DAS biker profile: Laurence

At DAS, we help 1000s of bikers every year with legal issues; we’re celebrating this relationship by talking to our own biking enthusiasts at DAS. Laurence is a Finance Systems Analyst at DAS.

Hi Laurence. Tell us, what got you into biking?

Peer pressure. (joking!) A number of friends and relatives had bikes and it always appealed to me, especially when I was a pillion. Went to Fowlers of Bristol one day for breakfast and walked out with a bike! Never looked back since. Love it.

How long have you been a biker?

Ridden for 4+ Years. Passed full bike test in August 2014, and I’ve been a member of the IAM (Institute of Advanced Motorists –Riders ) for 3 years – one of their youngest members at the time of passing!

Why is biking better than driving?

I’ve just bought a Focus ST so both are fun in different ways! It’s the adrenaline, the fact it’s just you, the bike, and the open road. The community is superb and I’ve made so many lifelong friends. How often do you wake up in the morning and in the evening end up in the Lake District? Motor biking does that to you!

What motorbike do you currently ride?

Currently in-between bikes – just sold my CBR500R and looking to get a Ninja 650.

What other bikes have you owned?

CBF125R, CBR500R, looking to get Ninja 650 when the new plates come out in September.

If you could make one modification to your bike, what would it be?

Exhaust – loud pipes save lives, right?

If money was no object, what is your dream biking adventure?

Already fulfilled one of those trips in 2016 and looking to do something similar again soon! It would be either New Zealand or Canada (already booked for 2020!) – I can’t wait to jet off and see so many amazing places.

What is your favourite ride out (UK or abroad)?

Meet at Clifton, head over the severn bridges to Abergavenny for breakfast, then upwards towards Breacon Beacons towards to A4069 and A4059 3-4 hours round trip.

Where is your favourite biker café and what is the best thing on the menu?

Harry’s Café – Bike Breakfast with a cup of tea/coffee!

What has been your best biking moment?

Track Day last year on CBR600RR was brilliant.

What one piece of advice would you give to someone thinking of getting into biking?

Start small and go bigger over time. If you get the opportunity, do an advanced driving course such as ROSPA or IAM. I used to think I was competent at riding but when I completed my IAM course it opened my eyes to a whole new, better, progressive way of riding. Plus, it’s free if to do you’re under 30 if you live in some councils in England. What are you waiting for? Do it!