Michael Carragher, teacher
Rides: Condor 350
Have you always been a biker? Well, I've been biking for 35 years, ever since I was 18-years-old, so for most of my life. The bike is my everyday transport; I use it to travel to work.
What's the attraction? For me the attraction to bikes is still a puzzle to be honest. I really like looking at them and the sense of independence gained from riding them. I also feel that as a biker you are up against a lot and you have to rely on your own skills to keep you safe on the road.
Why do you like older bikes? Because you can see everything on an old bike, nothing is hidden. You can see the frame, the engine, the suspension and the whole construction of the machine. They are more open and honest. I also find riding them a challenge. My current bike is a Condor 350 - it's a Swiss army bike I picked up in Wales a few years ago. There was a shipment of them to Britain 10 years ago. I got it as a 50th birthday present and it's given me very little trouble. It's probably the most reliable bike I've ever had. I find the new bikes boring.
Had any accidents? Not really. I slid off a few times but I've never had a major accident.
Do you wear modern bike gear? No, I don't wear leathers, I prefer a wax cotton coat and find it very handy to wear over a suit for work. I also like to use an open face helmet because I find the other types too claustrophobic. I suppose I'm an old-fashioned boring old fart in many respects. I'd regard myself as an aficionado of the past, even a Luddite!
Taken any biking trips abroad? I have travelled around Britain, and when I lived in the US I had an old BMW that I rescued and put on the road and travelled around the southern states on it.
Are you restoring any old bikes now? Yes, I'm actually re-building a Moto Guzzi 1000. I've had it for 25 years and it has huge mileage, but the engine is in remarkable condition and has hardly any wear. When I re-build it, I'll have two bikes and I'll use the Condor for short runs and the Guzzi for long runs.
What are your safety tips? I think it's crucial to always give yourself plenty of time to react to any situation and position yourself properly on the road. Also, never trust other road users.
What changes in biking have you noticed over the years? Biking has changed from being a minority to being a majority nowadays. There are a lot of fools out there on the road. I also think nowadays anyone can buy a bike and they don't have to know anything about maintaining or fixing the machine, there could be dwarfs turning the crankshaft for all some bikers know. I also think there's a loss of camaraderie about. The traffic is brutal and a lot of people's driving skills on the road are brutal too.