Your bike? A Ducati Foggy Monster
Why this machine? I was on business in Vancouver two years ago and I saw a Foggy Monster on the street. I was admiring it when the owner came along. I had never been a big fan of Ducatis, but this bike was special.
After a two-hour discussion with the owner I decided to try and buy one. There were only 300 made so I was looking for a long time. Finally, Claudio in Ducati Dublin helped me source one last year.
Why did you become a biker? Riding a bike is such an engaging experience. It demands total concentration and commitment and it's also a lot more fun than driving a car.
Did you take rider training? I don't remember it being either available or being an issue when I started riding. Subsequently I have done an advanced course in England and I hope to do the Ducati Advanced Skills Training next year.
What does your insurance cost? Regardless of the actual cost, it's more than it should be. I have my car and bike on the same policy and it was a good deal when I got it, but we pay too much in Ireland for insurance in general, and for bike insurance in particular.
What car do you drive? I got my first provisional licence on my 17th birthday and have been driving cars since then. I tend to hang on to bikes for a few years, but I have a habit of changing cars on a whim. I recently bought a 5-year-old BMW which I love and I think I will hang on to this one for quite a while.
Was there any family resistance to your riding a bike? My wife tells me that people who love you will always object to you doing anything which is even vaguely risky. But my parents, and now my wife, all know that I have a very healthy fear of injury and a low pain threshold which helps keep me safe.
Do you worry about your survival as a biker? I don't worry about it, but it's always at the back of my mind. It's the best way to stay alive. I really would not be happy to die on a motorbike.
Had any accidents? None on the Ducati, but I have had three accidents. The first one was when I neglected to put my foot down at traffic lights and just keeled over. The next one was hitting a car which turned right without indicating as I was filtering down the outside lane.
Then on my wedding anniversary a few years ago I lost the front end on gravel while riding home from work. I didn't break any bones but my knees and hips got a good dose of road rash and I was on crutches for a month. The guys in the ambulance were kind enough to put the siren on while I rang my wife to tell her I'd be late for dinner.
Any tips for survival on two wheels? Ride within your limits. Slow down if it rains. Always wear your leathers. Make sure your tyres and brakes are in good order. Assume every motorist is not paying attention, and most importantly, try not to hit anything.
Do you follow motorcycle sports? I make a point of getting to the Skerries 100 road races every year and I have gone to several other meetings. I think it is both the bravest and most foolish thing I have ever seen. Nothing compares to it.
If you won the lottery what would be your dream bike? I think the Foggy Monster is probably the nicest bike I have ever owned and I wouldn't mind a Ducati 999 because they are so beautiful. But my dream bike would be any bike that Joey Dunlop had won a TT on.
- PATRICIA WESTON