The Hamster returns to bikes

Posted : 29-12-2006

Top Gear presenter Richard Hammond - or the Hamster, as he is affectionately known - has taken his first ride on a motorbike since nearly dying in a 288 mph car crash in September.

Taking to the streets of London, Hammond said his return to motorcycling felt "fantastic" and "incredible", reports Motorcycle News.

A Honda bike was the chosen vessel for his not-quite-maiden voyage, which he complemented with a shiny black Arai helmet.

And the Hamster said that the moment he gets on a bike, he becomes "exactly the same person I was 15 or 20 years ago".

Although he added "I just can't believe how good that was", Hammond also said that he had been a bit "wobbly" to begin with and found himself having to really concentrate on what he was doing.

The presenter recently appeared on Friday Night with Jonathan Ross, where he told of other ways the September crash had affected him.

In addition to being able to remember phone numbers and bank codes unlike before the accident, he now says that he loves to eat celery - something which he could not stand previously.

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