ZZ Personnel Shortcode

Passed my bike test in January 1974 on my first bike, a Yamaha 80. I moved on to a BSA Goldstar SS 250 for a while. I passed the car test in August 1974 and had a share in a car with my mum until she passed her test in 1976 after some of my coaching. I needed a full-time vehicle later in 76, so the bike was sold. In 2006, I had a track day with Ron Haslam Race School. I enjoyed it so much that I returned to biking on a Yamaha Fazer 600. In 2010, the bike was changed for a Yamaha FJR, which was kept until 2018 and swapped for a lighter Honda Crossrunner. I didn't like the chain cleaning, so I exchanged it in 2019 for a Honda Crosstourer DCT. In late 2019, I bought a Moto Guzzi v7 as a second bike. The cross tourer was replaced by a Yamaha Tracer GT in 2020, which Moto Guzzi V100 Mandello has now replaced and then updated to the 2024 Stelvio. Currently own two Guzzi’s. Both are shaft drives, so there are no chains to clean. In 2007, my son started on bikes, so I have supported his progress through some exciting bikes. A Malagutti scooter, Derbi Terra, Suzuki sv650, Yamaha Mt03 (660), Yamaha Xv950, Harley 883 Sportster, Triumph America Bonneville. Of these, the best was the Mt03. I have travelled the UK on the FJR, with the longest trip around the Scotland Northwest 500 with my Daughter and Granddaughter. Since joining NAM, I have taken on the roles of Chair and Comms equipment manager. I have qualified as a National Observer and enjoy observing, organising events and rides, and leading one of the recent tours.

My interest in motorcycles started when I was a young lad riding pillion with my dad and older brother. Then, at around 14, I started riding my dad’s Norton 16H on the cinder path that led to his garage on private land.

Shortly before my 16^th birthday, a motorbike appeared in our backyard—a 200cc Francis Barnett. When I asked my dad whose bike it was, he just said if you can ride it properly, it’s yours. I spent the next couple of weeks riding up the garden to make sure I had the clutch control sorted, and on my 16th birthday, I was away.

I passed my bike test in 1968. It was easy then: you just needed to stay on, stick your hand out before turning, and not run the examiner over when he jumped out in front of you for the emergency stop. That bit was not so easy, though, because the brakes were not good.

In addition to the bike, I also bought a Scooter, Lambretta LI 150 series 2, already ‘done up’ mainly because most of my mates had scooters, and the girls seemed to take more interest in flashy scooters than the bike.

The scooter was fun, but I always preferred riding bikes, and I have had quite a few over the years. My favourite bike was probably the Yamaha FJ1200S I had in the late 90s. My main bike now is a Kawasaki Versys 1000.

I was quite late doing my advanced training, which I initially did to ride Blood Bikes, but I have found it has enhanced my enjoyment and safety on two wheels. I would encourage every motorcyclist to do some sort of advanced training. After years of riding, I still learnt plenty.

I have been riding since 1988, when I passed my test despite the examiner complaining that I’d “aimed for him” during my emergency stop (in those days, the examiner would step out onto the road). That was on a Honda CB100N, which had taken me and my L-Plates on a round trip from Nottingham to Dumfries for a memorable New Year’s Eve. That bike was also, thankfully, the only one upon which I've fallen asleep whilst riding and, of course, inevitably had my only meaningful accident… so far. I like to think that I learn from my mistakes.

After a 20-year hiatus, I got seriously back into biking in 2015 when I took possession of TDM900. I’ve never looked back - figuratively speaking - joining NAM shortly after and passing my Advanced Test on snow-lined roads at the end of 2016.

My current bike (I've only ever had one at a time) is a 2017 Z1000SX, which has been an astonishing machine on which I’ve enjoyed racking up 6k-8k miles each year since I rolled it new out of the showroom - having only gone in to get a chain and sprocket set for my previous bike! Chris Walker didn't even have to try all that hard.

I passed my test in 1977 on a Suzuki 120 when all you needed to do was ride around the block and perform an emergency stop in front of the examiner who was on foot! I bought a Suzuki GS550 and in 1981 had a big SMIDSY which I, very fortunately, walked away from. Three weeks later I purchased a GS650GT that I rode all over Europe on but in 1992 it was sold. In 2003 I returned to biking and bought my first Ducati, a yellow 900SS. My mum who had passed her advanced driving test bought me the RoadSmart package as soon as she realised I was about to set out on the road on my Ducati. I thoroughly enjoyed the training and passed my Advanced test in 2004. As the cliche goes "I wanted to give something back" and became an observer in 2005. In 2009 a beautiful yellow Ducati 999 was added to the garage. I loved its looks and ride. I went touring on it, took it on the track and thoroughly enjoyed the full Ducati experience - yes I had a couple of electrical problems!! In 2016 I struggled to remain in a crouched position for as long as the small 999 fuel tank allowed and both Ducati’s were sold to finance the purchase of a Ducati Multistrada. The Multistrada is a phenomenal bike as it's happy on both road and track! I ride for pleasure on club ride-outs and on my own. I've been on several excellent European tours with club members.