middleageman Posted December 23, 2008 Report Share Posted December 23, 2008 (edited) I'm about to unfold, a story from my teenage years, about a Christmas morning.But first, let me paint you the picture.When I was thirteen years old, the year was 1982.A new bike had arrived on our shores from America. This bike was every lads dream machine.They called it the Bicycle Motocross - the 'BMX'!(They were probably in this country earlier, but not in our town!).For those who weren't there, at that time, this bike seemed like it had arrived from another planet!One by one, their numbers grew. Some rich lad from school. Then a mate's mate had one.Christmas loomed....and passed. It seemed that Santa had bought practically everyone I knew a brand new BMX!Except me.It was a long year. A year of trying to perform jumps and stunts on second hand 'racing bikes', bought from thesmall ads of the local newsagents window by my Dad. They broke, a lot. I managed to persuade him to buy me a set of 'cowhorn handlebars'for my birthday so I could fit in a little more. I didn't.Then my Dad suddenly brought home one day, a second hand Raleigh Grifter!Now, for the uninitiated, this was a 'must have' bike from the late seventies. It was almost a BMX, in looks at most, but weighed the same as a baby Hippo.Nevermind, I was happy!Because this bike was as strong as, well, a baby Hippo, it meant I could perform jumps and stunts as well as my mates. This bike took no end of punishment, scratches, dents and dirt, until that fateful day, when I obliterated my rear wheel.My Dad wasn't annoyed this time? When I asked if it could be fixed, he just replied with a knowing wink and said "We'll see".'Of course', I thought, 'Christmas is only three weeks away!'. I had pointed out, in my Mums catalogue, the BMX I desired several times that year.December the 25th. Christmas morning.After enthusiastically opening my stocking fillers, I had a gut feeling. I knew something greater awaited.I was beckoned to the front room. Next to the Christmas tree stood a large present wrapped head to toe in gift paper.A bike shaped present!"Merry Christmas Son!". My parents words echoed around my elated mind.In a frenzy, I tore wrapping paper from seat, wrapping paper from handlebar, wrapping paper from wheel..............and there.....stood before me......in all it's glory....!!!....was my Raleigh Grifter.....cleaned and polished....with a new BACK WHEEL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Edited December 23, 2008 by middleageman Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dan Thornton Posted December 23, 2008 Report Share Posted December 23, 2008 It was almost a BMX, in looks at most, but weighed the same as a baby Hippo. that was savage. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sidehop Stuart Posted December 23, 2008 Report Share Posted December 23, 2008 Merry Xmas mate. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ginger allen echo Posted December 23, 2008 Report Share Posted December 23, 2008 Yep.. merry christmas bud Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MadManMike Posted December 23, 2008 Report Share Posted December 23, 2008 Awesome story, well told.I thought up until the last line you got that shiny BMX Did you ever get it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TonyB Posted December 23, 2008 Report Share Posted December 23, 2008 Quality. You're right - the Grifter weighed a ton. Wheelied like a demon though. Happy daze. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mtchell Posted December 24, 2008 Report Share Posted December 24, 2008 LolWicked story mate, made me laugh i thought it was going to be a BMX lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Connor Powell Posted December 24, 2008 Report Share Posted December 24, 2008 I dont get it? whats the point of the story? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sidehop Stuart Posted December 24, 2008 Report Share Posted December 24, 2008 I dont get it? whats the point of the story?It's about Christmas time Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Connor Powell Posted December 24, 2008 Report Share Posted December 24, 2008 And? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sidehop Stuart Posted December 24, 2008 Report Share Posted December 24, 2008 And?....and him receiving a christmas present I think. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JackDolan Posted December 24, 2008 Report Share Posted December 24, 2008 merry christmas mate Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MadManMike Posted December 24, 2008 Report Share Posted December 24, 2008 How could you possibly not understand that?Read it a bit slower maybe? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
txt2007 Posted December 24, 2008 Report Share Posted December 24, 2008 This is why you should post your stories in the real forum, cleverness is wasted on nmc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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