Whether we rode to a baseball lot for a game or to the neighbor's swimming pool, the bicycle was indispensable.

Although it's been a long time since Wayne Sanders learned how to ride his 20-inch green Schwinn, his passion for bicycles has never abated. In fact, the retired veteran owns and treasures 200 antique and classic bicycles.

The Georgia resident has had a love affair with the two-wheeled machines since childhood and has been a serious collector of antique and classic bicycles for 35 years. Sanders' house is filled with bicycles. literally. Ranging from an all-wood Rambler circa 1890's to a flashy Sting Ray manufactured in the 60's, this collection is impressive.

"I grew up in an antique store that my mother owned, so this is second nature to me," said Sanders who retired several years ago but is still as busy as ever. "It drives my wife crazy. We're renovating the house to get more space for the collection." That renovation includes additional garage space and a different and larger area for his bicycle collection.

Space is a serious commodity around this home. Each time a Sanders' child moved out, the collector quickly emptied the bedroom to make a showcase for one of his many collections. Boy Scout memorabilia, trains and cast iron toys are just a few of the collections Sanders enjoys.

The collection of 200 bicycles shows no signs of slowing. Last month, the retired veteran helped set up a regional antique and classic bike show in Marietta, Georgia. All proceeds were donated to the Marietta Lions Club of which Sanders is the president-elect. At the show, he could not resist purchasing two more Schwinn classics.

Visitors to the Sanders residence immediately notice the room on the left as they enter the foyer. Originally intended to be a den, the room is now home to two dozen of Sanders' prized classic bicycles, all in prime condition. Shiny chrome, banana seats and high handlebars will remind baby boomers of days gone by.

The Black Phantom, manufactured by the Schwninn company in 1953, was once a dream come true for many a young man. Now it is Sanders' dream piece. As was common in that era, the bike is heavy, weighing close close to 70 pounds. The frame has elements of jet aircraft, rockets and motorcycles in its design to attract a boy's fantasy.

Chrome fenders, a pointy headlight, reflector hub caps, balloon white wall tires and a Captain America- type body frame all contribute to its classic shape.

Sanders' extensive collection includes two bicycles manufactured in the late 1800's when bicycle riding became increasingly popular among men and women.

The Rambler has a lean wood frame, wood handle bars and same-size wheels. In the decade dubbed the Gay Nineties, the bike could travel faster than its predecessor, the High Wheel, and was safer, but also uncomfortable. The hard rubber tires could not absorb the shock of riding on rough cobblestone streets.

The odd-looking high wheel bicycle became popular among rich young men in the 1880's. The price for the bicycle equaled six months of an average worker's salary.

Its huge front wheels were custom- ized according to the rider's leg length. The larger the circumference of the wheel, the farther a rider could travel with one rotation.

The bicycle's long spokes absorbed much of the shock of riding on cobble- stone, making the recreational diversion much more comfortable. However, the riders maintained little control over their vehicles and the phrase "taking a header" was soon coined.

Although Sanders' does not have a High Wheel model, his Globe and Rambler are rare and coveted by collectors, as are many of his pieces. Sanders frequents bicycle shows throughout the Northeast and the South, looking for that special part or bike to add to his collection. Garage sales are another good source for parts such as frames, chains, sprockets and tire rims.

Downstairs in the basement, there is barely room to walk. Besides the classic Ford Mustang parked in the connected garage, tires and spokes of all sizes hang suspended from the ceiling. Colorful bicycle frames dangle on hooks and organized tools in every size and shape are within easy reach. Sprockets, fenders and handle bars number in the hundreds and lay in wait for that special classic bike. A file cabinet keeps track of smaller, essential parts, some original, others reproductions.

"One of the earliest bikes I have is an 1989 EC Sterns," says Sanders. "Their tires look like old fire hoses. I keep this one around just to show people what they used to look like."

Made of woven hemp-like materials, and quite flat, the tire resembles a dead snake. Early bicycle tires were first made of wood, then hard rubber. Eventually, balloon tires with a cushion of rubber and air became popular.

Children's bicycles were not until produced until after the first world war. Sanders' classic bicycles for children include a 1950 Western Flier, a 1963 purple Lil' Chic with a flowered banana seat, a Lemon Peeler and Cotton Picker, both made in the early 60's. Painted yellow and white, respectively, the Schwinn boys bikes had smaller wheels, long banana seats and high handle bars and were one of the first bikes that could handle dirt and hills.

Sanders enjoys his hobbies and plans to attend a few more shows this year. When the renovation is completed, Sanders plans to move part of his collection upstairs.

"My wife will be very happy when some of these bikes are out of the way," said Sanders. "I really like collecting bicycles but they do take up a lot of room."