Bedtime Bimble

Jimmy was restless; it was that problematic grumpy hour before bed-time. His only outing of the day had been to Debenhams in Southsea on a clothes-shopping trip with Mum, with a quick stop for some groceries at Waitrose. Illness, injury, weather and teething has so far put pay to any trial of his new Co-Pilot 'Limo' bike seat but he needed some fresh air - tonight was the night!

Threatening clouds hung in the air as Al fitted the new seat to the somewhat sacreligious rack he had recently fitted to his trusty Giant Cold Rock specifically for this purpose. Mum prepared the passenger for his first cycling trip with jeans, a warm coat and shoes. His Met Elfo helmet was fastened as best it could be, still a fraction too small even on the smallest setting, under his chin before he was strapped into the seat.

Jimmy seems a little unsure of
this new mode of transportation

Soon the boys were off on their first foray - at least there was no screaming yet. Dad's riding style was a little more concilliatory than usual as he spotted cars that were likely to pull out with no warning. The pair headed north out of the village, towards the hallowed cricket ground where a spot-check was made. Everything seemed fine and the pair made off again rapidly to escape the attention of a wasp who seemed to have aken a liking to Jimmy's helmet.

On then following the road bound for Soberton and Droxford, cutting back towards the village by a quiet country lane, throught the church yard and picking up the main road throught he village, past the pub and home: And all with only the slightest bit on whinging on the final ascent into Hambledon.

The boys arrive home safely
after their short exploration

With that, in true TCA fashion, it was straight into the bath then supper (7oz of Aptimil 3) and off to bed. The bike seat was deemed a success.

Route Map (click to enlarge):

(Posted by: Al)

Extraordinary Inauguration Meeting

The next generation of associates was formally welcomed at an official extraordinary meeting. Beer was taken (Sainsburys Franconian Style Dark Lager) party food laid on, and the ancient cream slice ritual was invoked.

Associates Old and New
(Left to right): Al, Jimmy, Élodie and Paul

Cycles were ceremoniously laid aside for the day as festivities continued well into afternoon nap-time.

Another New TCA Recruit

JAMES ALLAN was born at 7.57 on Saturday morning weighing 9lbs and 0oz (4.07kg for our continental friends). He seems to come ready equipped for life in the TCA with an innate aptitude for drinking and puking, although he is perhaps a little better looking than any of the current membership.

Jimmy Enjoying Uncle Billy-Bob's Trunk of Funk