MY BIKE AND I:

Dominic Rafferty, paramedic with Eastern Region Ambulance Service

Dominic Rafferty, paramedic with Eastern Region Ambulance Service

Your bikes? Kawasaki Z1 900cc, Yamaha XT 600cc, Honda Africa Twin 750cc.

Why these three machines? The Z1 is a classic bike - I've dreamed of owning one since I was a teenager. It's 30 years old and still puts modern bikes to shame. The XT 600 is so robust it's almost indestructible, and great for Irish roads. The Africa Twin is just so comfortable - ideal for any journey, long or short, and the build quality is so typically Honda.

Did you take rider training? I had no previous rider training, but I completed an advanced driving course through my job, which sharpened my survival skills.

READ MORE

What does it cost to insure all three bikes? I've just got this year's renewal notice. It's for €530, which includes all my bikes. I'm quite happy with that.

Do you take the bikes abroad? I own a van which I converted to take bikes. I use it also to travel to the Isle of Man for the TT races and to bike shows in England - and I've been to a few rallies in Wales. Myself and a group of lads head off to the Japanese Classic bike show in Stafford every year. We usually pick up parts and a few bargains.

Do you worry about safety? You always have to be vigilant on a bike. If you don't look after your own safety, nobody else will.

What do you use your bikes for? I use them all year round, for travelling to work to beat traffic congestion and at weekends for spins and attending rallies.

Any accidents? Yes, a motorist drove right into my pathway without indicating or checking his mirrors and knocked me off my bike. He just decided to turn. There was more damage to my bike than myself.

Are you a fan of road races? Yes, I love road racing. I try to attend as many meetings as possible. Skerries, the Ulster Grand Prix and the North West 200 are not to be missed in Ireland - and the Isle of Man is an annual pilgrimage.

Your racing hero? Joey Dunlop was the greatest. Today I follow the likes of Adrian Archibald and Martin Finnegan.

Do bikers share a special bond? I think bikers relate to each other better than motorists. We've all had the similar incidents regarding careless motorists. We stop and help other bikers if we see them broken down, and I believe we're friendlier and more willing to help each other.

Any biking issues for the government? Yes. I'd like the minister to open up bus lanes to motorbikes and to scrap toll fees.

Tips for safe biking? Ride within your own and your bike's limits . . . and always be on your guard.

Your dream bike? My dream bike would be Joey Dunlop's RC45.

Any plans to upgrade? I've just bought the Honda Africa Twin, so no plans . . . yet!