ADRIAN CHILES

The BBC Radio 5 Live presenter and author, 53, lives in London. Here he tells how he coped with lockdown, and what he’s most looking forward to now...

BLISS ON TWO WHEELS

I only became interested in motorbikes in my 40s, so you could say it’s a midlife-crisis thing. When I was covering a lot of football matches as a sports reporter I’d get ferried around on the back of motorbike taxis, and the riders made it look so easy. But then I realised it was a different kettle of fish actually doing it myself.

I took my test, which was terrifying, on a 125cc moped, which was about as powerful as a hairdryer. The bike I’m riding here is a Yamaha FJR1300, which purrs quietly like a high-end washing machine. Initially I frightened myself a bit on it but then I had extra lessons from the Institute of Advanced Motorists and now I love it.

I’ve never been a speed freak – getting on my bike is like meditation. My job is pretty stressful but once I pull on that helmet I just get childishly excited, as I can achieve a kind of Zen-like state.

It’s the only time there’s no phone, radio or music. You’re inside the helmet with your own thoughts and it becomes intensely calming. I love the solitude and being closer to nature on the bike.

I started with rides around London between jobs and quick day trips to places like the lovely Buckinghamshire countryside around Princes Risborough, where this picture of me was taken.

Once I pull on that helmet I can achieve a Zen-like state

Adrian with his Yamaha FJR1300 motorbike