Don Hall, Public relations consultant
What was your first bike? A well-used Lambretta scooter, my introduction to two-wheel travel and the first fateful step towards an addiction that has overshadowed my life.
What drew you to biking? It was a means of fulfilling my desire to become mobile without spending a fortune.
What happened the Lambretta? One rain-swept evening in Ballaghaderreen, we parted company - literally. The back wheel sheared off, leaving a friend and myself strewn across the street.
Your next bike? After that, it was onwards and upwards. After a brief flirtation with a 1,000 cc Vincent, I settled on a 500 cc single cylinder BSA. A real thumper - not a bike for quiche-eaters. It had a kick-start like a mule, a decompression valve to help reduce the risk of ankle breakage and a growl like a clap of thunder. I'm sorry I didn't keep it - what a classic it would have become!
Yes, keep going . . . Then my late father made me an offer I couldn't refuse: he gave me his old Beetle in lieu of an undertaking that I'd hang up my motorcycling boots. It was a contract I kept for all the years he was alive.
What brought you back to motorbikes? Four years ago I became a born-again biker when I bought a 1985 BMW R80RT. I graduated to an R1100RT and onwards to an R1150RT which I currently use for touring. I also have an R850GS which I enjoy riding solo and for commuting.
Insurance? Together, my bikes have an insured value of around €20,000 for fully comprehensive cover.
What do you spend on gear? In the region of €1,500 - value for money when one considers the function it can be called upon to perform. It's the best of stuff - Dinese jacket and trousers with armoured inlays, strong Allstar zip-up boots, warm padded gloves and a BMW System flip-up helmet. I also have a BMW heated waistcoat.
Do you plan any upgrades? I'm very satisfied with my brace of bikes and foresee no upgrades for quite some time to come . . . unless, of course, I throw my eye on something new, like an R1150R, for example. Now there's a thought!