Aidan Mc Gee, security guard
Rides: Bimota DB4
The Bimota is an unusual choice; tell us why you like it? Because it's pure pleasure to ride and has bundles of character. It has a 900 cc Ducati engine and boy does it handle well. It's so light and fun to drive with loads of charm, but if I come across a YB7 Bimota I will definitely buy it as a second bike.
When did you start riding bikes? I started riding four years ago. My first bike was a 125cc Chunlun moped, for which I paid . Looking back it probably cost too much, but you learn from your mistakes. I travelled to Sligo on it one day, which was fun. With a rucksack on my back I was flat out at 70 mph until I reached hills then I had to drop down to 20 mph. I learned a lot on that bike, and I had it for a year.
What did you progress to next? I then moved on to a CBR 250R Honda. It was a wee rocket that handled amazingly until I hit a dog one night at about two in the morning on my way home from work. He was right in the centre of the road. I reckon I cut him in half because I hit him at about 90 mph and I tumbled forever on the road as I watched my bike going in the opposite direction with sparks flying from it.
All that was going through my head was when am I going to stop rolling. I broke my shoulder and had bruising all over. I drove home and the next morning I woke up in bits so I had to go to hospital, I was lucky to be alive. My gear helped, my Arai helmet was badly scratched but it worked.
Did you have any other accidents? Yes, after eight weeks off work recovering I bought another 250R Honda, about a year later a car pulled out in front of me, lucky enough it was a very busy area and there were lots of witnesses around.
I was taken away in the ambulance and I was fine but the bike was a right off. I had hit her side on and flew over the bonnet like superman and landed on the road.
My next bike was my first Bimota. It was a BB1 Supermono Biposto single cylinder in metallic blue. It was gorgeous and so light and it handled amazingly. I travelled to all the bike races around Ireland but I came off it one day going to Spiddal. I hit gravel on a corner and she slid on her side. There was only cosmetic damage but I decided to sell her on.
Did you learn anything from your accidents? Oh yes, looking back I have learned loads about bikes and biking from crashing. When you ride a bike you are almost certain to crash at some stage.
I have slowed down a lot and I'm more careful because the bike I have is too rare, only 200- 300 are made which makes it special.
Also, I'm 38 years of age now and the old bones are sore and the tarmac is hard so that slows me down.
You have to be so alert on the road these days; I don't think you can ever be too careful.
And, I must say again buy the right gear, it's so, so, so important because it saved me from serious harm.
And your survival tips? Always expect the unexpected, ride within your own capabilities and buy the best gear you can afford.