Our Mantra
The next photo is the PROMPT. Remember, all photos are property of the photographer, donated for use in Friday Fictioneers only. They shouldn’t be used for any other purpose without express permission. It is proper etiquette to give the contributor credit.

PHOTO PROMPT © Jellico’s Stationhouse
Please be considerate and try to keep your story to 100 words. Thank you.
Genre: Historical Fiction
Word Count: 100
ROAD KINGS
Arthur mopped his forehead with his sleeve while holding his bicycle’s handlebar with his opposite hand. He tried to keep up with his buddy who had been blessed with longer legs.
“Wait up, Bill!”
The other boy grinned over his shoulder. “Pedal faster, slowpoke. The fish ain’t gonna wait all day, ya know.”
Once they reached the river, the boys laid their poles beside their bicycles and raced to the bank.
Relishing the cool water, Arthur sighed. “Pedaling’s hard work. Someone oughta build a bike with a motor.”
“Who knows, Mr. Davidson?” Bill Harley splashed and sputtered. “Maybe someone will.”
*
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I loved it, didn’t know that bit of a history. Thank you!
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Dear Loré,
My husband is a fanatical Harley rider so learning the history was fun. I’m happy to have taken you along for the ride. 😀 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Loved it! A great story
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Many thanks, Bettina. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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This is so much fun! I never thought about Mr. Harley and Mr. Davidson as real people, let alone kids. Thank you for bringing another little piece of history to life.
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Dear Gabi,
Not only were they best friends, they grew up next door to each other. I’m happy you enjoyed the ride. 😀 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I love the “Glad you enjoyed the ride” line!
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Interesting story based on fact, Rochelle. This was new to me. Good writing as always. Thanks for the picture. 🙂 — Suzanne
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Dear Suzanne,
I’m always happy to share obscure bits of history. Since I’m married to such an avid Harley rider, I couldn’t resist. I’m glad you enjoyed the ride and the write. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle,
I love this little snippet into the founders’ early years
You remain, the Queen of this genre!
Man. I wish I were playing this week. Instead, I shall have something with an umbrella in it to your health!
Lotsa love,
Dale
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Dear Dale,
Of course I have a personal interest in this particular story. 😉 I’m glad you took the time in the wee, numpty morning hours to leave a comment. Enjoy your holiday and take lots of pictures. I’ll miss you.
L’chaim,
Rochelle
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Looks like I am the slowpoke in commenting, and I love these bikes. Great story how do you do it.
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Dear Michael,
It’s still quite early in the week. So I wouldn’t call you a slowpoke. 😉 Of course, being married to a Harley rider, I have a vested interest in t his particular history. I’m pleased you came along for the ride. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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That is so inimitably you, Rochelle. Loved it!
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Thank you for such a lovely compliment, Neil. Happy you came along for the ride. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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The story of Mr Harley and Mr Davidson’s invention suits the tone of the image so well. Very well done Rochelle!
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Dear Fatima,
The minute I saw the photo, I knew what I “had” to write. Glad you enjoyed the ride. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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What a great way to learn a little piece of history! Loved it.
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Many thanks, Linda. 😀 Glad enjoyed the ride.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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You always give us something a bit different and use so few words to do so. Now I know where the idea came from. Good story.
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Dear Lindy,
There are so many facets of history, aren’t there? Of course, this one, is particularly near and dear to my heart. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Awesome story, Rochelle! 🙂 ❤ There's nothing quite like riding a Hog! Thanks for choosing my picture this week, too. 🙂
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Dear Jelli,
My husband is very proud of the fact that hopping on the back and going for a long ride on “Baby” has often been just the ticket to break up writers’ block. As I shared with another blogger this past week, I have a purple helmet with butterflies.
Thank you for the great picture. Already it has inspired a variety of stories.
And…thank you re my story. Glad you came along for the ride. 😉 ❤
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I’ll be attempting to read all the stories this week, for sure. 🙂 I used to have a pink helmit with Hello Kitty all over it. Being a “little” person, I still fit kids sizes.
