The road to school...

...has just got longer for Son 1, who starts at lycée tomorrow! The lycée (high school) is in the town next door to ours, so instead of the 5 minute cycle ride he and his brother are used to, he'll be cycling 20 minutes there and 20 back each day.

We all have bikes, crammed into our utility room following some thefts a few years ago.

Both boys are learning basic bike maintenace with Ben - frankly, I should learn too, but I just hate all that dirt and confusing machinery! Above is Son 2 with his dad, preparing his bike for the rentrée last Saturday.

Yesterday Son 1 and I checked the route (mainly on a cycle path) and the timing for his new journey - it really took me back to the summer rides I enjoyed with him three years ago (photo above) when we were getting him ready to cycle on his own to collège - a dyspraxic cyclist takes a little longer to be roadworthy than your average child! Aww - what a little cutie he looks there, compared to his tousle-haired, square-jawed, lumbering self these days... but I'm so proud of him. He's chosen to cycle rather than register for the school bus. I've pointed out that he'll regret that on cold, rainy days, but he points out freedom (first priority) and exercise (second) are worth a bit of cold and wet over the course of a school year...