So my Spyder is here (the trike) and it is getting a lot of attention already.

The chap who sold it to me said he hoped I wasn't shy.

I have been around the block twice on it (as a pillion) the Isle of Man racer waved and then the lady at the petrol station who filled it up was admiring it.

Getting back after the first run I must of squashed the nerves whilst holding on for dear life.

I was struggling to lift my right arm and it felt numb. I could barely lift my helmet off my head nor hold my phone up to take a pic.

The second run was far better though and I felt more confident and secure.

My rider had got the knack by the second go and in turn also felt better. I was quite comfy then and felt I could go long distance.

It won't be for a lot of bikers but it's a perfect ride for the disabled. Next best thing I'd say.

The reason I haven't ridden it yet though is that I have a few issues to iron out.

Such is life with an affliction! There are always problems.

My first concern was how hard it is for me to get on and then back off it again, but I have actually had a few practises and now it is not too bad.

Yes I look awkward doing it and I struggle a bit manoeuvring my leg but I am actually now quite nifty at it - by my standards.

It is a case of balancing myself on one leg, holding the handle bars and lowering my upper half down whilst I try and toss the other leg over by getting some momentum behind it. A good swing!

If I am lucky my leg will land on the passenger seat and I can wiggle it over to the other side.

Getting off is pretty much the same but in reverse however I can't quite get my leg back on the seat, so I have to balance against the bike and lift it with my arm.

I could do with handles on my trousers! I wonder if the thing ever set alight I'd be screwed!

My new concern is now the parking brake, not being set on fire.

I cannot disengage it or engage it for the life of me.

So I am desperately searching the web to see what can be done in that respect. I found one chap who has attached a bent metal bar to it to act as a handle, so I need a blacksmith.

I am going to try later sitting on it with one of my sticks and using that to try and shift it. I have tried reaching down and getting off the trike to do it but to no avail.

I am just not strong enough.

We will find a way around this! And then I can be off independent like terrorising the roads of Oxfordshire.

For now I will rely on my pillion, failing that I'd have to shout to a random stranger "excuse me mate would you mind engaging my parking brake for me?".

Where there's a will there's a way (or a relative).