Knock-Off Knock-Out

By Leon Scott Baxter

In fourth grade I wanted a Mongoose BMX racing bike for
Christmas. We didn’t have much money, so, instead of the elite
two-wheeler, Mom got me the Kmart version. I really didn’t mind. It
looked pretty much the same as its expensive cousin. It seemed to
work as well as a Mongoose. But I was concerned with what my
friends would say when they found out my bike came from a discount
store.

“Why not tell them it’s a Winning Bike?” Mom advised. There was
something about the idea that I liked. So, when asked, I held my
head high and announced the bike was a “Dubya Bee” (WB, you
know — Winning Bike). I guess the confidence paid off. No one
wanted to admit they’d never heard of one, so I was praised for my
new vehicle.