So after various trials, tribulations and trips to the mechanic (fork seals & MOT), I finally got back on the road for the Easter long weekend. This is probably my favourite holiday of the lot - it's a 4 day weekend, and the weather's generally good enough to enjoy a long ride.
I've been writing this blog for a few years now, and riding for a lot longer than that and I still can't find the words for the feeling of riding - the freedom, the soul-deep well-spring of joy that bubbles up when there's a clear sky above you and an open road in front.
Okay, so I had a deadline for meeting up with family on the other side of the country (near enough) but that pressure doesn't detract from the sheer exhilaration of twisting the throttle and hearing the engine snarl, then purr at the thought of so many miles for breakfast.
Spring has sprung, the grass is growing and even the fields of rapeseed (which make me sneeze) are a minor (and very temporary at this speed) irritation.
Every halfway decent day sees me glaring out the office window with my throttle hand itching and my feet tapping invisible brakes and gears. My annual hay fever doesn't come from pollen (okay, fine, some of it does) - it comes from the wind in my face and my visor up.
