this thread has great potential to take on ‘fish story’ characteristics. so, i didn’t want to post my reply too early in fear it would be topped, or, too late in fear it would be used. i believe its time.

my first bike had a wooden frame and stone wheels. it didn’t roll well because we didn’t yet have the ‘round’ concept. but, the stones kept the frame off of the ground and delayed frame rot. (originator of the ‘thrill of motorcycling)

my second bike had round, stone wheels and rolled. this certainly extended mileage. i liked that bike.
invented rolling transportation)

the 3rd bike had a pelt thrown over the center log. seating was quite comfortable - so comfortable that i considered accommodations for extending travel distance.
(inventor of the seat

on my 4th bike, i lashed a huge sack to one side of the center post just behind the pelt. i put a lot of stuff in that bag – so much that it was terribly out of balance and would often tip to the side of the heavily laden bag. (i invented the first saddle bag)

to correct the balance problems of the previous bike, i made new bags for the 5th – ½ the size of the original and affixed one to each side of the center post, just behind the pelt and adjacent to the rear stone. (i was the first person to successfully implement ‘counterbalancing’ in motorcycle production.)

this bike was very nice to ride and i kept it for some time – until the advent of the chain and gear. i wasn’t an innovator on this 6th bike, but i enjoyed the fact that i could now keep my feet off of the ground and my moccasins seemed to last forever. although i made no contribution to the design of this bike, my frequent wearing of these prized moccasins was a smashing hit. i was the first to introduce leather fringe to motorcycling.

there have been several since, but they never had the charm or character of those first 6. gee i miss those early days – the days before rubber and engines and lights. seems technology only brings more things to break. oh, the good ole days.