I vaguely remember Mom saying something about my being too young and my Dad replying that I was already riding bikes anyway, why not? All I know for sure is the green single speed bike I got on my birthday. Man, it was too big for me, but it was mine, and I got a thrill just being able to ride it!

Next came a Schwinn Collegiate 5-speed (heavy but "cool,") then years later I bought my own first bike here in Atlanta after graduating high school: another Schwinn, a Traveller III 10-speed, only about $160 (1978-ish.)