REMEMBER YOUR FIRST BIKE?
I’m constantly amazed at the amount of people who tell me “My first bike was a Raleigh”. Before I can even ask ‘which Raleigh they had’ I’m hearing a complete description of their bike and a great story about it. Every tale ends with a huge smile and look of fond memories in their eye. Â
When I finally get a word in edgewise I ask them what they’re riding now.  The tone in their voice changes from excitment to humdrum. The glimmer in their eye fades, and the description becomes a brief overview.Â
There’s just something about that first “real” bike that we’ve all had. A connection. A feeling.
Byron over at Bike Hugger forwarded me this story they posted on their site recently. It’s a lovely read and really makes me wonder where my first “real” bike is these days.   Where ever it is, I hope its still creating great memories.Â
Kenneth Alfaro | March 5, 2009 6:13 pm
Hahaha my first bike was a Raleigh and I am proud of it! I missed it and wish one day have another one, and old one! mine was given from my grandfather, I am from Costa Rica and here she end up, and yes, I said she because for me and my granpa she is called Patricia, that was the name of my raleigh, sadly, here in Costa Rica there is no culture enought to let your bike alone for a second… with out having the bad luck of getting it stolen…
I know, great memories not happy ending. But great to enter the said and look at them at least in pictures, Jah bless!
kenneth
Harry Turner | March 6, 2009 9:45 pm
Mine was a Royce Union banana-seater. When I think how we rode around my hometown, it’s a wonder I’m alive today.
Evan Sittler | March 9, 2009 6:22 pm
According to my father “a tricycle”. Haha. I remember getting a gt bmx bike, and a roadmaster mountain bike around 7th grade. I got my first road bike (Raleigh Sport) as a present this past Sept. for graduating college. I’ve kept it spick and span ever since, and ride it daily. Now I’m addicted to cycling and to Raleigh bikes. I’m currently working on a series of Raleigh bicycle ads for fun (I”m a graphic designer) .
Devon Cloutier | March 12, 2009 12:25 am
I am 20 years old and recently inherited my first road bike from my uncle, its an old Raleigh Super Course Mk 2, I don’t know what year it is but I am absolutely in love with this bike. Pretty much every opportunity I’m found riding around the streets of downtown Sacramento. Favorite bike ever. Wouldn’t trade it for the world.
Mike Rosso | June 4, 2009 5:21 pm
Being born in England and moving to the states in ’80, I acquired a Raleigh Commando in ’75. first ‘real’ bike with twist grip 3 speed sturmey archer. After that in ’79 obtained a used Raleigh Olympus 5 speed ‘racer’ before moving here, a charm to ride up and down the hills of Sheffield. After moving to the states and coming of age, was led down the ’10 speed’ road and had a couple of those. Now, 43, I want to relive the moments I had when I was younger with a new Raleigh.