HE swapped his mayoral robes for leathers and hit the road.
Eastleigh Mayor Councillor Roger Smith's passion for motorcycles began when he was 17.
He was the proud owner of a Harley Davidson but last year sold his 1600cc machine because there was no time for motorcycling in his crowded civic diary.
However, the borough's 64-year-old first citizen was back on two wheels after he borrowed a Harley Davidson to take part in a fundraising ride from Bishopstoke to Salisbury.
He joined about 50 other bikers as they roared away from Steve Piper Motorcycles in Dutton Lane on a 70- mile run.
The fundraising spin raised about £240 for the mayor's chosen charities - the Hampshire children's hospice Naomi House and Liberty Child.
He said: "I have always loved motorcycling because it gives you the freedom of the road."
With his civic year coming to an end, Cllr Smith intends to buy a Harley Davidson to get his passion for two wheels back in top gear.
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