I don't remember learning to ride a bicycle. I'm sure I started with a tricycle and must have moved up to a bicycle at some point. But as far as I'm concerned, I was born riding a bike.

The first bike I really remember was a 26" Schwinn coaster-brake bicycle. Man, that bike was great. I'd stand up and pump the pedals and then sit back and ride. It had streamers on the handlebars and a manly squeeze-bulb horn (no silly ding-a-ling bell for me in those days). I'd clip a couple playing cards on the seat stays or the fork with clothes pins so they dragged in the spokes to make it sound like a motorcycle.

With this bike, I could go anywhere I wanted in our town. The bike gave me freedom, mobility and independence. And it was pure pleasure to ride.