The one(s) that got away...
 

I remember certain bikes in my life that were either benchmarks and/or catalysts to my budding obsession in biking (mainly road). All of these are long gone, yet not in memory. At least one I would love to still have.

My first new (and super cool) bike (age 7-8?)-Schwinn Fastback 5sp Stingray definitely the catalyst to many more bikes to come.
My first real road bike-Rudge with shop parts swap...and a Stronglight cottlerless crank (my first).
MY JP Weigle custom-still in my memory as the most beautiful bike I can imagine. A miracle I had something to do with its aesthetic outcome. I miss this bike, it was a timeless piece of art by Peter and Betsy Weigle, it rode great, it became a part of me and I earned every nick/scrape/ding on it the hard way.

I have no boundaries for where anyone wants to take this thread..Lets call it a sentimental journey for those old enough to have some interesting ones!!!

k

http://www.pointhappy.com/gcf/Gordons1stBikeSm.jpg

It didn't get away. It's still there in my heart. It was the bicycle on which I first pedaled too far.

1960 Fleetwing. Aluminum fenders, headlight, rack, basket and skinny street slicks. My first commuter/utility bike. The apple hasn't fallen far from the tree.

Oh, the indignities I put it through. Ape hanger handle bars, rear Wald baskets, modified the seat with pliers, painted it with yellow house paint, and then finally after 4 years of abuse, it disappeared out of the school bicycle rack.

I guess it ran away. ;) That or somebody wanted the ape-hanger handlebars.

That photo and look into the world of your youth. Honestly...brought a tear to my eye.

Thank you...

k