Pleasant surprises are always nice.

I'd gone to watch a cricket match (and if you think people look at you funny when you say you cycle, try telling them you enjoy cricket). Standing outside with the bike waiting for a friend I suddenly realised I'd left the keys to my lock 5 miles away at home. As I contemplated missing the start of the match having to ride home then back again I wandered up to the gate beside the ticket office to ask if there was any chance I could take the bike in.

As I put on my best pleading "I'm a muppet" face I noticed a bike chained to the fence behind the security bod, and my query was answered with an immediate "Yes of course, you can either chain it up there or just take it round to where you sit."

I was taken aback, pleased and relieved all in one instant and happily wheeled the bike round the ground, propping it against the scoreboard a few yards behind us. Granted this was a small ground, with only a few 100 people there to see Scotland capitulate against Lancashire, but the lack of any need to even think about bikes coming into the ground was refreshing and brightened my already good mood on a sunny and relaxed day.

Here's hoping for a summer of more surprises like that.

.anth

p.s. for the record Scotland were all out for 73 in 30 odd overs and Lancs knocked that off within 12 overs, finishing with an almighty 6 from Flintoff.