Neighborhood kids loving the old bikes

[MR D]

Just a couple days ago many of the kids on my street were all riding their bikes up and down the sidewalks. It was fun watching them race all in a line back and forth. Many of them had cards taped to their rear dropouts to make that familiar clapping noise on the spokes (ahh, the memories). I decided to bring the twin Schwinn's out and show them off a bit. This brought more than a little attention. The kids were all trying to show patience at getting their turn at riding either of them. They ALL had their chance, and I tell you what, from the smiles on their faces they were loving it. The boys even bickering about not wanting to ride the girls bike, but they said it was a smoother riding bike! Go figure that one. I had them guess how old the bikes were, and many said "Oh about 20 years or so". When I told them +50 years old, they looked shocked! Most of these kids had never even seen or heard the buzzers on a bike, let alone a bell on the handlebars. So, for about 20 minutes there was buzzing all up and down the street, bells dinging, laughing, kids being kids enjoying a simple ride on some old bikes.

I was in heaven, and I suppose they were too. I hope in a small way I sparked something in them to appreciate what we used to have and how to respect things made of quality and manufactured for stability and longevity. They probably missed any of those notions because they were having too much fun on my bikes. It was great to see them in motion with the right size kids riding them (not some old fella like me)!

I just wanted to share this with you all. I WILL be doing it again...soon.

Mr D.

 

[jd56]

That is a great chance to show off and see how the relics you (we) have under power off the young that they were designed for.
Mr. D you are a brave man to allow youngters to ramble down the streets on you classics.
Not sure I could do that unless it (the vintage bike) was still slated for resto. Or someone was test driving one anticipating a purchase.

I can imagine and visualize the buzz all the kids were having, waiting to get a chance to ride them.
Baseball cards slapping the spokes...I do remember. I also remembering tearing up some good cards. Sure wish I had some of those rookie cards back today...lol

Good for you and your zeal to impress and instill the true feeling of riding a vintage bike. Soon they will be knocking on the door on Saturday morning to see and ride them again. Kids, got to love them, and hopefully it is an chance to educate those new collectors, you never know, you may have created some vintage collector monsters. Then again the parents might be knocking on the door early in the morning to get a chance to step back in time.

 

[MR D]

Ha HA! I WAS shaking a bit, but I figured...go ahead and let 'em feel what it's like to ride on them. I can't recall how many times I said "watch the paint now, swing your leg up behind the seat...".

One girl mentioned that the seats were comfy, and could she get one for her bike. I just told her that it was the springs, not all that gooey gel stuff they use today.

As far as riding them again, it already happened...yesterday. Two kids on their 20" trick bikes wanted me to bring them out again. I said another day, don't want to spoil them too much!

Thanks for the nice comments!

 

[PhattCatBicycles]

Good times! Two of my daughters friends (14 - 15yo) loves my old bikes and cand wait untill they can get one. Wait until they see her 1947 RoadMaster I'm restoring.

Brooks

 

[MR D]

Good times! Two of my daughters friends (14 - 15yo) loves my old bikes and cand wait untill they can get one. Wait until they see her 1947 RoadMaster I'm restoring.

Brooks

I also have a 40's model Roadmaster boys bike that I'm working on. It will become a "Ratrod". I'm working on a paint scheme right now, and I'm putting a 3" tire on the rear. I want it to appeal to the younger boys who've never ridden on anything like it.

I guess the whole thing is getting them out there and seeing them being ridden. I get to see my hobby enjoyed by younger people who may someday hope and wish for something like what I have...not just what every other kid can get at Wallmart. It would be cool to see a continuing interest in the classic bikes...to keep the flame going so to speak. Thing is, I don't really see that spark in their eyes when they get on their $89 special, as compared to riding on my "old" bikes! I get joy from that alone.

Keep 'em shined up and road (sidewalk) ready. You never know how much it matters until you pull them out for more than just the annual swap meet and show.

Mr D.

 

[Porkchop & Applesauce]

I know this is a super old thread but this is what it’s all about for me! Get to share these old school rides with folks young and old alike is the magic about them for me! I’ve turned many of young and older into vintage bike aholcs and seize every opportunity to share this with anyone who wants to give it a go! My favorite move is to make em pick one up! The “ oh man!!! That’s heavy!!!” Makes them expect a very difficult to ride bike. 99 percent come back amazed by how wonderful they ride and how smooth they are! Love it!! Keep spreading that love !