20 August 2021

Published August 18, 2021 by rochellewisoff
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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© Lisa Fox

I confess, this is a rerun from four years ago. Some might remember, some won’t. At any rate, I’ve been out town for a week and am taking the liberty of not racking my brain to come up with a new story. 😉 It is a new prompt though.

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.”

William S. Harley
Arthur Davidson
William S. Harley and Arthur Davidson circa 1914


(L-R) My Road King, Jan Fields with Arthur’s great nephew, “Willie G” Davidson and his biker babe.

71 comments on “20 August 2021

  • A worthy repeat, Rochelle. Strictly speaking, the first steam-powered motor cycles were built in the mid-nineteenth century and the first internal combustion engine powered motor bike was built in 1894, almost 10 years before the Harley Davidson was launched. But that’s just historical nit picking

    Liked by 1 person

    • Dear Neil,

      I don’t mind historical nitpicking. Could be a story for another time and prompt. 😉 I did look up the background. One thing to say in defense of the Harley: I don’t see anyone riding a Perreaux. At any rate, thank you.

      Shalom,

      Rochelle

      Like

  • Dear Rochelle,

    Once you’ve fished me out of your trash as I’m responding on my phone… I remember this one! It’s a good ‘un to go with this photo!

    Shalom and Lotsa motorized love,

    Dale

    Liked by 1 person

  • Missed this the first time. Despite Neil’s history lesson, I enjoyed the story. Of course few of those other early motorcycle companies are still around, nor half as iconic (Indian Motorcycles is not the original company from 1901…)

    Liked by 1 person

    • Dear Trent,

      As I said to Neil (after searching the net myself), I don’t see anyone riding a Perreaux these days. 😉 My husband is a huge Harley enthusiast. Feh on the rice burners. I’m glad you enjoyed this story. Thank you.

      Shalom,

      Rochelle

      Liked by 1 person

  • Obviously, for those that know me, I love this story. Yes there were “powered’ bikes before Harley Davidson but not on their scale. To start in a small garage until now is an iconic accomplishment. That picture of me with Willie G. & his wife will remain a great memory. Good one M’Luv.

    Liked by 1 person

  • First time hearing the story, Rochelle. Such a delightful telling of a momentous meeting of the minds in Harley-Davidson history. I love the other photos you included along with your story, especially the motorcycle gang one 😉

    Liked by 1 person

    • Dear Lisa,

      My husband is such a Harley enthusiast, I had to include him in the photos. Thank you for your kind and encouraging comments. I don’t want to bore the group with reruns but my muse has been avoiding me lately.

      Shalom,

      Rochelle

      Liked by 1 person

  • So enjoyed this, and oddly I don’t remember reading it the first time around. As the other half of a biker, (albeit a ‘classic’ biker – ie AJ Matchless and Sunbeam) this made me smile. Loved the pics.

    Liked by 1 person

  • Dear Rochelle,

    And just like that, a legend is born! By the way, have you seen the movie “Harley Davidson and the Marlboro Man”? It’s iconic, enough so where Bob Dylan claims it as his favorite film. Missed y’all. Good to be back.

    Shalom,
    Dora

    Liked by 1 person

    • Na’ama Y’karah,

      It was one of my favorites…and, of course, one of Jan’s as well. The beauty of having done FF for nine years, is that I have a backlog to draw from when my muse is giving me the silent treatment. Glad you enjoyed it. I’m still processing being back in KC. You know how it is having family spread all over the place. Thank you.

      Shalom,

      Rochelle

      Liked by 1 person

  • Querida Rochelle,
    Good ideas can develop into useful items.
    I have a Harley shop about 5 minutes from me. Lots of bikes and bikers
    all the time. They do great charitable work in our town. I love looking at them
    on the road. I had a friend give me a ride on his hog once. I nearly had a heart attack … and I was only 30.
    Have a safe and restful weekend …
    Abrazos y carino,
    Isadora 😎

    Liked by 1 person

    • Querida Isadora,

      I find the older I get the less I want to ride. I used to love riding on the back with my husband, but these days not so much.
      We used to be involved with the Harley Owners Group. When I told my husband I wasn’t particularly comfortable with those folks he dropped out as well.
      At any rate, thank you for chiming in with your thoughts.

      Shalom y abrazos,

      Rochelle

      Liked by 1 person

    • Dear Subroto,

      Four years ago I used a different photo prompt. New prompt, old story. My muse needs a wake-up call. I guess they liked the lilt of Harley-Davidson. Can’t imagine it any other way now.

      Shalom,

      Rochelle

      Like

  • “A Harley” said he, his cheeks puffed he drew rough fingers through thin stringy hair and grinned. “Ninteen fourteen, well wash my socks.” That was the start of a historic search. Google was running hot, he joined forums and Facebook and tweeted for help searched Instagram for pictures and took his smartphone to the bathroom. An hour later I ask you what the hell does he do for an hour? When he came down he still wore a grin in fact it was bigger by far, that the day he bought an old rusted car. That’s him, who hates technology.

    (I popped mine here I hope it is alright, like the husband I got carried away)

    Like

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