My Bike and I

Frank McEvilly , manager of Cashel House Hotel in Connemara

Frank McEvilly, manager of Cashel House Hotel in Connemara

Your bike? A Honda VFR . . . I wanted a bike that could do everything and, in my opinion, this is one of the best bikes the Japanese have built.

Why did you become a biker? Because I preferred to get two wheels at the age of 16 rather than waiting until I was 17 to get a car, then I really got to like bikes.

What was your first bike? A Yamaha DT100 - it proved to be a complete failure. The bike proved to be so unreliable that it became a joke with my friends.

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How much is your insurance? It costs around €1,100 for fully comprehensive. I think it's very expensive and I've had a full bike licence for 21 years. I think the government should allow other insurance companies to bring competition into this country for motorbike insurance.

What do you use your bike for? Pleasure, commuting and having fun.

Do you worry about your safety? I've been riding bikes for 22 years now and, as you get older, you take fewer risks and you realise that you aren't indestructible. But, yes, I do worry.

Had any accidents? Yes, I've had a few, but only two were serious. One was when I was overtaking a car and I had a back tyre blow out - I was very lucky that the car was able to stop in time. The second accident happened when I met a French car on the wrong side of the road. There was nowhere to go so we crashed head. The VFR was badly damaged in that accident.

Are you a road racing fan? Yes, I've been to the TT in the Isle of Man and I did the TT track on my R1.It was amazing to be able to race a bike with no speed limits, no points system and on the same road the great Joey Dunlop had so many race wins.

Taken any trips abroad? I went to France twice. My longest trip was to Corsica and Sardinia which was very nice on the VRF.

Any survival tips? Buy the very best gear, especially the helmet. Buy and service your bike with an honest dealer.

Your dream bike? I've had many bikes. My favourites were an RD 350LC, R1, VFR 750 and a GS. To pick one is impossible. I'd love to have four bikes - the Ducati 999, the Harley-Davidson Soft Tail, the GS and the new Fireblade . . . but I'd never sell my VFR.