Our road is full of kids aged from 7 to 13. Last year I made the mistake of taking a 12 year old lad on a 6 mile ride to a cafe and Back. Big Mistake- I did not allow for the speed he could make to the cafe up a gentle slope, nor for the speed he could make with the slope to his advantage. Let me just say that I had to work to kep him alongside me. The biggest mistake though was how much he ate at the cafe- Nearly emptied my wallet and this is a skinny lad that plays Soccer at every oportunity. His elder brother bought a cheap bike to Commute to work and he does ride every day- whatever the weather and it is only about 5 miles each way. He passed me one morning on his way to work and I am glad he is not one of my riding partners the speed he was going- Now their dad is a different matter. He tires after about 25 miles.
The rest of the road- Forget about and that includes the adults.
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How long was I in the army? Five foot seven.
Spike Milligan