Monthly Archives: September 2025

Official Opening of Newbold Comyn MTB Trails

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Tomorrow is the official opening of the MTB trails at Newbold Comyn in Leamington Spa – and Owen is the poster boy for the racing! The trails have been open for a few years, and are one of our regular haunts, but the cafe and bike shop only opened this summer, marking the competition of the project, so they are having an event to celebrate! Part of that event is a race down the blue trail.

Owen ended up being on the poster, as at a recent off road time trial event there he had a tame photographer (me) and I was asked to supply a photo for the poster. As Owen is the poster boy he will be racing, I might even do a couple of laps too! We will both also be photographing, and it should be a fun day.

Back to School 2025

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After a summer holiday that flew by, Owen and Henry started back at school today. As you can see from the photo, Henry was not as keen to go back as Owen. A rainy school run did not help. I am pleased to say that when I picked them up in the afternoon, both said that they had had brilliant days at school.

Owen’s First Day of Year Five

After a busy summer holiday, I think Owen is glad to get back to school for a break away from Henry. Owen’s homework for the summer holidays was to read “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”, which was no problem for him, but also to design and present a sweet machine. His “Lemon Sherbert Bomb” machine was well designed.

In addition to the mandatory photo by the front door, I asked Owen some questions, to record how he changes over the years:

  • Height: 143cm
  • Shoe size: 3.5
  • Bike(s): Vitus Nucleus 24 for mountain biking, Frog 69 for commuting and United Recruit 16 BMX for riding to school and at the skatepark. He also borrows a cycle speedway bike from the Cycle Speedway club.
  • Favourite colour: Red
  • Favourite food: Flying Cows bacon cheeseburger
  • Favourite book: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
  • Favourite thing to watch on TV: Beyblade X
  • Best thing we did over the summer holiday: Going to the Wave waterpark in Coventry (same as last year)
  • What do you want to be when you grow up? Lego designer

Henry’s First Day of Year Two

Henry less was keen to go back to school, or more accurately to wear school uniform. Henry’s homework was to take some photos in front of the summer holidays – an easy one for me to help with.

Henry also answered the back to school questions, at least he has a more realistic career aspiration than last year…

  • Height: 124cm
  • Shoe size: 13.5
  • Bike(s): Orbea MX20 (Owen’s old bike) for mountain biking, Frog 52 which still has not been converted to a cycle speedway bike and Frog 55 for riding to school. Henry also borrows a bike from the cycle speedway club.
  • Favourite colour: Blue
  • Favourite food: Pizza
  • Favourite book: Enchanted Wood
  • Favourite thing to watch on TV: Sam and Cat
  • Best thing we did over the summer holiday: Playdate with Gwen
  • What do you want to be when you grow up? A scientist