I first discovered two wheels when I was 17 with a Honda Express moped. It was my pride and joy and carried me through until I was 21—right up to the day a cyclist overtook me while I was flat out! That was enough to convince me it was time for something with a little more power.
My next bike was another Honda moped, which I rode until I was 23 before moving up to a Suzuki GS125. My very first ride on it was from Manchester to Darley Moor, and I honestly thought the bike had something seriously wrong with it because it kept slowing down every time I reached a hill.
Nobody had ever told me that you had to change down the gears going uphill!
Once I worked that out, the GS125 served me well until I passed my car driving test at 25. Like many people, I swapped two wheels for four, deciding I'd had enough of getting cold and soaked in the British weather.
Then came a gap of more than three decades.
Fast forward to the age of 60, when my partner was riding a motorcycle. I felt I would be safer riding my own bike than being pillion, so I bought a Honda CBF125 and found myself back in the saddle after all those years.
Not long afterwards, though, my partner decided he'd lost his enthusiasm for biking and put both our bikes up for sale. Mine sold almost immediately.
Then, just two weeks later, he changed his mind.
He realised he did still want to ride—but not on his own.
So, with typical biker logic, lessons were booked for me!
I started training in late September, and it certainly wasn't the easiest journey. I failed Mod 1 four times before finally getting through. Then I failed my first Mod 2. I still think the examiner was being extra cautious because he himself was being assessed that day, but regardless of the reason, it meant another setback.
I've always struggled with nerves, and they definitely got the better of me during my tests.
But I wasn't prepared to give up.
Just 15 days later, and only five weeks before my 63rd birthday, I passed my Mod 2 and finally earned my full motorcycle licence.
Today I ride a Honda NC750X DCT, and I absolutely love it. Although I passed my test on a geared bike, I have some arthritis in my hands, so the DCT gearbox has been a complete game changer. It means I can simply enjoy the ride without my hands constantly reminding me of their limitations.
Looking back, I'm proud that I kept going despite the setbacks. My journey certainly wasn't the quickest route to a licence, but it proves that perseverance matters far more than perfection.
If there's one thing I've learnt, it's that you're never too old to chase something you've always wanted—and passing at 62 was every bit as satisfying as it would have been at 22.