Nicky Carvin, security manager
Your bike?
Honda VFR 800 and Suzuki Bandit 1200
What do you use these machines for?
The VFR is a sports touring bike and I was looking for one for a while. It's relaxed and great for long runs because it's so comfortable. Before the VFR I had a Fireblade.
I use it for doing the annual across Ireland sponsored motorcycle run, which I have been organising for the last seven years. I bought the Bandit to do up as a street fighter. I mainly use it for attending road races during the season. I take it on the short runs to the local races.
So you're a fan of motorcycle racing?
I have a big interest in pure road racing. I'm a member of the Loughshinny Motorcycle Supporters Club that organise the Skerrries 100 road races and Killalane. I also try to get to at least one Moto GP and Superbike race a year. I went to Philip Island two years ago and met Barry Sheen. It was terrific.
Do you think road racing is a dangerous sport?
I think, as a member of the organising committee, that safety is a very big issue for us and a major priority. This season we have our own doctor's car. On previous year's we've had to use the car from the North. We've also increased the amount of medics and doctors on bikes at each meeting. We've really pushed hard to get more travelling doctors and medics on board and thankfully we've got them now in greater numbers. We're also setting up more chicanes to slow the riders down and help improve safety.
Have you ever had any biking accidents?
I had a major accident three years ago. Luckily I was wearing all the best gear, including full leathers, a back protector and a very expensive helmet. I ended up in a ditch and when I came to I recognised the fireman at the scene, then the pain kicked in. My leathers had to be cut off. I didn't break any bones but all my muscles were in spasm and it was agony.
How did the Annual Across Ireland Motorcycle Run come about?
Seven years ago I had a friend who had a sick daughter in the neo-natal unit at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda. There were three incubators for the babies and only two were working. I asked the nurse how much one of these machines would cost and she said around £13,000.
I vowed to see if I could get together a few of my biker friends and try to raise the money. I organised a trip from Drogheda to Galway and we raised £16,500 and got loads of toys for the children's ward as well. It's a child orientated run - whichever hospital needs the money we try to help. We've helped Barretstown, Temple Street and Our Lady of Lourdes. Every year we meet our goals and every single penny goes straight to the charity. We beg, borrow and steal for flyers and advertising. This year we're raising money for Barretstown again and we'll be travelling from Dublin to Galway over two days on August 26th to 27th.
Anyone interested in taking part in this year's Green Clean Annual Across Ireland Motorcycle Run can contact Nicky by email at nicky_carvin@hotmail.com Alternatively log on to barretstown.org