My bike and I

Mick Wilson , blood ambulance driver

Mick Wilson, blood ambulance driver

What bikes do you have? I have three bikes, a Honda GL1500 Goldwing, a Pan European and a 1982 Honda CX500 Eurosport. I take all three out at different times.

I use the Goldwing for Sunday driving and posing. I use the Pan European for everyday driving to work. It's a horse of a bike and great for everyday use. I have a long commute to work - from Coolock to Cherry Orchard Hospital which is 15 miles each way. It's a hell of a distance as it's right across the city, so the only way to go is by bike because I can't see the Luas making any difference to the traffic chaos.

The Eurosport is a classic bike so I take that out for a run every once in a while.

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When did you become a biker? I've been riding bikes since I was 16-years-old, and I'm 52 years of age now. My first bike was a Honda 50 which I used every day for work. I've had all sorts of bikes since then. All my bikes have been Hondas. I've always had a preference for Honda because of their reliability.

What is your next upgrade likely to be? I'm buying a new Honda 1800 Goldwing.

What accessories do you have on your Goldwing? I have a CD player, CB radio, heated handgrips and a wooded dash - which is essential. I also have footrests, and I suppose if you really wanted you could fit a small microwave in the back box. The communication systems are terrific because you can speak to your passenger. I've seen bikers craning their necks to speak to their passengers and it's very dangerous. I also use the CB to talk to other bikers.

Every year I travel to the Continent with my wife and a group of bikers. The CB comes in very handy for that. When you're travelling on autobahns for four or five hours at a time it's essential to have the CB to communicate.

Do you notice any differences between bikers abroad and bikers at home? Well, the bikers in France will always give you a nod. The bond seems to be stronger there than it is here. Every biker will acknowledge you in France.

What does your insurance cost? For my three bikes my insurance is €891, fully comprehensive, which is not bad because I'm driving a long time. I think the insurance for young people in this country is disgraceful to say the least. Kids don't have a chance when it comes to getting insured.

Do you drive a car? Yes, I have a Rover 75 which I use for the family. If I could fit them all into a sidecar on the bike I would do away with the car.

Have you ever had an accident on the bike? I've never had any accidents.

Do you follow road racing, Moto GP or the Superbikes? No, I don't get the time with my busy job.

Any tips for survival on two wheels? Yes, I would recommend bikers take courses, any course they can. The gardaí offer a good safety course which I have done in Swords, Co Dublin. I've also done the Star Rider training. I think training is essential because it's so important to learn how to handle a bike. I also did a course in Britain on racing bikes, which was a great course. My tip would always be to do whatever course you can, because if you just walk away having learned one thing then you've benefited.

If you won the lottery what would be your dream bike? It'd be the biggest Honda I could get, the 1800.