DAILY Sun met up with the humble and confident rider nicknamed “Sniper”, wearing off his jacket to cool with orange juice at Simunye near Westonaria, west of Joburg.
“I grew up loving this sport,” said Sniper (real name Thapelo Phato).
Sniper rides his favourite machine – a blue and white Suzuki GSXR.
He also rides to work at South Deep mine in Carletonville, far west where he works as “Medic” in ER 24, rescuing injured patients.
“Please quote me well, I used an ambulance in my duty and riding just distresses the hectic day”
Q: When did you buy your bike?
A: In 2016.
Q: Does it have a nickname?
A: I call it Aquafresh – because of its bright and beautiful colour.
Q: Is this your first bike?
A: No, I previously owned a Honda CBR.
Q: How often do you get fines?
A: Not at all. I’m careful.
Q: Why are so certain that you will never break the law?
A: Because I’m a law-abiding K53 rider.
Q: Who else would you allow to ride your bike?
A: My brother-in-law, Pule Moelane.
Q: Do you belong to any club and what’s your position?
A: I ride with the Tigers MCC based in Vereeniging. I’m an ordinary member.
Q: Do you have a licence?
A: Yes.
Q: What’s special about your jacket?
A: The badges you see remind me where we donated to the orphanages homes, schools and charity organisations, so my wear it’s my soft spot reflect our good hearts.
Q: When did start riding?
A: I started riding so many years ago that I don’t remember.
Q: What’s your dream bike?
A: The BMW S1000 RR.
Q: How far have you travelled?
A: North West, Free State and around Gauteng.
Q: What do you think about other road users?
A: Some road users don’t want to give us the right of way. Some drive recklessly, causing unnecessary bloodshed on the roads. And if you overtake, others take offence.