About Us

Interview with Alex Romano – Bike Instructor

Name – Alex Romano

So Alex, what made you want to be a bike instructor?

Do I have to tell the truth? Umm.. An unhealthy obsession for motorcycles I suppose, also I can't stand to be indoors behind a desk with a computer, don't like bosses – seemed like a perfect choice really!

So let's get to the bit about bikes – what was your first bike?

A Derby 50cc moped. Well at 15 I thought it was pretty cool, and used to ride around Spain in shorts and a t shirt – which was then perfectly legal and socially acceptable!

So other than the crazy scooter, tell us about some of your other bikes?

Okay.. The most memorable bike was a Suzuki TL1000s '97 model. It was one of those bikes that everyone fell off of all the time – didn't quite handle properly due to a slight design fault – which made it very entertaining to ride! Fortunately, after sharing lots of long evenings, and lots of closeness and lots of shiny new bits, she became very tame and very fast, and the envy of all of my friends! This was also the only bike that I have owned for longer than a year.

The fastest bike I have ever owned has to be my slightly tuned Kawasaki ZX12, actually I had two of these, original unmolested and non bureaucratic versions. The last one of these had to be sold in order for me to keep my licence and fulfil my dream of becoming a motorcycle instructor – due to a slight lack of control in my right hand... (Think it's maybe a nerve problem or something..)

The slowest bike was a Moto Morini 501 – which was the slowest coz I could never get the f****r fixed – after rebuilding the engine four times I finally sold it.

Ok we're gonna interrupt you there coz we think you could talk about this all day! So what was your first bike related job?

Umm, that would be working in moped rentals in Spain. After that I was a motorcycle courier in London – one of those idiots that flies round on bright orange bikes. I reckon I was probably a courier for about six years.

So was that as scary as we imagine?

There were lots of near misses! I remember falling off in the middle of Tottenham court road – sliding off half way round a corner into the pavement, in front of a lot of very busy shoppers, who then proceeded to step over me and carry on their way leaving me sat there slightly dazed! But no major accidents – although I was reportedly the fastest person round the north circular.

So how did you end up being a bike instructor?

Well it's something I had considered doing for years but just never got round to, I saw an advert in the paper one day and just decided to go for it. So I went off, paid for a course – did the exams, did another 6 months or so doing work experience learning how to teach properly and then got my first instructing job. That would be about 4 years ago now, 18 years after I started riding!

My intention had always been to set up my own school, for a number of reasons – the poor standards of training that are out there, the lack of enthusiasm shown by some schools and instructors towards students, I wanted to be in control of how lessons are structured and carried out and what bikes are used. I also wanted to teach people to ride a bike rather than just to pass the test.

Okay.. So we've asked you all about biking and work – what about fun &ndash lets finish with your most memorable biking moments?

God – it's quite hard to choose! Going flat out on my Honda Fireblade, for over 100 miles in Spain, showing 298 kph (apparently) with my friend on his RSV 4 feet away next to me. Can't say much more than that really!!

Riding through the mountain passes in the Alps when its 70 degrees and there are six foot high snow walls either side of the road.

Riding the TT course and riding Hart Knott's Pass on a DRZ400 more times than I should have in 1 day. " You are disturbing the peace here. " Private joke.

Interview with Alex Walker – Bike Instructor

Name – Alex Walker

Current bike – Harley Davidson Crossbones, Yamaha TDM 850 'RAT' bike aka Urban Bastard! Kawasaki Versys (work bike). I sometimes ride my wife's bikes - Yamaha BT1100 Bulldog and Yamaha MT-03 660 (single)

So what got you into bikes?

Probably watching 'Junior kickstart' as a kid, shoving a coke can into the mudguard of my pushbike and riding round pretending I was on a trials bike. Then of course there was 'Street Hawk', much cooler than 'KnightRider'!

Did you start with a scooter as well?

F**k that! I bought a Yamaha RD50, clutch and geared bike. My CBT was on my 16th birthday. I didn't have a clue what I was doing! My bike ran out of 2 stroke and the kickstart snapped off. On the CBT run I stalled at a junction and they left me behind! (How times have changed...)

So what are your favourite bikes?

I've always had a thing for 'Rat' bikes, big, dirty, loud and matt black. I think the Suzuki Katana is one of the best looking bikes built. To own an early GSXR was an ambition – don't think I'd have one now. I love supermotos, especially the specials. My dream bike is the 'Kenny Roberts' MT01 Yamaha. I'll always love the BMW GS though.

What made you become an instructor?

Christ knows! I had been a bike courier for 5 years and fancied a change whilst staying with bikes. I have a huge passion for bikes and consider myself very patient, but had no idea whether or not I could teach. I asked around local bike schools and found one willing to train me. This meant working 7 days a week for a few months, dispatch riding and instructing until I was offered a full time job. I was also mistaken in thinking that instructing would be safer!

What made you set up your own school?

After instructing for 6 years for a well known bike school, Alex and I felt we could offer a better service with more suitable bikes and at the right price. So far – it's a success!