I've had over four frustrating months of not being able to ride due to a fall and subsequent quad tendon repair op and my rehab has involved riding a stationary bike at low resistance for the last couple of weeks. I've also been working on two new road bikes for when I can ride again.

It was a nice day today and I just couldn't resist taking the Raleigh tourer out for a quick test ride. It started off just as a ride around the block, but somehow turned into a six mile ride, involving a couple of slight inclines, that had its good and bad sides.

The good bit was just being on a bike again, plus the new bike rides like a dream as my latest attempt at getting back into riding drops.

The bad bit is that I am now suffering for my efforts, with stiffness in my legs plus pain and a some swelling around my knee.

I learned a few things:

1. Older bodies take a longer time to recover, and my body is older than my mind imagines.
2. The physiotherapist knew what she was talking about when she said I wasn't ready to ride yet!
3. I will be riding again soon.