Ready for my next cross country trip! Been done 50+ times on one of these
...and I will be racing one of these puppies soon at the Velodrome
A late 18th century room with considerable bicycling paraphernalia including carpet pattens, trophies of the day, wall plaques and much else.
A late 19th century bicycle with solid rubber tires, a gas light, a chain and some suspension.
Carl is regaling us wiht more interesting information than we can possibly retain.
A ooden childrens bike
The “Ordinary” ruled the 1860's & 70's. But it was unsafe at any speed.
A Draisine -- an 1817 forerunner to the bicycle, that was pushed along by leg power.
A tangle of wooden wheels, stapped in steel bands with wooden spokes. Just as the wagons wheels were built.
THe bicycle became very popular but with the bad roads, rigid frames and solid rubber tires these were called boneshakers. And we think we have it bad wehn we hit a section of patched road.
Another “Ordinary”. THe wheel size determined the speed as well as the size of the person who could ride one. The taller (longer inseam) the rider, the faster his bike. And the farther his header when the front wheel jambed on some obstruction.
More push along cycles.
Here's a three wheeler that was geared toward safety.
Notice the wavey spokes on this one. They were intended to absorb the shocks from the bad roads, but never did work because they could not be trued.
Another trike
This is the genesis of bicylcles for the masses. THe Henry Ford of bikes.
This is the header -- quite common. And the driver for making bicycles safer, leading to many innovations like chains and sprockets, rear wheel drive, air filled tires and others.
Notice the pedal configuration. Up and down action intended to prevent headers.
A collection of bicycle bells.
And a collection of bicycle lights. Both Kerosene and oil.
A 5 man “tandem” for racing.
Ladies bike. Notice the ornate chain guard.
Military bicycles
An ornate and graceful looking (but poor riding) bike referred to as the Swan
Specialty bikes aimed at attractink the kids
Paratroopers in WWII had folding bikes for reconnosaince
Specialty bike for kids
Checking out the gift shop part of the museum
THis bike lasted a year -- until the transistor radio made it obsolete.
Novelty bike and bike ties in background
Passing through town we noticed this coffee shop with the steaming mug of coffee on display.
One of many NY stream corssings
NY Roads were wide and good with long views.
Lunch was DELICIOUS!
NY Town Scene
