I'd gone out to see a client who lives in a residential estate, this afternoon - I got there about 3pm. All the kids were out playing. As I cycled into the estate, my lovely shiny new bike drew cries of approval from the kids - even the boys. "Can I have a ride on your bike missis?" followed me on my way. Locked the bike up outside the flat I was visiting, and when I came out and started unlocking it I was instantly surrounded by several ankle-biters, most of whom weren't even tall enough to see over the saddle. They were most inquisitive, asking about the bike, the lock, the pannier, the rack, the toe straps, the gears, the computer, my helmet light - everything. I had no choice but to answer their questions because I was surrounded, like Indiana Jones in Raiders, but it was ok, I was happy to have a chat with them. Two of the girls in particular kept asking me if they could have a ride on it and I kept telling them they were too wee and then one of them just climbed all over it! She climbed all over it, feet all over my lovely shiny new paintwork, hoiked herself over the crossbar and tried to pedal but she just wasn't tall enough so we ended up with her standing on the pedals and me pushing her around the parking area! Then her friend wanted a go, so I had to do the same for her, and then they finally let me away.
I really was happy to answer their questions and show them everything and talk to them about it, and I didn't mind pushing them around, but oh, their feet on my new paintwork!
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