It seemed romantic but also tragic - people would be winning but then lose it all or crash but fight on break bones but get back on their bikes and try to finish. Just getting to the end was seen as an achievement in itself.

Don't get me wrong I think bikes are terrific. I own several of my own including a trendy mountain style and ride them for pleasure and light exercise.

But I was very very lucky and it was a wake up call as far as motorbikes are concerned. I never flirted with death on the bike but now I'm totally convinced they're death machines.

My parents were kind of over protective people. Me and my sister had to play in the backyard all the time. They bought us bikes for Christmas but wouldn't let us ride in the street we had to ride in the backyard. Another Christmas my dad got me a basketball hoop and put it in the middle of the lawn! You can't dribble on grass.

I really enjoy not getting in a car and running errands on bikes.