Riders’ Lives ~ Annie O’Sullivan
1. What was your first motorcycling experience?
Well the first time I rode a motorcycle was on the sand dunes in Tramore, Co. Waterford. I spent most of the time driving into them!! At least it was a soft landing! A very nice Welsh man taught me how to ride my TS 185. I bought two of them and made one great bike out of them. I ratted it first then added blue Renthals, the exhaust system was made by a good friend using a piece of a milking machine! A unique bike.
My maiden voyage was to Inistioge, Co. Kilkenny. Circle of friends the movie was filmed there. It is a very mystical place. I was the tender age of 17! That’s where the bike bug bit me!
2. What is your current bike?
2008 Speed Triple.
3. What bike would you most like to ride/own?
I would like a spin on an MV Agusta. I don’t know if I would like to own one. I always wanted a Triple so I am happy.
4. What was your hairiest moment on a bike?
In July ‘07 I was on my way home from a rally in Co. Laois on a Fazer 600 when a log came flying off a low trailer and hit me in the face. I lost control of the bike and went out over the handle bars. My hand got caught between the nose fairing and the left hand handlebar and I broke everything in the hand and wrist. When I eventually landed in the farmer’s field I ran back to my bike and asked a passing car driver would he knock it into neutral and I would be on my way! Next thing I know I woke up in hospital!
5. What was your most memorable ride?
There have been too many but if I had to choose one then it would have to be my spin to Donegal in August this year. It was the perfect riding conditions. The sun was shining, blue skies, full tank and it was Friday! I crossed seven counties and clocked 525 miles round trip and took longest distance female trophy at the Illeagles MCC rally. The scenery in Donegal is amazing.
6. What would be the ideal soundtrack to the above?
It has to be Back in Black by AC/DC.
7. What do you think is the best thing about motorcycling?
The people you meet and the feeling when I mount my triple for a spin. I still get butterflies!
8. What do you think is the worst thing about motorcycling?
Farmers and Sunday drivers!
9. Name an improvement you’d like to see for the next generation?
A national training programme that all learner motorcyclists would be required to complete and pass before they take their bike on the open road. There isn’t anything like this in Ireland. There are programmes but they are not compulsory.
10. How would you like to be remembered?
As a strong, fair, open minded biker chick who has an insatiable appetite for life…
