So here are Ryan’s top six tips for safely getting rid of winter rust.

Goonyourown

‘If you go straight out with a bunch of mates, that’s a risk. You have to accept there will be skill fade since last year, and being dragged along by faster mates is not what you need.’

Make it short

‘Riding twisty roads is mentally tiring, and if you’re out of practice – either being off the bike, or sitting on motorways – then you’re going to get tired. Better to return home thinking you could have gone further than lose concentration.’

Gosomewherenew

‘If you go your usual route, you’ll be tempted to go the speed you went last year. Better to use a fresh route to make sure you’re thinking about what you’re doing with your riding. Your skills will be there, they just need time to return.’

Beware spring conditions

‘It’s nice and dry, you’re confident, then half way round a tree-covered bend there’s shadow which might be a damp patch. You panic, stiffen up and it goes wrong. Give yourself time to assess the conditions.’

Getloose

“Be aware of your upper body – tension can wreck a ride. Make sure you’re breathing normally, your elbows are loose and your neck is relaxed so you can look round corners.’

Get some training

‘I know I would say this, but the fastest way to get ready for a great summer of riding is to get yourself some good training. We get a lot of people who come for a refresher session so they can take full advantage of summer and don’t spend half of it getting back up to speed. It makes sense, all ways up.