Archie mounted his bicycle as the whistle from the steam train blew.
‘Go!’ shouted Malcolm, giving Archie a push.
The bet was simple.
Archie had made it one night in the pub. He could leave the station at the same time as the train and arrive at the next stop first. Most of the money was placed against him.
Pub regulars turned out to watch the big event. Archie thrust his feet on the pedals.
He failed to see the pothole. He crashed into it, sending him spinning through the air. The bystanders cheered.
Malcolm picked him up. ‘Better luck next time, Archie.’

Written as part of the Friday Fictioneers challenge hosted by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields (more details HERE). The idea is to write a short story of 100 words based on the photo prompt (above).
To read stories of 100 words based on this week’s prompt, visit HERE.
This month I am taking part in the A to Z Challenge 2017 – a post each day based on the letters of the alphabet and a theme. You can visit my A TO Z CHALLENGE 2017 page here to read the story.
As this challenge will take up a lot of my blogging time I may not get round to commenting on everyone’s posts, but I hope to find time to read all your stories as usual, and still be able to participate in Friday Fictioneers each week.
Dear Iain,
Shame on the crowd for cheering at Archie’s misfortune. 😉 Love the title and the story. Well done.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thanks Rochelle 🙂
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A nice take on the prompt. A good read.
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Thanks Kitty
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Welcome Iain!
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Better luck next time for him indeed! Pity about the pothole. Dangerous things, those are. Still, it was an amusing story!
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Thanks Chris, glad you liked it.
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Poor bugger
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He’ll be back, he’s a tryer 🙂
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Would’ve liked to see him spinning through the air! 😁
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A sight to behold! 🙂
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Ouch. I think that I was as surprised as poor Archie. I was not expecting that.
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Fortunately only his pride was damaged 🙂
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The Flying Scotsman I was expecting 🙂
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Thanks Jane 🙂
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Scarily close to the kind of bet that is made in pubs! Funny how a couple of jars can make the preposterous feel possible. Nicely told, Ian
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I believe that’s what they call falling at the first hurdle…lol.
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Afraid so.
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Flying Scotsman, indeed. That was a funny one! giggles. I can just see him, kilt and all, flying through the air. (blushes at the kilt). Loved it!
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Ha I like it was a kilt he was wearing when you pictured it! 🙂
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Now who dug the pot hole ? My money was on the Flying Scotsman. Fun story.
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Thanks Michael 🙂
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I could pretty much believe this happening. Very well done! 🙂
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Thanks Sascha 🙂
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Bystanders are always so encouraging — always enjoy a bit of blood and a few broken bones. 😉
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Of course I love the title. But the story is purty damn good too.
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Thank you 😉
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I always like to cheer for the underdog, so I was heartbroken when he crashed.
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He’ll be back 🙂
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Drew quite the crowd. I felt excited as if the event unfolded
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Thanks 🙂
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Wow, that A-Z challenge you have set for yourself is really something. Hope you make it back here again next week..love your 100 words.
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Thanks Dawn, hoping I can make time for both, wouldn’t want to miss Friday Fictioneers!
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As a steam loco afficionado (having just spent the weekend at a Bulleid gala) my money was always on the loco. Archie’s game though, I’ll give him that. Great take.
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Thanks Sandra, unfortunately for Archie, there’s no stopping progress.
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Ouch. I don’t suppose he flew through the air all the way to the next station?
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Not so lucky, barely made it off the start line. He’ll dust himself down for another attempt I’m sure.
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Oh dear! And I was thinking he was going to beat the train 😦
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Not this time…
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Oh bugger!! 😂 bet that hurt… his wallet and his pride!
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Oh bugger! 😅 i bet that hurt… both his wallet and his pride!
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🙂 I think he’ll go double or quits.
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I was hoping Archie would make it! Better luck next time!
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He’ll keep trying until he does it! Thanks for reading 🙂
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did you see the video recently on facebook i think, of someone getting off the tube and racing the tube to the next stop? As I started to read this piece it was the first thing that came to my mind… well before the pot hole!
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I did see that one. Archie is not so athletically-minded I’m afraid!
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Great story in 200 words only!
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Thank you:-)
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Nice little story 🙂
Sorry I disappeared. I had a problem with my laptop for a few days. Of course, it had to happen during the challenge…
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No worries – so many blogs to read, I am just catching up on yours too. Hope you can pick up my story where you left off, and look forward to more next week 🙂
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hopefully, he doesn’t give up and treats it as just a bump in the road.
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Haha, love it 🙂
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Ouch, that poor guy. It’s a hoot as long as he isn’t hurt too much. What a fun story. I bet he’ll show them next time.
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He’ll get a bit further at least. Thank is for reading 🙂
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That’s funny, although it wouldn’t have been if he’d landed on his head and brain-damaged himself . He’s probably wiser forgetting about a second attempt at the challenge, as he may not survive it D:
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I’m afraid he doesn’t know when to quit! 🙂
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Potholes are a modern curse
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They certainly are for cyclists, drivers and pedestrians.
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