Never Have I Ever? Hold my Coffee!

Growing up, we thought we were invincible. A game of football or street hockey could quickly devolve into a scene from The Hunger Games. But issue a dare, a challenge, or a competition? In my neighborhood? You had better bring it.

One particular time I remember:

Build the fastest go-cart. My brothers and I, a cousin, and neighborhood kids took that to the Junkyard Wars level of competition. We found parts and scraps from everywhere. Yes, the junkyard, the woods, neighbors (some even knew), etc...

My two older brothers found Big Wheel tires and bicycle tires for theirs. They attached them to some 2x4 frames they built with rusty recycled nails and then made the body with some sketchy plywood that we (cough, cough) found. They "found" spray paint in the garage to finish their masterpieces. Yes, multiple, sharing was by force and only if necessary. We lived on a two-way hill. One direction went into a main road, the other crossed a connecting street and ended at the lake. So naturally, we aimed for the lake.

We posted two lookouts at the crossroads and let the games begin. Did I mention that if there were any brakes, they were made from a 1x1 piece of wood and attached close to a back tire with a rusted nail? Three things: Road rash, trees, and you had better know how to swim. All of us experienced all three, but if I asked them if they regretted any of it? The answer would be a resounding NO!!!

So, the answer to that question: Never have I ever? Oh yes, we have.