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Good stuff. I am a huge fan of vintage motorcycles. I ride a 1974 BMW around when weather permits, The national motorcycle museum is right up the road and many is the time I have driven the female members of my family to bored insanity by dragging them through there. I especially love the old handmade ones. Harley Davidson had some really cool old machines (I have a photo of my grandfather on a WWI HD) and there are many others. Thanks for the great reminder.
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Dear Josh,
Being married to a biker, how could I not be interested? Perhaps one day he’ll ‘drag’ me to the national motorcycle museum. The history behind the HD is great fun. I do enjoy a nice long ride on the open road…on the back of course. 😉
Glad you enjoyed this short ride. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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PS Hell hath no fury like a woman with helmet hair.
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Simply delightful! Fascinating to know they grew up living next door to each other!
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Dear Clare,
Your comment makes me smile. Some friendships last a lifetime. Theirs has gone on for generations. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Great story for obvious reasons. I, for one, am glad they grew up together and became a worldwide icon. I do not have music or radio on my Harley. I love the freedom of the wind in my face and the View/smells of the world around me without those distractions. I have many memories of roadtime, my annual Sturgis, South Dakota, trek and the many friends worldwide I have met along the way. Riding is my stress relief and positive mental stimulation. Thanks for the story. Great picture also.
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Dear Jan,
I look forward to Sturgis every year. 😉 Um…er…yeah…because I look forward to the great stories when you return home. I do understand the freedom and the wind, sights and scents as you ride. I experience that, too, when I ride behind you….not to mention what a good ride does to break up writer’s block.
Glad you enjoyed the story.
Love,
Rochelle
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What a delightful piece of history. Warmed my heart 🙂
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Many thanks, Joyful. Glad you enjoyed the ride. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Lovely bit of history, Rochelle. I really hope that was how it actually came about 🙂
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Dear Iain,
From what I’ve read, I think I’m on the right path. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Not my favourite bikes, but a clever way of telling their story 🙂
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Dear Jane,
I have a friend whose fond of saying that the Harley should come with its own tool box. What can I say? My husband is a HD enthusiast. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A nice, light hearted story, Rochelle. Thanks for educating and entertaining us. 🙂
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Dear David,
I’m glad you enjoyed. Thank you for taking the time to leave a nice comment. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I’m completely enchanted by the ending. It is always so interesting to see where things might’ve come from.
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Dear Magaly,
My favorite part of writing historical fiction is putting a human face on it. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I love that photo of Harley and Davidson on their motorbikes – just lovely. And is this true, Rochelle, were they childhood friends? So wonderful if they were. Love that little snapshot of them, puffing away on their bikes, off to the fishing hole. A little coming of age tale right there. Lovely Rochelle 🙂
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Dear Lynn,
From all that I read to research the story is that the two boys grew up next door to each other. They enjoyed biking and fishing together. How could I resist? Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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What a lovely story. Childhood friends who made a huge success of things. Wonderful.
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I have fond memories of a Harley D from Biker Night on Poole Quay in 2005. This huge tattooed giant offered to swap his Harley for Maggie who was just a pup, he was that smitten!
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Dear Pensivity,
So did you make the trade? Thank you for sharing your memory.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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No, we didn’t, and Maggie is still with us (well, sort of at the moment due to present circumstances). Wouldn’t have minded a ride on it though!
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Very cool! This glimpse behind a famous brand was endearing.
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Dear Rommy,
It’s a relationship and a brand that have stood the test of time. Thank you. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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You know, I never stopped before to think where the name came from. So I’m a little wiser after visiting your site and reading your offering. So no change there, then.
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Dear Sandra,
I really love it when someone says I’ve informed or taught. 😀 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
PS No change?
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Wow! Once again you’ve taught me a little something about history. One of the most fun things I did in college was ride a Harley behind a young man I adored. Up up up into the mountains we went, hair flying, no helmet, tank top and shorts. Ahhhh, Thanks for the memory, Rochelle.
