George O'Connor, area manager with Enterprise Rent-a- car
Rides: 1981 CB 650 Custom Honda
Why this particular bike? When I got this bike it was in a box and it needed to be totally re-built. So Gerard Nulty and myself restored it, he's a genius with bikes. It was a project that took two months and I really enjoyed it.
When did you become a biker? I bought my first bike in the States a few years ago, a Honda Goldwing. It's a big touring bike and I used to enjoy taking it out on the Kangamanga highway in New Hampshire. It's a highway that runs around the mountains and is beautifully scenic; also there are no helmet laws in that state. I got a BMW 650 when I returned home from America because I think Goldwings are just too big for the roads here. Then a guy saw my BMW and offered me a price I couldn't refuse, so I sold that and got the CB.
Do you hold a full or provisional licence? I have a full bike licence. I did my test in America. You can take your test with a private company over three full days, and it works very well. It's performed on an airstrip where you spend the first two days learning bike skills like braking, cornering and accelerating. Then on the third day you spend the morning riding on the road and in the afternoon take a multiple-choice test. It cost $150 and they want you to pass - if you fail you get a 50 per cent reduction on your next test.
Did you take any rider training? I did the Fingal rider training which I found very useful. Training is great for keeping your riding skills up, and I'd recommend riders keep doing training.
Had any accidents? No, thank God.
Are you a member of any motorcycle clubs? Yes, I'm involved in the Loughshinny Motorcycle Supporters Club in north Co Dublin. We organise the Skerries 100 road races and the upcoming Killalane road races on September 11th and 12th. It's a voluntary club and we're always looking for new members. The races are getting so big we need lots of people to help out as marshals.
So you're a big road racing fan? Yes, I love road racing. I've followed it since I was 16-years-old when I sailed from Skerries with my father to my first TT in the Isle of Man. My favourite racers were Joey Dunlop - when he was alive - and Sam McClemins.
Any tips for survival on two wheels? I'd say ride to your abilities. I'd love a Ducati 999, but you need a certain ability to ride such a powerful bike and you need to know your own abilities. I'd recommend constant training. I try not to ride in the rain or at night too much, because it's more dangerous.
What would you like your next upgrade to be? Well, I'd love a Harley Davison V-rod - that would be my dream bike, and I'd also love an MV Augusta F4, it's a handmade bike so it's pretty rare.
For more information on the Loughshinny Motorcycle Supporters Club visit: www.loughshinny-mcsc.iofm.net