Bicycle Freedom By: Jeff Rabenort

Part of the challenge of growing up in a small town is finding what to do each day when you are not old enough to have a job.  And, this is growing up pre-video games and MTV.  No internet!  So, what to do?

For me, it was the bicycle.  The Western Flyer Buzz Bike that took me to the Drug Store, the IGA, Grandma’s house, school, but most importantly it took me to my friend’s houses for the Whiffle Ball games that were planned well in advance so we could get box scores and line ups for the next game! 

The Buzz Bike had the classic banana seat, and you always were trying to think of ways to modify it so you had the coolest bike in town.  The town of Okawville was a perfect size for bike cruising because you did not have to go real far to see who was out in the yard or get to your next destination. 

My friends all had bikes, also, so when we rode through town, we felt pretty cool with strength in numbers.  Not that we needed it, but it felt cool to be with friends!  And, during the hot summer days, we all found it fun to run over and pop the oil bubbles that came up from the road.

Moms were also the best because we could count on some cold Kool-Aid when we made a stop at my or my friend’s house.  But, we had to be conscious of the time and when supper was going to be ready.  If we heard the Methodist Church 5 o’clock organ chimes, we may be late.  Not good!

But as we got older (still pre-drivers license), the 10 speed became the desired bike!!  How fast could we go with these things?  Plus, there was an added freedom!  The bigger tires and ten speeds gave us the flexibility and courage to venture to the neighboring towns.  More friends and more ball games! 

We all eventually got the ten speed and ventured to Addieville for games with the Blumhorst brothers; we traveled to Venedy to see Bill Leadendecker; and we even ventured to Nashville because there was a pool and girls we didn’t really know, but thought it might be cool to talk with them. Don’t know that we really did!  But, the ride home always seemed longer than the ride getting there, and the wind was always in our faces, right? 

I still remember the Christmas morning that I saw the Buzz Bike!  All the excitement and wild imagination of what you would do with that bike.  Wait till the friends see!  We all know winters in Washington County, IL.  I don’t remember exactly when I could hit the streets with my new blue piece of rolling freedom, but when I could, I was there!

Thank you Western Flyer, and thank you Mom and Dad!