EM-musing

[Larry Litteral]

Thought some "old timers" might enjoy this memory. The event took place in 1958 or 1959.

 

While we were living on the new portion of the 600 block (Ocotillo,) Dennis McKnight also lived there. A few doors south of us, same side of the street. We both had bicycles and rode them a lot. I got mine while we lived at 902 Verbena, 3 or four years earlier.

 

One day Dennis and I were out riding up and down the street- the new portion. For some insane reason we decided to play "Chicken." Dennis started out at the south end, in front of the Bruce's house and headed north. I started out at the north end, in front of the Lambert's house. (Charles Lambert was a railroad engineer and we lived next to them.) I headed south toward Dennis.

 

We kept peddling, building up more and greater speed. Soon we rapidly kept getting closer and closer. Neither of us wavered our course. Dennis nor I were going to back down. Within the blink of eye our front wheels collided- dead center, head on! Of course, the resulting horrendously loud boom gave evidence that neither of us had chickened out. I had surely blown my front tire and believe he did, too.

 

In retrospect: <LOL> That seemed so loud back then that I now wonder if the camp thought it an unscheduled "Eagle landing." :)

 

I walked my bike back up the block to my house. It was no hero's welcome. Nor did I get a nice prize. My father was not pleased, to say the least. Dad told me I would not get a replacement inner tube and tire- never. :( Obviously, that was the last time I rode my bike. But it was the beginning of a glorious skateboard era! ;)

 

Have a great day.
Larry Litteral