The Nostalgic Sound of Childhood: Remembering the Card on Bike Spokes

Roger Skibowski
3 min readJan 23, 2024

During the summer months I was delighted to see and hear neighbor children riding bikes and the sound of a card flapping on their bike’s spokes as they rode down the street? This sight and sound took me on a journey down memory lane as I reflect on the simple pleasure of attaching a playing card to our bicycle wheels when I was much younger. This nostalgic practice always symbolized freedom and adventure, evoking cherished memories of carefree childhood days. Do you recall the significance of this seemingly insignificant sound?

The Card on Bike Spokes

As I reminisce about my childhood, one memory stands out vividly-the sound of a card flapping on my bike spokes. It was a ritual shared by many of us, a way to add a touch of excitement and individuality to our trusty two-wheeled companions. I recall carefully selecting a playing card, often opting for the Ace of Spades or the Queen of Hearts and securing it to the wheel with a clothespin. The moment I hopped on my bike and started pedaling, the card would come alive, creating a rhythmic symphony of flapping sounds.

A Symbol of Freedom and Adventure

The sound of the card on the spokes was more than just a noise; it represented a sense of freedom and adventure. It was…

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