David Welch, Channel Partner account manager
Your bike?: Honda CBR 1100XX SuperBlackbird
Why this particular bike? It has nuclear-like acceleration, and is a mind-warp of a ride when it's ridden hard, but is docile as a high-speed tourer when the need arises or the blue lights are around.
Why were you drawn to two wheels? Two wheels have a sense of freedom you never achieve on four wheels; you just seem closer to nature when riding a bike.
Did you take any rider training? No, I grew up in South Africa and have always been a biking enthusiast. I sort of progressed up the bike ladder from small 50ccs to the superbikes. I did however do the AON course when I got my latest bike here in Ireland a while back, just to refresh my safety awareness, and found it to be a tremendous source of renewed confidence.
What does your insurance cost? Around €1,000 per annum.
What do you use your bike for? Mainly pleasure rides on weekends, a spin up to Wicklow always lets me smile for the rest of the week! A bit of touring, and the odd commute to work in good weather.
Do you drive a car? Yes, and the traffic kills me every day.
Was there any family resistance to your riding a bike? Nope, in fact my wife, Terri, insisted I get another Blackbird. She is an avid pillion rider and is always urging me on with whoops of excitement in my ear.
Do you worry about your survival? It does become a stronger motivator, especially as you get older. Biking conditions here are more hazardous than most places I've ridden, as the roads are narrow, wet, icy at times and have some spectacular potholes. Having said that if you ride within your limits your survival chances are still pretty good.
Ever had an accident? Yes, I have had a few, but they were always when I was stretching the limits and all happened when I was young and thought I was cleverer than I actually was. A bike is a wonderful machine to experience, but it will always have the last laugh if you think you are its master.
Do you follow motorcycle sports? Yes. I follow road racing but I haven't tried it myself. I've done the odd track day and speed trial but never actually tried a controlled race.
Have you taken any trips abroad on two wheels?
In South Africa it is an absolute pleasure to ride long distance at high speed. The roads are very long, wide, and normally dry. Speed limits are optional in many areas - for bikers anyway. My wife and I hope to tour Europe this coming year with a few biking mates from Ireland and the UK.
What you do think is the bond that links bikers closer than motorists? The love of bikes, the feeling of freedom, and the camaraderie of being a type of free spirit and the pure adrenaline of the open road and not having to contend with so much gridlock.
What are your tips for survival? Be visible, be observant, do your lifesaver checks, and ride within your limits. If you want to 'give it horns' do it on the track.
If you won the lottery what would be your dream bike? Another Blackbird.