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Dear Lish,
As soon as I saw the bike I knew where I had to go with it. And living with a Harley enthusiast made it that much more fun. BTW I have a purple helmet with butterflies. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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And that was the start of a beautiful American story. I loved the way you characterized this. I enjoyed this one.
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Dear Eric,
The HD is definitely an all American product. Happy to have taken you along for ride. 😀
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A very interesting take on this weeks photo. I love how the two boys dreamed of a motorized future. Times change and we change with it. Love it!
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Dear Bridget,
As soon as I saw the photo, my muse told me to hop on the back and hold on. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A lovely tender story of the spark that produced Harley Davidson bikes. Who knew Harley’s could be tender?
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Dear Cindy,
I don’t know about the Harley being tender, but my husband certainly is tender toward his. 😉 Glad you came along for the ride. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I had never once wondered about HD. Thank you for the history lesson. We used to ride B.C. before children. Fun story.
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Dear Tracey,
That’s what I’m here for. Tell you facts you didn’t know you wanted to know. 😉 We bought Jan’s HD after our children were grown and gone. It’s a nice getaway for the two of us. Glad you came along for this ride and enjoyed. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Nice little history lesson. I have a cousin in Pennsylvania that was an avid rider until his health went south. Enjoyable, as always.
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Dear April (or should I call you Melody?)
I’m glad you enjoyed. As you can tell, my husband is an avid rider. These Harley people tend to be passionate about their bikes, etc. I enjoy riding, but don’t quite fit the subculture.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Jenny Durante,
After studying his mug shot, I can’t help but wonder if Mr.Harley isn’t staring off at some hot biker chic. In fact, I speculate that the entire reason for building motorcycles was to attract women and to use that pick-up line, “put something exciting between your legs.”
Happy trails,
Jimmy
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Dear Jimmy,
That does sound like an HD pickup line and there is a faraway look in Mr. Harley’s eyes. The saying goes that it’s not about the destination, it’s about the ride. Thanks for coming by for yours.
Shalom,
Jenny Durante
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I love this, Rochelle. I just never know what you’ll write about. You have so many inspiring insights to spark the imagination. Such a great photo with your husband and the nephew. Very cool!
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Dear Amy,
That makes two of us. 😉 I never know what I’m going to write either. It should be duly noted that I took three weeks off of historical fiction. As for the photo, my husband was excited to meet a Davidson descendant. Glad you came along for the ride. 😀 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I used to ride (not drive, but ride) so I really appreciate this story..and those fellas!
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Dear Harley Momma,
Thank you for sharing that tidbit about yourself. You have my undying respect.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Hi Rochelle! Superb. Thanks for taking me along for the historical ride. Shalom.
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Dear Indira,
I’m happy to know you enjoyed the ride as much as I enjoyed the write. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle, every week you give us a slice of historical fiction which is just so wonderfully entertaining. Thanks for the ride.
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Dear Neel,
Not counting Pegman, I have to point out that I’ve taken three weeks off from historical fiction. 😉 Nonetheless, I accept your compliment with humble gratitude. You’re always so kind. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Fascinating & I’ve never seen photos of them before.
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Thank you, Louise. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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There is no mistaking the sound of a Harley Davidson. Good story.
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Dear Liz,
We used to have an elderly neighbor who said she loved to hear the “potato…potato…” sound Jan’s Harley made. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Great story! Even though it was so long ago, I still imagined the pair of them being more “leather” and less “suits” 🙂
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Dear Ali,
I can’t say when bikers started wearing leathers. 😉 I do have my own set with a patch on the back of my vest that says, “Jewish Harley Momma.” Thank you for coming along for the ride and leaving a nice comment.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle,
What a wonderful fun story. And what a couple of good-lookers those two boys grew up to be.
