Jim Leonard, paramedic
Your bike? It's a Triumph Sprint 900cc. I've always liked Triumphs, I think they're very classic. When this one came on the market I took it for a spin and my mind was made up straight away to buy it.
How old were you when you first started riding bikes? I rode a bike when I was 12 and I got my first bike as soon as I was old enough - a 50cc Suzuki. My dad rode bikes and he used to collect me from primary school on the petrol tank of an old Noddy Honda CD 175.
Did you take any rider training? Not when I started out, but soon after I realised how dangerous it can be out there and I completed a safe rider course.
Do you drive a car? I do. It's my third choice of transport that gathers dust in the driveway when I'm on the bike. My second choice is walking. Guess my first choice - the bike!
What do you use your bike for? Everything. I love getting on the road, meeting up with other bikers and heading off for a day or two. Most of us take part in charity rides during the year too.
Do you worry about safety? Yes I do. There are huge waiting lists for driving tests, so there are too many inexperienced drivers on the roads. I think it's too easy to get behind the wheel of a car legally. There are also many careless drivers out there too. I could go on, I see a lot of it in my line of work unfortunately.
Do you follow motor racing? I do, I love road racing. I'm one of the medical co-ordinators with the Loughshinny Motorcycle Supporters Club who run the Skerries and Killalane road race meetings.
Taken the bike on any trips abroad? Yes to England, Spain and Greece. I found it a whole new experience and very enjoyable. I rode a bit in Australia too.
Do you think bikers have a special bond? Good question. There is without a doubt a bond, like a big family. I don't know what it is, but it's there. It's like one big bike club worldwide.
Do you have any gripes against motorists? Yes, careless motorists who just pull out or change lanes without looking, cars with yellow roof signs (you know who you are) and motorists who throw rubbish out the window. A motorist threw a lighting cigarette out their window once as I was riding behind them. The cigarette lodged in my jacket close to my neck burning through the material and burning my skin, while I fought to keep control of my bike - the motorist drove on without even seeing what he'd done.
Any biking issues for the government? Yes, poor road surfaces are a big issue. Also, road tolls, having to take your gloves off to find the money as motorists behind you beep their horns is frustrating. And those damn overloaded trucks shedding all that debris - lethal.
Your dream bike? It's a tough choice between a Ducati 999s or a MV Augusta F4. ...
- PATRICIA WESTON