Been doing bike stuff since I was 13-14. 1967'ish My first legal (well nearly legal) ride was on my 16th birthday in the snow and sub-zero temp. Dad RIP bought me a Honda 50 C100 second hand for £5. " YOUR NOT TO RIDE IT ON THE ROAD UNTIL IT'S TAXED, TESTED, AND INSURED) were his words... Well, 07:00 on 18th December 1969 Dad set off to work in the snow. 08:00 I was up, dressed and ready to go. My biking attire consisted of wellies with white socks turned down over the top, duffle-coat, welding gloves, and a pudding basin helmet with a peak, and a pair of grinding goggles. Bike out and I'm off. License, insurance, and MOT all sorted the week before. Mission! ride to Matlock Motor Taxation Office to get my tax and registration. (you couldn't get your tax and registration at the Post Office then). So from home in Hadfield, Glossop. Top speed was 37MPH downhill, feet out as the bike slid everywhere in the snow and ice. The total distance there and back 70 miles, and it took me 9 hours. I arrived home 10 minutes before Dad. I told him I went on the bus But I think he suspected I'd gone on the bike as my duffle coat was soaked.
But I think he suspected I'd gone on the bike as my duffle coat was soaked.