Mike Fourie - What Bike?

Mike is a semi retired pharmacist. “Semi” because very bad pension planning means he is still working to pay for his two wheeled toy. Originally from South Africa Mike came to England and settled in Derbyshire in 1979. In 2005 he moved up to Yorkshire to be nearer the family.

Rob: You aren’t thinking of giving up biking yet?

Mike: No! Not even thinking about it. You are never too old to ride a bike. There is a saying; “You don’t give up biking when you get old...you get old when you give up biking”. I hope I will still be riding for a long time.

Rob: How did you get started on biking?

Mike; I started biking by default. I needed transport to get to and from work and a bike seemed the solution. While riding this little Kawasaki E100 the biking bug bit me. As soon as the “L” plate was discarded I bought a very ragged Honda CX500. This was followed by another, but pristine CX500. At that time I joined a bike group; Round Table Bikers. With this group I was introduced to “real” biking. We had several days out, week-ends away and the first of many trips to Europe.

In 1994 I changed to a Suzuki GSX1100. This was my steady mount for about 4 years and included commuting, days out, weekends away and again many trips to Europe.

In 1998 I changed to a Honda CBR600. This was “A fantastic bike!!”.Fast, accurate, light and very comfortable. I did Luxembourg to Derby non-stop (apart from an hour on the ferry.)

In 2002 I officially retired and changed bikes again. I bought an Aprilia RST1000 Futura.

Rob: Why?

Mike; I had looked at many bikes. When I saw the Aprilia I just liked the look of it. It seemed just that little bit different from the Jap mould. That ITI flair!! A bit heavy to push around but a wonderful tourer.

Rob: What have you got now?

Mike; I have just changed...Again!! I have a Honda CBF1000. The motorcycle press have given this bike great write-ups and they are spot-on!! Chocolate smooth; Fireblade engine; and Honda build quality!! And Eddy Wright the Honda dealer in Leeds gives a great service.

Rob: How did you get involved in I.A.M.?

Mike; I was invited to join the I.A.M.(Derbyshire) by a police officer friend of mine and passed my advanced test in 1999. I started observing and have had at least nine associates pass first time. Joining the I.A.M. and passing the advanced test gave my biking a whole new dimension. Advanced riding DOES NOT make you bullet-proof but it does make you more aware of your biking environment. You are more aware of speed limits, road and traffic hazards but you can still enjoy the thrill of a powerful modern bike with perhaps a little less risk to life, limb and licence. .

Rob: What sort of biking do you do and what do you enjoy most about biking?

Mike; I simply love getting out on the bike. Any excuse will do. An hours ride, day trip, week-end away or a trip across the water!! Riding in Europe just seems so special. The roads are dry, less police presence, less cameras, less traffic; and the food and wine!!

Rob: Any bad mishaps?

Mike; Yes. In 1988 I had a bad ding!! Landed up in Nottingham Queens Medical Centre for a month, plus another month at home. I went wide on a bend, chose the hedge as the soft option but there was an iron spike fence in the hedge which “damaged” my left leg!!

Rob: What would you recall as the best biking you have had?

Mike; I have been very lucky. I have been able to go abroad at least once every year for the past 15 years or so. A recent trip to the Loire Valley was superb. Last year we went to Luxembourg. A local biker “showed us some spectacular roads” which was another highlight. The scenery, the food, the wine and beer plus the group company have all been unforgettable.

I have done a few track days which are a pure adrenaline rush from start to the end of the day.

Rob: What would you buy if you won the lottery? Only one bike!!

Mike; It would have to be the MV Augusta.

Rob: How would you sum-up your biking?

Mike; In closing; Use any excuse to ride the bike. Make simple trips to the shop an adventure. Don’t put off to next year what you can do this year. If you haven’t done a track day ...Do one!!

If you get the opportunity to go abroad  do it!! It isn’t difficult, I promise and it is fantastic.

Finally :- Don’t put off to next year what you can do this year!!