Michael McCormick, CEO, Down Syndrome Ireland
Your bike? Honda Pan European ST1000A
Why the Pan European? Because of its reliability, handling and touring. Also, because the Garda are using them, so I reckoned it was well tested.
Why were you drawn to two wheels? There's no comparison. Driving a motorcycle is exciting. Driving a car is utilitarian - you're enclosed, on a bike you're exposed and alive.
What do you use your bike for? Commuting and pleasure. I commute from Drogheda into the centre of Dublin every day. It takes about 50 minutes door to door. For pleasure I go to the highlands of Scotland every year. This year I am organising a run for Down Syndrome Ireland called Rev up 4 DSI on April 29th. It's 1,000 kilometres, 100 riders and one great cause. For information ring: 1890 373737 or visit our website, downsyndrome.ie under events. It's a fundraiser, and a €1,000 minimum sponsorship is required to join the ride.
Did you take rider training? When I decided I wanted to bike I did my training in Northern Ireland and passed the test up there.
What does your insurance cost? €570.
Do you drive a car? Yes, a Ford Galaxy.
Was there any family resistance to your riding? I wanted a motorcycle since I was a lad, but only got one when I was 35. I got married, got a mortgage and a family and then got my first bike. My folks would never let me get a bike. My wife Audrey now tells my mother that she should have given me a bike when I was a lad because now I have responsibility and shouldn't be riding around on motorcycles. I don't agree with that because I think I would have been a bit wild on a bike when I was young and invincible.
Do you worry about your survival as a biker? I don't worry about it. Worrying is a useless pastime. I would think to myself that any day I could be killed. As Clint Eastwood said, 'dying isn't much of a living'. I am no use to anybody or to the people I represent if I get injured or killed so I intend to drive carefully.
Had any accidents? Yes. I have come off three times. Twice I was knocked off, and once I slipped on a wet country road going around a corner.
Have you taken any trips abroad on two wheels? When I was 40 I went to the Bol Dor 24-hour endurance race in the south of France. I took the week to tour France and I loved it. But, I think the roads in Scotland are the best-kept biking secret.
What you do think is the bond that bikers share? It's an acquired taste. Either you like it or you don't. I think it's really cool. When I bring people with Down Syndrome on my bike I feel like 'Jim'll fix it'.
Do you have any issues you think the Government should address for bikers? The whole issue of provisional driving licences is a joke. A guy who had just got his provisional licence, just got his car, and just got insured, knocked me off my bike. He pulled out in front of me and could have killed me.
Any tips for survival on two wheels? Never change your position on the road without looking over your shoulder. And wear a Sam Brown belt and earplugs.
If you won the lottery what would be your dream bike? A fully- dressed BMW GS to tour Scandinavia and Russia, and down to Stalingrad, the site of the biggest battle of the Second World War. Anybody interested?
- PATRICIA WESTON