I just took my Number One Daughter’s abandoned bike out wearing my Number One Son’s bike helmet. Oh my god, I am just trembling now, from a combination of exaustion and excitement.

The thing is, I haven’t been on a bike in, oh, thirty years and when I did last ride a bike it was a one speed, back-pedal brake bike, which gives you an idea of how long ago and low tech it was.

I wonder how you change gears on a bike and how much difference it makes? I have no idea.

I went once around the block. On hills I wheeled. Downhills I mean. It was both a lot of effort going up those hills and almost frightening how little effort it was on the level. It had a tendency to go much, much faster than I liked. I wobbled all over the road, particularly when starting, when each foot’s first pedel sent me veering two feet to either side. I guess I can ride a bike still. Scared me, though.

It was most enjoyable!

I must have had the neighbours in stitches.