My First Bike: Randy Richardson

Do you remember when you got your first bike? For most of us, it’s one of the best days of our lives. Thanks to the support of our friends at Spy Optics, we’ve decided to start a new Saturday column called “My First Bike.” The subject of this week’s column is Michelin’s Randy Richardson, who has fond memories of his first bike, which sparked his passion for racing motorcycles.

My first bike was a 1971 Yamaha Mini Enduro that I received for my fourth birthday in September of 1970. I remember being so excited as my dad hooked his Holsclaw three-rail trailer to the back of my parents’ Mercury Comet and headed off to the dealership. We loaded it up and headed home with me staring out the window at my new bike. My feet barely reached the pegs, much less the ground, but I learned to ride the bike without training wheels. I guess my parents thought I didn't need them since I had learned to walk without crutches.

Though I never raced until I was an adult, I have so many great memories of riding with my dad. As a kid, I never imagined that motorcycles and the passion for riding them would continue to be such an important part of my life. My dad and I still ride together, and my son Craten has recently begun riding. I look forward to sharing my love of motorcycles with Craten and creating more memories with him.

As you can see from the picture, I was never a fan of the baggy, over-the-boots-style riding gear.

If you work in the industry and have a story you would like to share with our readers about your “first bike” experience, contact Fubar: mikef@racerxill.com