I first became interested in bikes at 17, when my mate gave me a go on his bike. A few weeks later I bought my own Suzuki GS125. But before I could have any adventures my Father Bren said “you need to know how to service and maintain your bike first”.
It then became a regular scene, me and my Father taking apart a bike in the front garden. Weather never stopped us from working on the bike and it soon grew into a common interest for us. A lot of friends assumed my Mother wouldn’t be happy with the idea of her son riding bikes, but they were soon proved wrong. She loved nothing better than getting a lift on the back of the bike after work with her handbag on her shoulder. I guess I was lucky to have parents who supported and enjoyed my love for bikes.
Starting off on bikes was very different back then, getting lessons wasn’t a thing. For most people it was ‘teacher yourself’ or learn from friends. So, I practiced starting and stopping in the back garden and the love for biking began.
From the 125, I progressed to a CBR250 and took my driver test. Before the test I booked lessons to improve my skills and passed first time. The day after I bought a CBR 600F, at the time it was a big jump from the 250cc. Over the years I have enjoyed a few different bikes, my favourite would be the Yamaha XJR 1300. I never stuck to one brand of bike but have road tested/owned many styles and types of bikes. I currently ride a BMW R1100S Boxer Cup Replica.
I have been involved with Bikers Shed since the beginning. Before this I was considering giving up bikes as I wasn’t aware on any local ride outs in my areas. Since I became a member at Bikers Shed I have met some wonderful people and completed a 2 year motorcycle maintenance course.
I do believe the way people now learn to ride a bike has improved hugely from how I started off. Bikers Shed can help support people to learn how to care and maintain their bikes along with providing advice from more experienced riders to promote road safety, saving lives and at the end of the day getting us all home safe.