"Impressions of a Young Boy"

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Have you had experiences such as mine as a young child? "The Bouncing Seat" My uncle's motorcycle was a sight for sore eyes As he rode it to our house for Dad to see. He stopped it in the front and then he shut the motor down; I excitedly approached (but cautiously). It was the latest "Indian" (a very heavy bike). To me, it seemed real long and very, wide. He picked me up and sat me on a very bouncey seat Then set me down and told me, "Step aside". He called my Dad to come out here and see what he just bought. My Dad appeared and boy was he surprised! My uncle Dewy handed Dad the motorcycle key And said, "Here Brother, try it on for size". My Dad said, "Son, just stand aside while I start up this thing". He placed me on his left and turned the key; He then did something stranger than I'd ever seen him do... He then began to bounce upon the seat. He bounced and paused, then bounced and paused, then bounced up one more time. Then suddenly the bike roared back to life. It was 6 months before I learned just what I didn't see: THE FOOT-PEG STARTER ON MY FATHER'S RIGHT. Today I miss those bouncing ways to start a motorbike. Now all it takes is one turn of the key. Back then it made you feel like you were now a "macho" man If bouncing, you could start a bike with ease. By Carl J. Bridgman Jan.29, 2025