1973

When I was young, my father took me to the local RCMP bicycle auctions to buy one or two old and broken bicycles. At home he would combine all the good parts, and build one nice bike. At one memorable bike auction, my Dad had bid 50 cents on a bike. It was the third bike that had been wheeled out onto the auction block, with broken brake cables, a missing wheel or handle bars dangling uselessly from the frame. My father's first two bids of 50 cents for each of these bikes had not been challenged. As the third bike was wheeled out for bidding, a few interested onlookers turned to watch my father. They were not disappointed; my father placed his 50 cent bid. Unexpectedly, someone spoke out, raising the bid to one dollar. Amused laughter rippled through the crowd. The onlookers waited in silent anticipation. My father did not counter. He turned to me and said, "That bike is only worth fifty cents."the guy who challenged my father in jest had to pay one dollar for his broken 50 cent bike. Many of us have stories about the first time they were inspired to pursue a passion. This is my story.