Gary Lightwood
Assistant Director & Safety Officer
Hello and a warm welcome to The Great Western Chapter.
My name is Gary Lightwood and I am the Assistant Director and Safety Officer, having been a member of the Chapter since 2014. I am married with two expensive daughters and their cats. I am a lawyer, practising in personal injury and family law and live in Bristol.
I returned to biking in 2013 after a 17 year “child enforced” break. The condition I agreed with my non-riding wife was to get some refresher training if I was to ride again and this has resulted in my obtaining the IAM Roadsmart Masters Distinction certification and I remain a member of two IAM Advanced Motorcycle clubs. My wife thought it would just be an 8-week course…
I have always dreamed of owning a Harley before my 50th birthday and after two flings with a Sportster 1200T and a Fat Bob, I finally met and fell in love with a Night Rod Special, just in time. I now ride a glorious, scorched Orange, Heritage 114 Classic and I enjoy a lot of heckling for not owning a black bike! I also ride an Indian FTR 1200 Sport when I am feeling the need for speed – safely of course!
My roles involve supporting Matty, the Director, in whatever he needs. As Safety Officer, I provide safety information to Members relating to riding and assisting Neil Prescott, the Head Road Captain in the provision of safety and incident management training for the ride-out teams. I also encourage Members and Road Teams to participate in various riding courses and “first on scene” courses to enhance their individual and group riding and safety skills.
I would strongly recommend to both new and existing Members a read or re-read of the excellent Group Riding Guidelines, produced by our former Director “Genghis” (during his time as Safety Officer) and Mike Sage, the Former Assistant Director.
I would always welcome any helpful comments or suggestions on any matters Chapter or safety related.
I have loved my time with the Chapter so far and look forward to meeting you.
Ride safe!