Yesterday dawned below zero celsius with deep swirling fog. Initially I was disappointed with the weather because I had great plans for the day.

I’d psyched myself up that this would be the day I hopped on the Harley and would go for a bit of a fang.

Why did I need to psych myself up? Just before Christmas last year I had radical surgery for prostate cancer and, when I was leaving hospital my medical team said specifically,’ Keep off that bloody motor bike or you will do yourself a mischief.’

Since the surgery, the medicos all tell me I’m doing fine with a 99.9% chance of a full recovery, good news indeed.

During the past six months I’ve regularly ( that means daily)  popped into the shed and had a yarn with my Harley, given it an occasional pat and, you will be delighted to know, had absolutely no desire at all to give it a kiss.

But back to yesterday. By midday the temperature had risen to 14c and the fog had gone.

So, on with the leathers and the open face helmet, slip on the sunnies ,throw the leg over the bike, start up, into gear and off like a rocket.

What a hoot. I felt I had sprouted wings as I thundered through the twisties, gunned the bike down the straights and did the occasional rapid stops just to make sure I still had the knack.

How I’ve missed the thrill.

Physically and mentally I felt fine although I have to admit that an occasional feeling of apprehension did arise when I thought I’d overcooked it in some of the bends. Then I remembered that my Harley isn’t a sports bike and the odd wiggle mid turn is just one of my bikes characteristics.

I only made one mistake. I wore far too much bulky warm clothing and my leather jacket felt more like a straight jacket. However, it didn’t diminish my delight to be back on the road.

Riding a motorcycle is wonderful for the mind. All cares, doubts and worries disappear and your head fills with sound of the rushing wind, the noise of the exhaust, the fun of leaving tin tops in your wake and the simple pleasure of being in total charge of your existence. It’s absolutely mind blowing and wonderful, not to mention exhilarating.

After a round trip of 160km, about 100 miles, I arrived back at Cassa Creakingbones absolutely chuffed with myself. No aches or pains, just like old times. The past six months are just that ,past.

I checked the oil and tyre pressures, gave the bike a quick wash and dry, locked it to the concrete floor of its garage and then gently gently covered it up.

After coffee and some buttered banana bread with my Significant Other she remarked that now I wouldn’t be hanging around the house but be out on the bike at every opportunity. There is no doubt about my wife’s intuition, she knows what I’m going to do before I’ve even contemplated doing it. Who am I to argue with that.

Bugger, I’ve just hear the four day weather forecast. Would you believe the forecast for the next three days is rain. Everyone knows that you can’t get your Harley dirty so I’ll just have to stay indoors. At least I’ve got a good supply of polish.