This is a picture of me on my first bike, most likely my first time riding it, around March of 1964, I’d be about 7 years old. My dad was in the Army and we lived in Germany. My folks had bought me a sled for Christmas and there was no snow so they bought me the bike for my March birthday and of course it snowed. The only place to ride it was in the huge attic of the apartment we lived in on the military post. I’d just ride it round and round, dodging the ceiling joists and support poles.
I had that bike for about 8 years, repainting it several times, putting the high handle bars on, banana seat, it was really cool. When we lived in Alaska in the early 70’s I even lengthened the front fork and attacked a little ski on front. Sounded like a good idea at the time (one has lots of time to dream up ideas like this over the long cold winters there), but it only worked going downhill, as the rear tire had no traction in the snow.
I’m not sure whatever happened to this bike, but recall I graduated to a 10 speed in high school. Sold it at age 16 when I bought my first car. Did not own another bike until around the year 2000 and rarely rode it. It was not until 2009 that I got back in the saddle (bike saddle) and started off again. And WOW, what an adventure I have had.
Special thanks to my Mom and Dad for getting me started all those years ago and igniting the love of cycling.