James 1st bike ride

As a parent you live for these days. Where a small thing (to you) can bring so much happiness.

James has always been interested in bikes. He has access to a few at pre-school. And of course one or two of his friends have them as well. This morning Merrilyn and I surprised James with a bike I picked up on eBay. Although second hand its in good nick with new tires and brakes. And of course stabilisers. We put it in the bike shed for James to find. Well - he was over the moon. We've taken a short video below.

After showing him the basics he was off for a few laps around the car park. James seemed to get the hang of the bike quickly so it was off to the Long Walk; the perfect place to ride a bike. Once there he shot off ahead and aimed for every puddle! Along the way he told a passing couple that he was on his new bike (cute). We circled back to the Castle, then back again past the "artichokes" - communal garden - and then onto Sheet Street and home past the Barracks. Phew!

It didn't take long for him to ask us for another ride. So out we went and this time it was off to Bachelor's Acre. Oh what freedom - riding your bike to the playground. There he was telling all the children that he had a new bike - and wasn't it lucky that he had bacon & eggs for breakfast so he could ride all that way!! After a play we circled back along Park Street, onto the Long Walk again, then back via the artichokes.

I'm sure he'll get much pleasure from the bike. And we'll be able to take him into the Great Park and let him go wild!

Oh - and in case you're wondering - we'll be picking up a helmet for him in the morning.

Photos are here.