My Love For The Open Road: How It All Began
by Leander McClain
I recently purchased a motorcycle. Most people say, "I didn't know you were a biker". I have to admit that I love the open road. This is an affair that started about 40 years ago. Let me tell you a story.
When I was a kid, new neighbors moved in two doors away. They had a daughter and to m
y glee two sons; Billy and David Powell. As it turned out, they became like family. I spent countless hours at their house. One year for Christmas, they received Big Wheels. Oh boy, the neighborhood was in trouble. You see the Powell's driveway sloped upward and had a level area at the top. This was GREAT for us. We would see how fast we could ride down the driveway. Oh I forgot to say that the driveway ended abruptly, so we had to jam the steering wheel to the left or right to make a quick turn onto the sidewalk. If you have ever ridden a Big Wheel, you know that this motion will make the rear end spin around. Oh we had fun. We wore out more than one Big Wheel doing that for hours and hours, day in and day out. I always dreamed of having a Big Wheel, but never did.....but my neighbors always let me ride theirs. Thanks Rob & David. I'll never forget the fun times we had.
One Christmas, I received a bicycle. It wasn't the Schwinn Apple Crate that I had my eye on, but it was mine. The boys in the neighborhood spent countless hours riding on our bikes. There was Antwan Bullock, Alonzo Bullock, Abernathy Brown, Dennis Brown, Huey Brown and Jeff Howard. We would leave early on Saturday morning and might not show up at home until evening (unless we got hungry....but we rarely did). We lived close to Port Elizabeth. At that time, the port was very quiet on the weekend. So we rode & explored and went many places that we probably shouldn't have been, but we were boys....free from moms glare...on our bikes. Life couldn't get better.
In my teenage years, I finally talked my mom into letting me buy a mini bike. Man was I happy. 
Powered by a 3.5HP Briggs & Stratton motor, I was in heaven. I never had the new mini bike that I used to drool over in the Sears catalogue. Most came from police impound auctions or were assembled from various parts scavenged around the neighborhood. I was still very happy. My last mini bike limped home with a broken fork and broken riders (might have had something to do with those railroad tracks we decided to ride down behind an active warehouse.....lol). The fork let go in the middle of Dowd Avenue and left myself and Antwan in a pile on the side of the road...ouch that hurt.
Many years later, Antwan brought a used motorcycle ($200 - what a bargain). I told him that he was crazy and was going to kill himself. Soon after, he taught me how to ride and I was hooked. I was off on a search for my own bike. Antwan and I scoured the state. He would often get a call from me saying we had to go to a town 200 miles away tonight...to look at a bike (you see Antwan was my test pilot because I could not ride too good at that point). 
He never complained. That's a friend for you. Thanks Antwan....I never forgot.
Finally, I brought a 1980 Honda CM400T. Purchased while in college from a guy we called "Death Wish Dave".....that's a story for another day J. I rode that for a number of years and then purchased a bike that I have always loved....a 1982 Honda V45 Magna. You see at this time, Jeff had a V65 Magna. I always thought he was going to kill himself as he came by me on the highway doing 80 on 1 wheel. Jeff was crazy, but he loved riding that bike. As it turns out, the bike wasn't the thing killed him. Miss you Jeff....I never forgot all of the good times we had.
When I decided that I wanted a new bike, I was going to get a sport bike. My nephew Chad brought me back down to earth when he said "Pops, you are old. Get a Harley, sit back and chill out". I have to admit that he was right (not about being old J). So this week, I brought a new bike. A Harley-Davidson Super Glide. She is pretty, she is shiny and new. Once again, I am happy. I am like that little boy I once was when I got the new bike for Christmas. I can't wait to get outside and ride.
I plan to ride many, many miles. I will remember the journey and my friends that help me along the way. I will never forget my childhood friends. You see without them and the experiences we had, I would not be who I am today. I love all you guys. Thank You.
I Live To Ride
I Ride To Live
Leander McClain, Burlington /Camden County, NJ Realtor & Real Estate Consultant, Keller Williams Realty, 1814 Route 70 E Cherry Hill, NJ 08003 856-685-1677 Direct
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what a beautiful bike Leander!!! And a great story!! I used to ride years and years ago - and just our son is the biker these days. You'll have to join them down in Myrtle Beach next year for bike week. Cruise safely - and enjoy that open road! Pamela
OMG... did you really ride that yellow bike with the shifter? I totally remember those. I personally loved my Big Wheel. Tons of fun when I was a kid. Purchased a motorcycle when I was 19, my uncle borrowed it and trashed it. Have not had a bike since then.
John - the yellow apple crate was the one I wanted (actually I wanted the purple one). But it's not what I had. I always dreamed of having one though
Pam - I have a few friends that will be down at bike week. I might have to add that to my agenda. Have a great day
Leander
Leander - Great story, enjoy the new toy just don't ride in front of me I am always nervous that I am going to hit biker the way they weave in and out between cars.