PATICK HINCH/Retired painter and decorator
What was your first machine? My first cycle was a Master 2 stroke machine. You had to peddle to start it. It reached 15 to 20 mph.
What attracted you to it, and indeed motorbikes? Speed! Adventure! Go when you like, pack up anytime and go off down the country for the weekend in winter or summer! You're as free as the wind. In all my years on the road I've never owned or driven a car and never will.
How much did it cost? £5 in 1951 - and the tax at the time was 17/6 (€1.10).
What's your current machine? I have an 1100 Dragstar 2001 Cruiser in black.
What did it cost? £10,000.
. . . and the insurance? €210 per year.
What do you use the machine for? A mixture of pleasure and a bit of work. I use it to go across to England, Scotland and Wales on trips.
How much do you spend on gear? Every two years I change my gear. I get a new helmet, boots, a jacket and new gloves. The cost? Well, they cost lots.
What's the longest journey you've taken on a motorcycle? From one end of Britain to the other. I rode from Kerry to DúLaoghaire for the boat to Britain and then on to Southend-on-Sea. The trip took me from one end of England to the other and took seven days in all.
What's your next upgrade likely to be? 1600 Dragstar 2003.