In the Beginning...Well, God and then my desire for wheels.

OK, at the very start it was a trike when I was 7 years old. Lived near the top of a hill and enjoyed the morning ritual of riding the little pedal trike down the hill to see how high up the next hill I could climb.

PROBLEM: Maintenance was required. On the way down the pin linking the front forks to the main frame fell out!!! I should have learnt that PJ's/Shorts/Tee Shirts/Thongs don't protect against gravel rash. 

I picked up the two pieces of the trike and very slowly walked up the now extremely steep hill and home. After having my many scrapes attended to, I was unceremoniously sent to school. Still have evidence on my behind, 64 years later.   

That was my first incling of the freedom wheels could bring, as well as the pain associated with riding. The next pic. Says it all. My very first road registered motorcycle. I was 16 and 9 months. Old enough to apply and get a Learner's Permit for a motorcycle. Yes, it was a Twin Filler 1968 Mark 3 Ducati. Stories to tell about that one. The book goes into far greater detail.