John Devereux, Emergency Medical Technician
Why the Honda Pan European? I've always fancied a Pan. I started off riding a small bike and worked my way up. I like touring bikes and I've had this one for two years.
What do you use your bike for? I ride in and out of work from Navan to Loughlinstown and use it for weekend riding.
Why did you become a biker? I've only been riding bikes the last six years so I suppose you could say it was a kind of mid-life crisis thing! I always fancied a bike and when I moved positions in work I decided to buy a small bike for starters to commute in and out to work and I just took it from there then.
What was your first bike? I started off on a Yamaha TDR 125 and worked up to an ER 500 then a Suzuki Bandit 600 then I bought the Pan and have that ever since. The bandit was a lovely sporty bike. The Pan European is so comfortable you can ride for miles.
Did you take rider training before you started biking? Oh yes, I took a full course of bike lessons and I'd seriously recommend getting training, at any level. The next step for me is advanced rider training.
Any accessories for the Pan? I have the usual stuff added such as heated handgrips and it's fully alarmed.
What does your insurance cost? It's actually not too bad, it's E580 on a full licence with no claims and it's fully comprehensive.
Do you drive a car? Yes I have a car but I only use that to do my first aid teaching because I need it to carry the equipment.
Are you a fan of motorbike sports? I love going to the road racing and I sometimes cover the circuit as an EMT working alongside the doctors in duty, just to give them a dig out every so often.
Any biking issues for the government? What biker doesn't have issues for the government! My main gripe would be the toll bridges. I have to use the toll every day going to and from work, so I'd use the M50 quite a lot. We're charged to use the Westlink but not the Eastlink it doesn't make sense. Bikes should be allowed just zip through without being charged because we don't take up much room.
Any issues with motorists? Yes, I regularly travel up and down the M50 and I notice a lot of drivers have their windows steamed up when they're sitting comfortably in their cars so they can see out and therefore can't see us bikers.
Had any accidents? No, thank God. I've made a few stupid mistakes but nothing serious.
What's your dream machine? I've taken a fancy to the new Pan European 1300 or I'd love the new BMW 1200 RT.