Back In the Saddle Aagin
 

It is said that somethings can so old that they're new again. Well for me that's true of bicycling.

Like most American kids -- at least when I was growing up in the `50s -- bicycling was a way of life. My pals and I went everywhere on bicycles. Shwinns and Roadmasters for most - the big balloon tired models. I had a mid-weight Royce Union that allowed me to be the quickest kid in the neighborhood. Then, a bit later, when in my teens, a 3 speed Rudge bought 2nd hand that never gave me a lick of trouble and that took me everywhere until I got my drivers license after which it served my parents in their retirement years (and is probably still serving someone well until this day!).

In 1970 my wife and I gave each other Raleigh Sprites for our first anniversary. These we used on and off for about ten years after which they were left in an old shed untended and unloved. Until now.

I have been big into motorsports. Ducati high-performance motorcycles especially, but also the restoration of an old (`77) Fiat Spider that has been a part of my life now for almost 24 years.

But recently my son and DIL got into bicycling and encouraged my wife and I to join them. We went to a bike shop to get up to date on what is available and I am not sure what stunned me more... the bikes, with their wonderful technology or the prices! In any case I walked out in a daze leaving my son much amused at his 'still in the `60s' dad.

Upon getting home I said to my wife "What about getting out our old Raleighs?" And after getting them out into the light of day and hosing off the years of detritus two lovely bikes reappeared. A bit of rust here and there, but basically sound. In fact after the application of some Three in One oil and several pumps of air I was back riding again.Now my bike is in the shop getting serviced. The tires and tubes I was told are fine (amazing!) but the chain is being replaced and the crank bearing repacked. The grips were hard as stone and corroded and the once glorious Brooks saddle had dried out past help. Those are being replaced.

This Saturday I pick her up and am as excited about it as a kid with a new bicycle.

Can't wait! And I'm looking forward to listening, learning and knowing myself, getting fully into the swing of things here on the Bike Forums!

-Don

Welcome to the forums Don!

Don,

You mentioned in your other thread about the replaced pedal. Try ebay. You should have no problem finding a set in good condition.

Howdy and welcome to the forums! Great looking bike with a story and memories to boot. I hope you share a photo of the serviced rides, that is a beautiful bike.