Tony Carton, mechanic
What's your bike? A Rudge 500cc.
Why were you drawn to two rather than four wheels? My uncle, Owen Sheridan, was interested in bikes so he got me hooked. I suppose you could say biking was in my blood, in my make up. You don't just take up biking it has to be in your blood. He raced in the road races.
I became involved in grass track and road racing in the 1970s. I'm 62 years of age and I still take part in road races in Skerries 100 and Killalane on my classic bike. I've ridden in the Manx GP.
Your first bike? My first bike was a C15 BSA road bike.
Do you think road racing is a dangerous sport? No, it's more dangerous riding a bike on the open public roads rather than racing. Road racing is practiced in a controlled environment so it's less dangerous than the public roads. I think horse riding is probably more dangerous. Accidents are small considering the amount of miles done.
Do you worry about your survival as a road racer? No, I just do it I don't really think about the danger involved. You do need to have a cool head though.
Did you take any rider training course before you took to two wheels? No there were no training courses available when I started riding bikes.
Do you hold a full or provisional licence for your bike? I hold an A licence for road racing. When you start racing you initially have to obtain a B licence on the Mondello circuit then go through the short circuit.
Do you drive a car? Ah yes, I need a car for work.
What do you use your bike for? I use my bikes for fun and the odd bit of road racing. I'm also involved in the restoration of classic bikes.
Have you ever had an accident on the bike? Yes, I've had a few minor accidents. I broke my collarbone and fractured my ankle but nothing serious.
Are you a member of any motorcycle clubs? Yes, I'm the chairman of the Loughshinny Motorcycle Club that organize the Skerries 100 road races and Killalane road races.
What you do think is the bond that links bikers closer than motorists? There's certainly a great bond that links bikers closer together. The camaraderie is endemic amongst the motorcycle community. What it is I just don't know but it's there alright. When road racer Joe Lindsey was killed in the early 1970s Loughshinny Motorcycle Club was set up after his demise by a few locals, they inherited the Skerries 100 road races from the Dublin District and Motorcycle Club.That's the kind of bond that links bikers together.
If you won the lottery what would be your dream bike? I'd love a Manx Norton or a 7R AJS. ... - Patricia Weston