a few years ago due to inexperience. I scratched the bike and got a few bruises and dented my pride. My worst experience with motorists happens every day though when people are driving and their brains are not engaged. The 'I didn't see you' syndrome is only a cliché because it's true.
Have you taken any biking trips? I love travelling and I love it even more when I'm travelling on the bike. I've been around a lot of Australia, America, Thailand, the UK and all around Ireland. Now I want to start on Europe with my ultimate goal to ride around the world. It's not that unusual now and at any one time there are probably a few hundred bikers doing it. I'd like my next trip to be to Marrakech. Next weekend I hope to go from Rosslare to Fishguard then ride to Cardiff and up through Wales to Chester or Liverpool then Holyhead and on home.
Why do you think bikers are so passionate about biking? I think there's a bond between bikers because it's mainly an activity of choice, like a sport, so it's a common interest and is quite a small community. There are probably only four or five thousand of us in Ireland!
Have you any issues for the Minister for Transport? Oh yes, I think he should involve bikers as well as other road users when planning the country's infrastructure. Roads are poorly marked, junctions are badly designed and some are outright dangerous. Surfaces are repaired with no regard for safety. It's as if everything is done in a slipshod manner just to save money, yet only a fraction of the motor and fuel taxes collected actually go towards the roads. Proper maintenance, responsible design, safe signage and barriers are not just good for bikers but are good for all motorists. Why are speed traps on nice, wide, straight roads rather than at accident black spots?
Any tips for safe biking? Survival tip number one; assume everyone is out to get you!