Pumped Up in the ’70s: A Retro RFH Guys’ Ride

RFH boys and their bikes.
Photo/George Day

They were all pumped up with somewhere to go. Where? No one was sure. Ride on!

But, one thing’s for sure, knowing these two RFH guys: it was an adventure. We’re not so certain whether this was the beginning, middle or end of the joy ride, but history tells us that these two — Mike Grady and Dean Sansone — were all about taking one heck of a ride, bumps or not.

OK, so there’s no gassing up for a bike ride. But, these two were at the station pumping air, at least. Yes, if the pump fits … There was a gas station on that corner, Hintlemann’s Corner, across from that iconic Fromagerie, back in the 1970s, featured in today’s retro news. There were a lot of fancy cars being valeted at the restaurant back then. Anyone remember if the gas station lot was used to park cars after station hours?

There’s a lot of history in the spot and the guys. These “bikers” and adventurers stayed connected through the years. The Sansones were even connected to the restaurant. And Grady’s father, who raised his family down the street from the station, was laid to rest today. RIP.

The spot was an anchor for many, including these guys, and for many reasons. Aside from the restaurant, the gas station was a staple in the old days of gas rationing and inflation, literally. There were a lot more small, independently owned gas stations in Rumson and Fair Haven back then.

And bikes? Well, recreation and adventuring was always all about taking a ride on your 10-speed. It was all about the fearless, aimless ride on a nice afternoon back in the day.

Yes, kids still ride bikes, but it’s much less of a typical idea of afternoon fun. This was one of those times in the 1970s when getting air in your bicycle tires was something that was seen a lot. And activity was more freelance in style rather than organized teams and SUVs shuttling kids back and forth.

Do you remember what gas station this was? What was the most popular bicycle of the era? Schwinn? And how about the other ride — that car?

— Thanks to George Day for this fabulous shot back in RFH springtime!