Redartz: One thing we all had in common, back in the Bronze Age, was our form of transportation. As kids, and frequently as college students, a bicycle was the cheapest, easiest, and (in my opinion) the most fun means to get from place to place. These two-wheeled wonders were, and are, great exercise and good for the environment. No fuel required, except some generous leg power. And for some of us, that bike in the garage became a close friend (think of Ben Hanscomb's bike "Silver" in the Steven King book "It"). In my case, the bike was almost an extension of my body, especially during the summer months.
In my pre-teen years, this cherry-red beauty was my steed. Very much like a Schwinn Stingray, but not a Shwinn ( I think it was a Huffy).Only one speed, but a hand brake, banana seat and slick rear tire. I loved that bike (and boy, could it pop a wheelie!).
A few years later, in high school and college, a Schwinn 10-speed Continental much like this one was my ride. It got me back and forth across town, to school and back, to driver's education class, down many country roads, and of course to the comic shop. Unfortunately it was stolen, a fate that befell more than one bike in my former possession (still hard to figure how they cut the heavy chain lock when I had parked it in the bike rack outside the local library). For many years after, it was a car or walking. But after parenthood hit, the call of the two-wheeler summoned me once again. I still ride, although not nearly enough...
What got you around town? Do you still ride? Ever ride in a bike-a-thon or race? Were you unfortunate enough to have suffered a crack-up or two (I did, but only needed stitches once)? Share your cycling stories today!
