My life changed in 1990. Up until then I had been a jockey and I had done some painting & decorating. Then I decided to go into van courier work, although I did use my bike sometimes. On 5th November 1990, I had to deliver some goods to Brighton. I waited 2 hours for someone to arrive, then I decided I would go back later on my bike and basically, I never made it. Instead I had an argument with some roadside furniture, thanks to the help of a sales rep (who was obviously tired from a big business lunch). Anyway, I ended up with a Brachial Plexus injury to my left arm.

I thought, "That's it. What the hell can I do now?" Couldn't get any work and I could only dream of getting back on a bike. For 5 years I did odds and ends, then got a place at Queen Elizabeth College in Leatherhead and did a car spraying course (bloody excellent college). Whilst there, I was talking to a mate about how nice it would be to get back on a bike and he gave me the NABD number; so I became a member.

Anyway, I got side tracked for a number of years, got married and started a family. Then the bug kicked in again, thanks to a mate who was virtually giving his RS 250 away (well, that's what he says each time I see him). I rang the NABD who put me in the right direction for conversion information and said I could apply for a grant to help with the costs. So, I went to the motorcycle workshop in Bolney, West Sussex and spoke to Tony Masters, and his wife Janette, about the conversion process. They made it sound so easy that I applied for a grant and - Wo Hey! -1 got one and Tony did the adaption work.

Well, I cannot explain what it feels like to be back on a bike, so I just need to say a huge thanks to Tony and Janette for being patient and sorting out the bike and an even huger thanks to the NABD for what I thought was a dream come true.

This NABD grant of £371.69 was sponsored by donations from The Forth Valley MCC & The Anasazi Bike Club