The Bicycling World, Vol 9, No 12
Articles in this issue
- Editorial calling on bicycle mechanics and dealers to take greater care when assembling and repairing machines, citing personal experiences of bearings left un-oiled, safety rods detached, and chain bolts unheaded. Argues that a dealer has no right to send out a machine unfit for the road, and appeals to skilled workmen to take more pride in their craft.
- Correspondence from the Newbury Cyclist Club recommending 'Extra Lantern Oil' by J. F. Jones & Co. of Boston as the best oil for bicycle lamps, reporting it does not encrust the wick, burns cleanly, and lasts six to eight hours in club lanterns.
- Letter from a Kings County Wheelman condemning Governor Cleveland for vetoing an 1883 bill appropriating $300,000 for street repairs in Brooklyn, including resurfacing Bedford Avenue, urging cyclists to vote against him in the coming election.
- Description of a new saddle designed by Stall & Burt of Boston specifically for the American Star bicycle, featuring lug-mounted side slides, a high front upright to prevent the rider from pitching forward, a ventilation slot, and carefully selected heavy-side leather tops.
- List of recent United States patents relating to cycling reported by patent solicitor Henry W. Williams, covering brake locks, tricycles, velocipedes, ball bearings, bicycle bells, saddle clips, and an ice velocipede, with inventors and their locations.
- Novices' Column article by E. C. Lee advising beginner tricyclists on correct pedalling technique including ankle play and knee extension, the method of steering front-steerers with slow wrist movements, and how to learn back-pedalling progressively to reduce speed safely.
- Novices' Column presenting the original letter by Dr. Gordon Stables, M.D., R.N. that sparked a wide 'Cyclist correspondence on cycling comfort topics: shoes versus boots, woollen stockings, tender feet, underclothing of silk or wool, headgear choices, and suitable drinks and camping arrangements on tour.
- Brief diary of the Chicago cyclists' tour from Niagara Falls to Brighton, Canada, covering the party's start at Lewiston, a steam crossing to Toronto, entertainment by the Toronto and Wanderers clubs, and ninety miles ridden over two days to Brighton in fine weather.
- Account of sixty-five Chicago cyclists arriving in Boston after touring from Niagara via Canada, listing the full roster of participants by division and describing the reception programme arranged by the Massachusetts Club, Boston Ramblers, Charlestown Club, and Boston Club.
- Story of Rev. R. E. Macduffy, a Cleveland clergyman arrested for riding his bicycle on the sidewalk while rushing to a sick parishioner; the justice rejected his 'higher law' defence, fined him, and ordered him to 'keep in the middle of the road.'
- Humorous account of a Worcester Aeolus Wheelmen club run to Shrewsbury, including a visit to antiquarian George Sumner's house, a Rudge bicycle frightening a cow into a three-mile chase, and older members failing to keep up with the fast younger riders.
- Short miscellaneous notes welcoming the Chicago tourists to Boston, reporting the Dutch Cyclists' Union has 350 members, describing the new Kangaroo chain-drive safety bicycle by Hillman Herbert & Cooper of Coventry, and recounting local cycling gossip including roads on Martha's Vineyard.
- Race results from Nashville's first annual club races, a Norristown club meeting at Globe Park, Montrose (Pa.) on July 4th, and the fifty-mile professional world championship in London won by F. Wood on a Humber in 2h. 47m. 20s., plus forthcoming tournament announcements for St. Louis, Berkshire County, and Louisville.
- Club news reporting the Massachusetts Bicycle Club's building bids coming in at approximately $25,000 for an elegant new clubhouse on the Back Bay, the formation of the Somerville Cycle Club and Rock City Club of Nashville, and a run by the Nashville Club to Eldorado Springs.
- American and Canadian Division announcements for the C.T.C. including membership dues ($1 first year), provisional member elections, and notice that the first annual autumn tour — the 'Wheel Around the Hub' — will be held in Boston on the first Monday in October 1884.
- Calendar of forthcoming bicycle events from July 25 through September 24, including the Chicago tourists' Boston programme, the Pittsfield tournament, Louisville tournament, Ohio Division annual meet at Cleveland, and the Springfield tournament September 16–19.