Members of PECAM Committee work very hard behind the scenes for the Club and Members and we thought it would be good to introduce you them and give you some insight into who they are and what they do.
What got you into riding bikes and how long have you been riding?
I first started riding bikes when I was sixteen, actually on my 16th Birthday, I have always loved two wheels. A turning point in my two-wheel life was watching the iconic documentary film “On any Sunday”, this had me hooked!
Over the 44 years I have been riding, I have had various motorbikes, including a Gileras, Hondas, Suzuki, BMW GS and now I have a Moto Guzzi and a Suzuki Bandit.
Before joining PECAM I spent almost all of my time riding on my own, although once a year I would ride with my friends from Belfast, but this fizzled out.
What made you join PECAM?
Six years ago, my kids got me a Bike Safe course as a present, but I was not able to book on a course as there were no slots available, so I upgraded to the IAM Roadsmart Course.
The skills I have learnt since being a member of PECAM have shown me, not only the bikes abilities but also my own abilities. But I still find riding in a group is the hardest part of riding a bike.
The slow speed and gymkhana training are something I enjoy hugely and would highly recommend it to everyone; these skills are invaluable for any Motorbike rider and the opportunity to be able to learn these skills are something we should all take advantage of.
I really enjoy the social side of the group, not only are there social events throughout the year, there are the twice monthly Sunday ride outs, which gives you the opportunity to ride with like minded bikers and there is even the opportunity to join group members on tours that are organised by group members. Last year I joined PECAM members on a trip to Ypres to visit the war memorials and we’re going back again this year.
What made you become Treasurer?
As I had been a PECAM member for around six years, I thought that it was time for me to give something back to the group, all the Observers who take you through the course and all the various Committee members who organise events and generally keep the club going, do so free of charge and they willingly give up there time to Members and Associates, to encourage bikers to be more aware and safer on the roads, so when the opportunity to be Treasurer arose, I was happy to take on the role.
What does being Treasurer entail?
I look after the Clubs three bank accounts, I prepare the accounts for the monthly Committee meetings, which only takes a couple of hours a month, and I am currently preparing the end of year accounts for the AGM in April, which takes a little longer, but the role does not take up too much of my time and I am happy to do so as I am giving something back to the Club.