Epic Day

"This has been an epic day! First Uncle Matt came round, then I learnt to ride without stabilisers and third, this is just the best day ever!"

A couple of years back, Jnr Snr denied me a moment of parenthood I was really looking forward to - teaching her to ride a bike. She just announced one day that she wanted her stabilisers removing as she was convinced she could ride without them. I did with an attitude of "Go on then, prove it," and the little show-off rode off faultlessly straight away! I was impressed and miffed at the same time.

Well, not so with Jnr Jnr - today was the crash course. A few attempts earlier in the week did not go too well due to some rain and a slight incline, so this afternoon we went off down the park with wrench in hand. After some coaching and a gradual raising of the stabiliser levels we agreed to try without them. Although setting off was tricky, she managed it very quickly and was buzzing. I must admit to have a Dad tear in my eye, briefly you understand ;) She listened really well and focussed on what she had to work on.

A couple of tumbles occurred, but she got straight back up and carried on as we wanted to show Mrs H - Jnr Snr's diving lesson finished and they were coming to find us in the park. As they came round the corner she off towards them with a massive grin to show what she could now do. She was so proud. As she approached Mrs H did give her the warning to use her brakes and was given the over-confident, "I know what I'm doing!" response as she sailed past; she then tried to turn around without stopping and rode into a rubbish bin. I couldn't stop laughing - only her pride was bruised.

I managed to get back on the road today after nearly a week, my hamstring seemed OK. I bought some racing shoes yesterday and fitted my new pedals this morning and was dying to try them out. I did a relatively flat route to give my legs a chance and did a pleasant 30 miles in gorgeous sunshine (16.6mph average).

Camping in the garden with the girls tonight, they are very giddy about it. More than I am for sure.