COLIN Myler is so keen to share the joy of the open road, he has made a motorbike that will carry his wife, two children and baby.

Colin, 39, from Stratton St Margaret, tested the staying power of his dream family machine by taking part in the 85-mile Swindon Moonraker Road Trial yesterday.

He said: "We love the buzz of biking together. It is in our blood and just comes naturally."

While Colin drives the 1955 BSA M21, his wife, Julia, 41, sits on the back and navigates. Their biking brood, Andrew, four, Matthew, three and one-year-old Joseph all squeeze into the sidecar, specially fitted with a baby seat.

Julia and Colin, who have enjoyed the event for 18 years, are convinced their passion for motorbikes keeps their children happy.

"They have been donning their biking booties since birth and absolutely love it. So there are no squabbles in the sidecar," Julia said.

Around 40 other bikes attended the annual event, which tours Wiltshire and finishes at Brinkworth.

Despite his impressive sidekick, Hughie Galbraith, 59, failed to complete the course.

He was driving a 1953 Triumph Speed Twin 500, with nine-year-old Christopher Fisher as his trusty navigator.

Hughie, from Gorse Hill, said: "Unfortunately we broke down on the Ridgeway and had to turn back early. But it has still been a brilliant day."

Undeterred by their mechanical failure, Christopher has caught the biking bug.

He said: "I want to be a professional racer and have already won sprinting motorcycle competitions."

Demonstrating that you are never too old to burn rubber on the open road, Colin Bell, 72, travelled all the way from Cheshire to bike through the beautiful countryside.

Colin, national chairman of the Vintage Motorcycle Club, was joined by his wife, Marion, on their 600cc BMW with sidecar.

He said: "It was wonderful to go cruising on such a sunny day."

And Marion was equally enthusiastic.

"The flowers and stonework in this part of the world are stunning.

"It has been a glorious experience," she said.

Gordon Bailey, secretary of the Swindon VMC, said: "We have had a very good turn out.

"It was particularly special because foot and mouth disease caused the event to be cancelled last year."

Anyone interested in joining the club can call Swindon 812610.