Ed Haigh - What Bike?

Ed was born in North Rigton, nr Harrogate. Schooled there until he moved to Wheatlands C of E for his senior schooling. Ed started his apprenticeship as a painter / decorator straight from school and has been improving the face of West Yorkshire ever since. He and Carol were married in 1970, moved to Guiseley where they settled to normal family life. They have two children, a son and a daughter and two lively grandchildren. Apart from his home and family Ed’s main love is his biking. Those of you who have been in WYAMs for a while will know that Ed has been a “doer” on several fronts. He has had the thankless job of speaker finder for a long time. An observer and he has also been a regular club run leader. He and Carol open their home for a club BBQ last year for the Y.A.A.

 Q So, Ed, how did you get started with motorcycling and what was your first bike?

A My mother banned motorbikes so I went out and bought one. It was a BSA C11G and cost £25. I had that for about a year and progressed from the “L” plate when I passed my test first shot.

Q What bikes have you had since?

 A My next bike was a Norton Jubilee 250. Not a very pretty bike but it did it for me for about two years. I then had a Triumph 5TA which I “tarted” up. In 1971 I sold the bike, we had a baby and I bought a car...normal family!!

In 1997 I decided to get a bike again and I bought a B.M.W. K100. We started going about on that and joined the B.M.W. Club. After a year or two I upgraded to a B.M.W. K1100 but didn’t keep that very long.. This was followed by a Honda Pan European for two years and then the Kawasaki ZZR 1200.

Q You have certainly gone through a very varied selection of bikes. What is your current bike and why did you choose this one?

A I have a Yamaha FJR1300. The main thing was comfort coupled with good performance and I love it. Unfortunately Carol doesn’t like it. It is a bit upright so she isn’t leaning forward...in fact her words “It does NOT have a WOW factor!”

Q How did you get involved with I.A.M / W.Y.A.M.s.

A When I got back into bikes I decided that with the improved performance of modern bikes and busier roads I should have my riding safety assessed. This led me to W.Y.A.M.s. and I passed my advanced test in 1999.

Q Any mishaps?

A Nothing serious. Got knocked of once by a taxi. No injuries but expensive plastic!!

Q What sort of riding do you enjoy?

A All and anything. I don’t commute because the ladders won’t go on the bike. I enjoy club runs, days out, weekends with the group or alone. We have done quite a lot of touring including Ireland, France and several U.K. destinations. I had a fantastic trip last year when Paul and I went to the Arctic Circle. An eleven day dream holiday.

Q A dream bike?

A I can’t think of anything I would have in place of my FJR.

Q What do you consider your best ever biking moment?

A My Arctic trip. The scenery was stunning; the roads good; the people welcoming, excellent food and expensive beer. We filmed and ate wild reindeer.