"December 12th, 2001" Seems ages ago now - 12th December 2001 - the date I was unacceptably cut down by a stroke. In fact, aged just 39 and typically struck down for no reason, I was joining the police force belatedly and looking forward to getting 'on the job'. I was riding my fourth (that's right, 4th) GPZ900R, it was a 1987 model in first class condition, and was a senior observer with the Wey Valley Advanced Motorcyclists (WVAM} and a CBT instructor.

After settling down after the stroke I figured 'what next?' concerning biking. Either a sidecar (no thanks!} or a trike (a possible maybe) being 'paralysed' on my right side, but neither was possible with my beloved GPZ, one side working ok and the other side just about hanging on, it's simply no good when it comes to balance and comfort (which I've found is critical), let alone one arm and one leg.

I decided to investigate a trike and felt I had to go and view something that was indeed possible. The year before (2001) I'd gawped at and sat on the 1.5 litre Victory Sport Cruiser at the Beaulieu show, knew it was a 'goer', and thought it a 'maybe one-day'. This time I saw it again at Giffords in Ashford (Surrey), weighed up a few pro's and con's after viewing other so called cruisers, and bought it. It's yellow with white stripes, the last one because they don't make them any more! Next was the trike design. Because of the sports-orientated design, I opted for the Trike Shop, the very same people that laughed out loud when I said Victory!

After much forethought and deliberation, I took delivery of the trike last October. And that's when the long wait began, but thanks to Bob from Klicktronic it was well worthwhile. Originally it would not get above third gear, and after some calculations it was proved to be the gearbox (not a design fault, it's just the way they are!) But 2003 re-designs have abated that problem now. Bob's second visit was to fit the same again, but more powerful (but still couldn't reach out of third gear). He went away 'umming' and 'erring', and leaving me with my heart leaping and my soul very heavy. However, and against my expectations, he returned with a much tighter coil fitted inside and just drawing off maximum battery power, and it worked! Even if I wasn't disabled (maybe that should read diffabled, think about it...} I get one now! It's a standard design too, so many thanks to Bob.

I was off, but all too many things going wrong at the beginning since everything's on the wrong side, if like me teaching others to ride is simple no matter where the controls are, now you try and teach yourself the opposite! Left handed throttle, left handed front brake, left handed gear selector, and left footed clutch. All took some getting used to, especially the clutch, but just think you're driving a car and it comes.

Many other senior observers from WVAM have tackled me and if I were to go off and take the iam test tomorrow, I'd still only give myself a 50:50 chance of passing {bike or car or trike you might ask?). I still have a hell of a lot to learn, especially with the engine breaking {roll-on, roll-off is all I really need!}.

Some minor changes have been called for, most notably Velcro on the right hand {with zipped on glove!} and bar end, and on the clutch to stop my left foot from slipping. There's too much to do with my left hand, so the brakes are going to be integrated since my right foot, whilst providing some motion, isn't enough if sharp braking is needed {the trike adds much weight to the rear and the front locks too readily).

During the coming months I intend to finish the modifications {by the time you read this?}, which include all electrics to the left hand bar {but where?}, the bars risen and back a bit to alleviate the pressure on my right arm, sadly a windshield fitted to alleviate the pressure on my neck {limited muscles on the right hand side...}, and finally some storage area fitted to the back with some passenger 'wrap arounds'.

I didn't figure what on earth might happen to them, as they're my sons aged 11 and 8 who just want to have a go on it!

Finally some thanks to those that wait, most notable Billy and the NABD! Obviously to Bob from Klicktronic, everyone from WVAM, especially those who supported me in the early days, and Cal, Andy and co. from Giffords who've been really helpful, and all in the Victory Owners Club, here's looking forward to the next run.

This NABD grant of £775.00 was sponsored by donations made in memory of Damien Stokes & James Wood