Somebody I once knew — a farmer — bought a Harley Davidson as a present for himself for his 50th birthday. His wife wasn’t that impressed. She would grumble into her wine glass about his second childhood. The wine glass got steamed up and kept needing a refill. I had to be careful not to admire his shiny acquisition too much. He didn’t look too bad in the leathers either 😉
All best wishes,
Sarah
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Dear Sarah,
Jan wanted a Harley for the longest time. Every time we’d pass a Harley rider in the car, he’d say, “Jerk!” We were finally able to afford his in 2006, I believe. I picked it out, by the way. 😉 Since then he’s put many many miles on it and I’ve gotten to go on a few rides. Great fun. I look forward to his trips to Sturgis every year. Two weeks of having the house to myself. 😉 (He does look nice in leathers, too). Glad you enjoyed my story, too. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle,
I can see you won’t be muttering into a wine glass about your husband having a mid-life crisis, as you sound most supportive of Jan having a Harley. I’ve never been on a Harley, but it does look exhilarating. My husband’s toy is his MG convertible sport’s car! I’m not complaining about that, either.
All best wishes,
Sarah
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Dear Sarah,
I won’t be doing a lot of muttering into my wine glass since he finally gave in and got hearing aids. 😉 I’m actually glad he has the Harley.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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One day I’ll get myself a Harley-Davidson. One day. I just have to learn riding a bike before though. And I think my parents will have a heart attack if they find out but one day… (Great story by the way)
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Dear Tamal,
My husband’s mother wasn’t too thrilled with him when we got the Harley. 😉 Glad you enjoyed the ride (my story, that is). Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Wow! Necessity did lead to an invention in this case. I love this piece. So interesting. Every time I read your story, I keep wondering, “What am I going to learn today?” Thanks a lot, Ma’m.
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Dear Yuhu,
I do vacillate toward historical fiction. I learn a lot along the research trail. Thank you for such a lovely compliment.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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The pleasure is all mine! I’m really glad that you are a curious person. Wanting to know more and learn more makes life very interesting. Doesn’t it?
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thank you for sharing this bit of history. i liked the look on mr. harley’s face. boy, he was truly a born rider.
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Dear Plaridel,
Always happy to share history. 😀 Thank you for coming along for the ride. .
Shalom,
Rochelle
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If I haven’t yet had the chance to read and comment on your story, don’t worry, I will. I want to thank you all for your outstanding encouragement and seeing how many enjoyed the prompt really tickles me pink (bright fluorescent pink! 🙂 )
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Dear Jelli,
Fluorescent pink goes well with purple. 😉 I love the photo. You’re gifted with a camera. Have no fear, you did comment on my story.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Hi Rochelle,
Thanks for the trip down memory lane. I didn’t know that was the story behind Harley Davidson.
Great take on the prompt.
Cheers!
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Dear Kwadwo,
Trips down Memory Lane are free of charge. 😉 Glad you enjoyed the ride. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I bet bikers are grateful that Mr. Davidson found pedaling tiring! Great forshadowing of them as kids.
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Dear Kevin,
Bikers make up a whole subculture. Believe me. I know. Glad you enjoyed the ride. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Welcome!
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Ahhhhh great one. I love the feeling of fun and happiness between the two
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Dear Laurie,
I’m happy that you enjoyed the ride. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Loved this. History and a fun story.
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Dear Raymond,
I love to write historical pieces and this one is such a happy history for so many. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Great story, Rochelle and I appreciated learning more about Harley Davidson. My husband loves motorbikes but I am not a fan.
xx Ro
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Dear Rowena,
According to my husband, who, as you can see, is also a huge fan, it’s not the destination that matters, it’s the ride. 😉 Glad you came along. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thanks very much, Rochelle. I like that quote as well and need to as I often don’t reach my intended destination but most of the time, I believe I wasn’t meant to either.
Thank you both for joining me.
Shalom,
Rowena
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Wow…what a GREAT take on the prompt! I love the bit of history attached to it.
– Lisa
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Dear Lisa,
Any comment that starts with “wow” makes me smile. 😀 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Informative and very interesting piece of history. Loved this.
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I like how you added that little bit of history!
