The Chair’s not chattering

The Chair’s not his chattery-self at the moment …. in fact, if you can hear his chatter in the distance it’s just his teeth whilst reposed in frozen state on a chair-lift somewhere secret in snow-capped Europe.  So this month I’m afraid you’re stuck with me, for a few paragraphs of …. N.O.B. Nonsense.

It’s February 2024 …..  and I’m delighted to announce that there’s a baby on the way!   Wow!

How proud we are. A bit of a surprise that’s for sure ….. don’t know how these things happen!  I’m thinking it can only have been an unusual burst of energy in all the excitement leading up to Christmas. (Mind you, due to work I wasn’t around much?)  Ahead now lies those months of both radiant anticipation and sleepless worry.  Have we done the right thing?  We’ve been there before of course, but this time feels extra special.  What is one supposed to do?  There’s all that research and reading, goodness it’s all new nowadays.  And then there’s a name to agree on.  There’s the preparation of the room, the re-purchase of all those extra bits and pieces one thought one would never need again … and most likely will never use anyway … until, finally, the big day arrives.  A new arrival in the household, a fresh-faced gurgling companion delivered by mid-wife Gunter from Munich  … …….. a sibling for my GSA when a newly born, baby sister GS1300 arrives to take its place in the family.   Can’t wait.

Sadly, the January AOR had to be cancelled, as was the Banstead meeting on account of low temperatures and risk of ice – but thanks and bravo to all who turned up anyway, Observers and Associates alike.  The do’s and don’ts of riding, the highway code Q&A and general training chit-chat was enjoyed by all.  Do keep your eyes on Tracker – there’s plenty to look forward to and sign-up for in the weeks and months ahead.

A quick heads-up for something new shortly to appear in the calendar – save the dates.  On Saturday 29 June there will be a twisty ride up to Suffolk for the L.A.M. Summer Barbecue at my place near Woolpit.  Stay nearby if you’d like (or camp in the garden) to make a weekend of it and come on a full day’s ride around Suffolk/Norfolk on Sunday 30th, getting back to London in the early evening.  All welcome, plenty of room, plenty of secure, free parking at mine - because we all worry about things like that don’t we!

I know it’s pretty chilly out there at the moment, so do be careful if you venture out.  But whether it’s on an OR, an AOR, a FMR or a social ride for everyone …. I’m looking forward to seeing you all back on the bikes when things get going.

Anthony Findlay