Inspired me to try figuring out how many years I've been at it.
I started riding when I was 14 or 15, I bought some of a Honda 50 step-through from a neighbor older kid (probably 17 at the time) who had first disassembled the engine then was incapable of getting it back together to run. Then he bought another 50 with collision damage - front wheel destroyed, no bars or controls, and forks bent back - but a running engine. I got the unstartable engine and everything from his "new" machine except the engine for $10 or $20. With sort-of straightened forks mounting a brakeless small bicycle wheel, a wooden stick handlebar, a bicycle brake lever throttle, and the engine running (he didn't understand cam timing) I was on my way to a life of riding later that day. There were a few places I could ride "legally" close by especially on Sundays. I didn't do much except ride "on any Sunday"!
I got my street license early spring in my 16th (and finally licensable) year, 1969. I had already bought the other complete Honda 50 from the same neighbor who moved up to a Honda Dream 150. I got a used CB77 later that summer. With megaphones... loudest bike I have ever owned.
That fugly bent up 50 hit the road 43 or 44 years ago. I have not missed a riding season since.
