Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Blue Bike

I had one of these in high school. I didn't want my driver's license; I wanted one of these. Dad tried his hardest to talk me out of it with many incentive-laced deals, but I had my heart set. He even said he'd get me that All-American car. Call me crazy! And by the way, many did. Nope! Not me, not then. At the time, there was a new Honda dealership opening on Forest Avenue, and I wanted in. When Mom and Dad reluctantly said yes, I paid the full price of $250 out of my paper route savings and excitedly drove out of the lot with my pride and joy. Why a bike and not a car? Well, sometimes I'm still puzzled by it myself. Maybe it was the freedom of having the wind in my hair and I had a lot; maybe it was just me listening to that 'different drummer' again calling me from off in the distance. Thank goodness I still hear that beat today. Was it the ad in the glossy magazine that touted "over 200 miles per gallon"? Are you kidding me? I guess I just needed to get it out of my system. I enjoyed immensely those years with my trusted friend. No, loved them! So few years really, so many memories made.
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26 comments:

  1. brattcatAugust 3, 2011 at 7:23 AM

    I'm soooooo glad you were able to realize this dream. If only your wishes had prevailed in the puppy department. By the way, this is such a fine composition.

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  2. BirdmanAugust 3, 2011 at 7:25 AM

    Kitty, does puppy love count? hahahaha

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  3. HalcyonAugust 3, 2011 at 7:27 AM

    If you don't have to drive really long distances, I think a vehicle like this would be a lot of fun! Except on rainy days. ;)

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  4. Cezar and LéiaAugust 3, 2011 at 7:29 AM

    I agree with Brattcat, so nice that you enjoy this dream.
    Nowadays in big cities, maybe a "motorcycle" could be a little bit dangerous for the students.Oh gosh, I'm starting again, please forgive me I think I'm getting old so fast! :)
    Have a wonderful day and thanks for sharing this beautiful memory, it's very lovely!
    Léia

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  5. JackAugust 3, 2011 at 7:41 AM

    Good for you, Birdman. I never had that dream myself, but I can understand others having it. You know, they still sell them, gas prices are high, and maybe you deserve a little treat . . .

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  6. OlivierAugust 3, 2011 at 8:36 AM

    une belle vespa, qui me fait penser aux vieux films italiens

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  7. PerthDailyPhotoAugust 3, 2011 at 8:49 AM

    I can relate to that Birdman, they just seem like so much fun, I wouldn't mind one now, you know just to nip down to the shops. The one pictured above is particularly attractive, powder blue, nice!!!

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  8. RandyAugust 3, 2011 at 9:16 AM

    These always look like fun! Nice shot Birdman.

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  9. EG CameraGirlAugust 3, 2011 at 9:22 AM

    Sometimes it's difficult to understand why we make the choices we do. I'd say it must have been right for you at the time as you apparently feel no regrets.

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  10. KateAugust 3, 2011 at 9:23 AM

    I still want one!

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  11. AnonymousAugust 3, 2011 at 9:24 AM

    I like your determination. It usually pays off like a first thought does.

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  12. VirginiaAugust 3, 2011 at 9:32 AM

    I"m glad you are still marching to that beat Bird. We all should.

    I think you made a fine choice but I beat it put a crimp in your dating situation! HA
    V

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  13. SharonAugust 3, 2011 at 11:11 AM

    There is a certain free feeling you get when riding a motor bike!

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  14. LowellAugust 3, 2011 at 11:56 AM

    I understand completely. That's what I wanted, too. I finally got one but it was a cheapo little thing. My friend had a fantastic "scooter," but I can't remember the name of it...looked kind of like a small Harley - this was in 1951-1952...he gave me a ride to school every morning!

    It IS rather hot in Oveido now but not as hot as other places around the country. And everything is air-conditioned. She'll survive. And in a few months she'll try to talk you into moving there! :-)

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  15. BirdmanAugust 3, 2011 at 12:12 PM

    ... not in August though! hahahaha Please do't tell her this.

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  16. Julie ScottsdaleDailyPhoto.comAugust 3, 2011 at 12:38 PM

    that was an interesting choice over a car but i bet you did love it and you must have wanted that european feeling as they drive scooters everywhere in europe. it is also very chic

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  17. cieldequimperAugust 3, 2011 at 12:48 PM

    Well I'm a coward. You couldn't pay me enough money to use one of these in Paris.

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  18. ReenaAugust 3, 2011 at 1:01 PM

    You were ahead of your time!

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  19. RedPatAugust 3, 2011 at 1:32 PM

    I always wanted a little red MG but never had one - you're lucky to have had your dream ride!

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  20. KaoriAugust 3, 2011 at 1:37 PM

    You hear these are dangerous these days but I always wanted to ride on the back of one :-D

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  21. Betsy Banks AdamsAugust 3, 2011 at 2:25 PM

    Good for you---following your dreams. It's fun to move to a 'different drum' don't you think?????? These days with gas prices like they are (and going to be much higher, thanks to our wonderful Govt)---that little Honda would be a dream of many of us...
    Betsy

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  22. VPAugust 3, 2011 at 2:27 PM

    We have too many of these things around! They say one out three of my fellow citizens own a scooter, so it makes around 55.000 of these riding about town...
    When I was young it was different, I had the same dream... but now it is a nightmare!

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  23. BirdmanAugust 3, 2011 at 4:09 PM

    Oh VP, I agree. Anyway, I want a Harley now!

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  24. Bob CroweAugust 3, 2011 at 9:06 PM

    I can understand the youthful thrill but a motor scooter in Portland ain't exactly useful year round - or can you put snow tires on a scooter? I had a beat-up Triumph TR4 for a while when I was in college. What a piece of delightful junk.

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  25. Folkways Note BookAugust 3, 2011 at 11:13 PM

    Oh boy -- memories. My first boyfriend had one of these and we would ride with the wind -- wonderful machines -- barbara

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  26. CaTAugust 7, 2011 at 11:17 AM

    :) cute....
    so far i never got beyond the bicycle....

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