Does anyone remember this book?

[Buck_Rodgers]

Hi,
For years I have been trying to remember the name and autor of a great book, (or at least I thought it was at the time) that our english teacher read to us at school back in the 80's.
Basic outline was, that a fed up young chap decided to take a ride on his motorcycle, tossing a coin at each junction to see where fate would take him.
Finds an injured cat and takes it to the vet. Vet said it was done for and was reaching for the incinerator door without puttin it down first I think. Our chap gets ticked off and demands certain drugs and first aid stuff, since he was a trainee vet or a nurse or, something.
Resumes his journey with recovered cat I think. Names the moggy 'News'. Travels unbeknownst through a time portal and ends up in the same area, but in the 1600's or thereabouts.
Sorry but thats all I can remember. We were in rapt attention, so pretty good I think.
Please help, thank you.
ps Oh yes I do remember a little bit more. Whilst back in time and trying to find out where he was, hearing something he peers over a hedge in a field, since he had ridden right out in to the countryside and finds a couple having a quickkie at the side of the field. (Initiated lots of raucous pubescent laughter) That's the lot I'm afraid, thanks.

[Noraq]

would it be 'The Devil On The Road'?

[Buck_Rodgers]

Yes that's it. Thank you so much. The author is from the north east, which is where our english teacher is from. She also introduced us to the Chas Mcgill stories by the same author. Fantastic.

[HollyLouGarou]

Don't know the book, but when you find out I want to read this!