Corrina Mahoney was scanning the 24 Hour Bidding site and happened upon a bike that resembled the one she had owned during her childhood.
The single-gear Norco model, listed as ‘vintage,’ had a banana seat and metal handlebars containing a bell but no grips at either end.
It was suitable for a six-year-old.
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Mahoney submitted what turned out to be the lone bid. When she picked up her prize Sunday, Aug. 2, she discovered it wasn’t a reasonable facsimile of what she had ridden all those years ago.
It was the same bike.
“Same stickers and Spokey Dokes on the spokes,” said Mahoney, 40, who lives in Cumberland. “I won that bike on Canada Day at Lewis Park when I was six. I was used to hand-me-downs, and mom and dad wanted so desperately to buy me something new.”
Mahoney grew up as the youngest of seven children. She now has a 20-year-old daughter.
“I was heartbroken the day we had to give the bike to the Salvation Army because I had outgrown it. It held some of my happiest childhood memories.
“My parents were so excited for me,” she added. “It made its way back. For what reason, I’m not sure. It was pretty serendipitous.”
Mahoney has no idea how to restore a classic bike, but she is determined to do her best to learn.
“It is quite rusty and needs a lot of work, but I’m going to figure it out.”
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