Tom Foote (right) and his friend, Jim, on
a 1959 Triumph Tiger Cub back in 1963 just
before they each turned 16.
I’ve always had motorcycles in my life in some way, it would seem. My friend, Jim, has always been there as well. Since September 1954, actually, when we started elementary school.
My first ride on a motorcycle took place about the same time. My family was visiting my aunt and uncle in Montana. At that time, my uncle Theo owned a 1936 Indian Four and he insisted my mother allow me to go for a ride with him. I remember sitting in front of my uncle on the big tractor style seat. I was hooked from then on.
During the Seattle World’s Fair in 1962, Theo rode from Montana to Seattle on his 1961 250 Jawa to see the fair and visit us. Needless to say, Uncle Theo’s visits were always exciting and highly anticipated. Incidentally, we saw Elvis Presley while he was filming Take Me to the Fair.
Tom and Jim on the Tiger Cub in Aug. 2010.
In the above photo, taken in Aug. 2010, we attempt to recreate the photo from 1963. The Tiger Cub is exactly the same motorcycle except repainted blue. I bought it the summer of 1963 and have never parted with it. I also own a 1965 Honda CB-160 and two newer Harleys: a Sportster and Heritage Springer.