Over the last week you may have caught glimpse of me in a heap on the ground in Richmond Park or on our local streets having fallen off my new bike.

Yes, I’m one of those people who openly admit to having never owned or ridden a bike in their entire life.

Now when I was a young girl I so badly wanted a bike that I even asked Father Christmas if he could kindly pop one down the chimney for me, but alas my requests were in vain and truth be told, finances just didn’t permit such extravagances.

That want soon fizzled out and I think once you get past a certain age, you just can’t be bothered.

However, on my quest to master, or at least attempt as many different skills as possible in my life, I decided to bite the bullet and learn to ride a bike. What a baptism of fire I have experienced.

Stupidly, I thought you could just jump in the saddle and away you go! But oh no, there are gears, balance issues, mounting, dismounting, brakes, cleats to name but a few challenges I’ve had to contend with.

I’ve set myself a cycling goal this summer which is also adding pressure to the whole debacle.

Last Saturday, I cycled on the road for the very first time. It was the most stressful, unpleasant experience ever!

I was scared I was going to get squashed by a car, had a motorist swear at me and once finished, couldn’t move my arms and fingers because of the tension that had taken over my limbs.

It was interesting to see if from the other side – there are some inconsiderate drivers out there and some nearly wiped me out.

Anyway, I made it and am here to tell you the tale. I’ve also found a great local cycling club, Njinga, where I’m learning so much and will hopefully morph into Sir Bradley Wiggins within a few weeks.

So if you see a novice cyclist zig-zagging through the streets, be sure to keep your distance!