[sugarwood]

I was LUCKY enough to live next to friend A who had an older brother who was a mechanic. Because of elder influence, Friend A got a small Honda 50. As as result of Friend A, friend B bought an Enduro bike from his older brother's friend. B let me ride his bike in the woods, and I learned to drive a clutch at age 14. (The first time I drove a car with a clutch, I already knew how to clutch, and I didn't buck or stall even once, LOL)

Without friend A, NONE of the following steps would ever occur.

Because of A & B, I purchased a 100cc Enduro motorcycle at age 14 or 15.

Luckily, by then, my father had shown me how to use his screwdrivers and ratchet set. Most unlucky people literally have no idea which way to turn a bolt. Why would they? So, it was not a crazy leap. Friend A was my gateway to DIY.

Now owning a moto, I learned what an ICE was and learned to tighten the chain, change fouled spark plugs, adjust the idle, replace a worn sprocket, and change the oil.

Then at 16, I bought my first car for $150. I used my moto DIY exposure and applied it to the car. I learned to change the carb thermostat, air filter, PCV valve, change hoses, change oil and filter, tighten fan belt, alternator, replace a fender, use Bondo, remove bumpers, replace bulbs, etc. I stripped the car of all trim and drove it to Maaco. Still using dad's tools. Lucky me.

Did not touch anything mechanical for decades, as I was immersed in my career and many different serious hobbies.

Decades later, fed up with overpriced and overhyped Japanese cars, I started buying cheap depreciated enthusiast cars and dove in deeper than ever. Forums, books, and Youtube were my teachers.

Learned everything by myself, and not one person ever showed me jack. BUT, without friend A, I would never have known that I could learn this stuff.

Most people never have a friend A. Without friend A, none of the other **** ever happens. LUCK. Friend A makes all the difference in the world. The first step is literally the hardest, since most people literally do not know it exists. Not one person in history has ever taken that step in a vacuum. Everyone claims otherwise is a liar.

As a fitting addendum, many dormant decades after our trail riding escapades, friend A saw that I was engaging with cars again, DE days, DIY, tools, and that inspired him to get a few vintage cars in the last 2 years. Full circle of life.