Friday
Aug072015
The Old Bike
Posted on 
Friday, August 7, 2015 at 10:30PM
Friday, August 7, 2015 at 10:30PM 
The Old Bike
I love it, I love it, and who shall dare
To chide me for loving that old bike there?
I've treasured it long as a sainted prize,
And its battered old frame brings the tears to my eyes;
'Tis bound with a thousand bands to my heart,
Though the sprocket's bent and the links are apart.
Would you know the spell? My grandma sat there,
Upon that old saddle, and zipped through the air.
In childhood's hour I lingered near
That old machine, with listening ear,
For grandma's shrieks through the house would ring
If I even happened to touch the thing.
She told me to wait until she dies,
Then I could take it and learn to ride.
And once I caused her to tear her hair,
When I cut the tire of that old wheel there.
'Tis old, 'tis wrecked, but I gaze on it now
With quivering breath and with throbbing brow.
'Twas there she sat—ah, how she could ride,
With grandpa humping along at her side!
Say it is folly, call it a joke,
But the scrap-man can't have even a spoke,
For I love it, I love it, and can not bear
To part with my grandma's old bike there!
To chide me for loving that old bike there?
I've treasured it long as a sainted prize,
And its battered old frame brings the tears to my eyes;
'Tis bound with a thousand bands to my heart,
Though the sprocket's bent and the links are apart.
Would you know the spell? My grandma sat there,
Upon that old saddle, and zipped through the air.
In childhood's hour I lingered near
That old machine, with listening ear,
For grandma's shrieks through the house would ring
If I even happened to touch the thing.
She told me to wait until she dies,
Then I could take it and learn to ride.
And once I caused her to tear her hair,
When I cut the tire of that old wheel there.
'Tis old, 'tis wrecked, but I gaze on it now
With quivering breath and with throbbing brow.
'Twas there she sat—ah, how she could ride,
With grandpa humping along at her side!
Say it is folly, call it a joke,
But the scrap-man can't have even a spoke,
For I love it, I love it, and can not bear
To part with my grandma's old bike there!
How many remember such a fine bike...purchased new and pasted down to how ever many kids were in the family...than saved, for the parts...I had three brothers. Not a piece was ever wasted...ah, the good old days.
Taken with Fuji X-E2
Reader Comments (13)
I do remember this kind of bike, I have a picture of me on one. I think I must have been around 5 or so. Nice scene with the old door as a background. Looks like it has been well used.
One tricycle was all we had for three girls. Later when we turned 12 we got to go to the bike store and pick out our very own new bicycle that we'd use until we moved out. I do regret selling my bike though. We loved our wagon too. This is a really great shot. Where did you take it and is it yours? Ours was red and white. I also love the vintage processing on it. You're so good with the soft gentle colors!! Thanks for the memories dear friend.
Love your processing here!
I remember stilts, my pogo stick, a wheel sled and a very small 2 wheeler which I just got on and rode . . .
This looks like it was well loved. Great find, Dear Cheryl! Hope you are enjoying your summer! xox
The processing is superb on this! I had a purple one with streamers coming out the end of the handlebars.
Barbara that must be a really cute photo of you on the bike. I love old photos. Makes me think about what those days were like. Thanks for your visit.
Yes Beverly in our day we did a lot of sharing also but since I was the only girl, with 3 brothers , I mostly got new. This tricycle is not mine and I didn't ever have one but I do remember my first bike and like Sarah, I had streamers on that. I also remember how happy I was to get it. We didn't get many big ticket items. I love your discription of your bike history. Thanks so much for coming by for a visit. 😀
Antoinette, you had so many lovely things. I think I would have injured myself on a pogo stick. I wasn't very coordinated most days. Lol. I love the orocessing of the photos as much as the taking of them. So relaxing. This summer has been a bit off but getting better now. Enjoy your August . Thank you for stopping by.
Purple and streamers, sounds heavenly and girly Sarah. Thanks for your lovely comment on the edit. I can get lost in editing. Have a beautiful week ahead and thank you for your visit.
Cheryl, This post brings back such sweet memories. My bicycle represented freedom in the small town where I grew up. I spent every day riding my bike, and it took me everywhere. I took a bike to college and still ride my bike most every day. And often, it is one of the best forms of therapy for me - as my troubles seem to ease away with every down stroke of the pedal. Thank you for reminding me of the goodness of life today (I really needed it - feeling a little sorry for myself in the struggle to care for my mother). Always a treat to see your name pop up in my Inbox.
I remember having a tricycle like that when I was a child! Wonderful photo!
Just wonderful!
Oh yes, we had a few of those. This one looks like it's had lots of love! Sometimes we would tie ours together and make a train...many hours riding around our driveway. What great memories. Thanks for reminding me of them, Cheryl! Love the vintage tones in your image and that fabulous old door!
So it looks like we all have had a turn around the block on our tricycle's...and lots of fond memories of those days...thank you all for coming with me on a ride around the old block...