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Reblogged this on All About Writing and more.
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Oooh! Fun challenge! I’m so glad I found it. Here’s mine:
https://unchosenbook.wordpress.com/2017/04/07/fiction-friday/
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Welcome to Friday Fictioneers, Candace! I’ve taken the liberty of linking your story in the inLinkz list which can be found by clicking the blue frog icon below the photo prompt. . Posting your link here won’t bring many readers to your post as this the comment section of my page and for my own story which comes after all of the directions.
Again Welcome.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Oh my goodness! I see it now. Thank you. 🙂 And thank you for a fun challenge!
~Candace
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I had no idea that they were childhood friends. Thank you for not only entertaining us but also informing us.
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Dear Stephanie,
Thank you for such a sweet comment. I’m always happy when something I write is considered both informative and entertaining.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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What an amazing story – and a lovely picture too 🙂
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Thank you, Dahlia.
Shalom and blessings 😉
Rochelle
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😉 😀
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Dear Rochelle. That’s a great story from the prompt. I really enjoyed reading this enlightening and informative history.
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Dear Sarah Ann,
I’m glad the story was informative…so much of history to learn…so little time. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Querida Rochelle,
Esta historia es muy interesante. I enjoyed learning all about the boys and their desire to have a pedal-less bicycle. I suppose most inventions come about in this way.
Ahhh … a Harley gal & guy. I live 5 miles away from a Harley shop. They do great things in that little place. Fund raisers for children, the elderly and police. We go often go to them.
NO … we don’t ride. Just support their fund raisers. All are good causes. : ) Buena gente
Just think if you rode down to Florida and needed Harley parts or a new bike you’d be nearby.
This photo was a bit difficult for me because I’m having a difficulty organizing my writing this week. I’ve several projects open that are causing chaos. But … enjoy.
Buen fin de semana
Abrazos y Shalom
Isadora 😎
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Querida Isadora,
We’re equally close to a Harley shop and dealership. They also do some nice things for the community. We used to go to the HOG meetings but I couldn’t take them. It’s like a subculture and certainly don’t fit. I told my husband he was free to go without me but he decided that he’d rather stay home and watch NCIS conmigo. 😉
Glad you liked mi cuenta.
Shalom y cariño,
Rochelle
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Querida Rochelle,
HAHA – NCIS… yo miro lo mismo.
Hubby rode a motorcycle while on the job. He decided he was too wild for it and could wind up in a ditch. So, he went undercover. HA HA no danger there. LOL
Hasta la próxima …
Abrazos y Shalom 😎
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Loved the way you captured the moment the seed of the idea was planted. Time and hard work took care of the rest:)
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Dear Luccia,
It’s a seed that took root and has been handed down for generations. Who knew where a childhood friendship would lead? Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thanks for sharing this bit of history with us, Rochelle! Great story.
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Dear Margarisa,
I’m glad you enjoyed my snippet of history. Thank you for taking the time to say so.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I love your historical fiction! Well written, and there is always something to learn. I didn’t know the were childhood friends.
Bike Week comes to the bay of St Tropez every spring thundering through various little towns.
I heard that this year HD will take over Medville for a ride through our hills as well as downtown. There will be gawkers and dreamers along the way.
Should be fun!
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Dear Emmy,
Here in the States, August is the big bike week (or month) in Sturgis, South Dakota. My husband goes every year…I don’t. Now if he were to come to Medville I might have to join him. 😉
I’m pleased you enjoyed my bit of history. Always happy when you visit. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Another great little introduction to a piece of history, thanks Rochelle
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Thank you, Michael. Glad you enjoyed.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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So, you invented the motorcycle. Well done.
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If only I had. I’d be a rich woman. Thank you, James.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I love to learn something new every day, and today, I’ve learned something really interesting – very intriguing… thank you Rochelle.. facts are the stuff of life ,aren’t they ! !
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Dear Valerie,
I’ve learned much from you so it really makes me happy that in a small way I’ve returned the favor. Thank you. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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