The Bicycling World, Vol 9, No 9
Articles in this issue
- Editorial arguing for wider adoption of the detachable handle-bar as a safety device against forward-fall 'headers', reviewing recent tournament falls and contending that the L.A.W. should encourage its use. Closes with an unheaded note chiding a rival paper, the Gazette, for its reluctance to publish stenographic reports of the League's annual meetings.
- Dr. J.C. Hoffman writes about his personal experience riding the Facile lever-action bicycle, praising its suitability for riders who find the ordinary penny-farthing difficult to mount and dismount.
- Correspondent "2738" argues that the sport's future lies in long-distance road riding rather than track racing, contrasting the cultivation of endurance with the narrow focus on record times.
- W.J.M. reports on the Lillibridge detachable handle-bar system, explaining its mechanism and describing test situations where the bar's release prevented what would otherwise have been serious falls.
- A.G. Coleman writes about the photographs taken at the Washington LAW meet, discussing their quality and proposing they be made available to members as a record of the season's most important gathering.
- Oliver Chantry raises questions about the accuracy of timekeeping at the Philadelphia tournament, arguing that the methods used were inadequate for recording official championship times.
- Will R. Pitman offers his verdict on rat-trap pedals after extended use, concluding they provide superior grip to rubber pedals in wet conditions and are worth the slight increase in weight.
- C.E. Hawley contributes to the novices' column with advice on proper hand position on the handle-bar, explaining how grip and wrist angle affect steering control and comfort on long rides.
- B.B. Ayers describes the planned Niagara to Boston cycling tour from Chicago, giving the itinerary, departure dates, route details, and information on how wheelmen from various cities can join the party.
- Portland Wheel Club description of their planned Kennebec River tour, covering the route from Boston through Maine, stopping points, expected road conditions, and arrangements for participants.
- Correspondent "Dave N. Port" reports from Canton, Pa. (population 1,800), where nine machines (two Stars and a tricycle) remain since the defunct "Armenia" Club folded, recounting local mishaps such as a rider's broken jaw and a header caused by a picked-up horseshoe. The item closes previewing the 4 July racing programme at Brooks grounds, Blossburg, Pa., where Woodside, Prince, and Morgan are announced to ride.
- List and description of the exhibition awards presented at the Philadelphia tournament, covering prizes for bicycle and tricycle displays and the manufacturers and models that received recognition.
- H.D. Corey's celebrated feat of riding a bicycle to the summit of Corey Hill, Boston, is described in detail, with an account of the hill's gradient and the technique used to accomplish the climb.
- Cycling correspondent from St. Louis reports on local club activities and road riding conditions, including humorous anecdotes about the encounters of wheelmen with horses and pedestrians on city streets.
- Reprint and commentary on a London Standard article about the planned American bicycle tour of Europe, examining the English press's perception of American cycling and the tour's prospects.
- Miscellaneous notes: a lamentation poem about a header on Corey Hill, news of Ed. F. Landy's serious riding accident in Cincinnati, the Gormully & Jeffery new hollow tire, and other cycling items of the week.
- Cyclists' Touring Club American Division notices: membership applications for five new members, the first annual autumn tour announcement for Boston in October 1884, and the Harrogate Meet steamship rate arrangements; the Canadian Division also advertises for consuls in every Canadian city and town.
- July 4th race results from Binghamton (John Brooks dominant), Toronto's Canadian Wheelmen's Association races (Lavender wins championship mile), Elmira, Meriden, and other July 4th meetings across the country.
- Club news: the Boston Club's run to Massapoag House, Rutland Club's new skating rink dedication, Capital Bicycle Club officer elections, Lynn 'Cycle Club formation, and the New Hampshire Division's second annual run.
- Reviews of three cycling books: "Wheels and Whims" (a novel about lady tricyclists touring the Connecticut Valley), the Massachusetts Division Hand-Book, and S. Conant Foster's collection "Wheel Songs."
- Answers to correspondents on race rules questions and bicycle matters, including a discussion of the Star bicycle starting position under League rules and brief acknowledgements to subscribers.
- Calendar of upcoming races and tours: 4 July race meetings on Boston Common and at Marblehead, Lawrence, Wilkesbarre (Pa.), Lynn, Williamsburgh (Brooklyn), Rutland, Columbus (Ind.), Troy, and Providence, plus the Roxbury Club's excursion, followed by the Cleveland Club races on 10 July. Also lists the Niagara-to-Boston tour departing Chicago 13 July, the Portland Wheel Club's Kennebec tourists leaving Boston 22 July, and the New Haven Club's race meeting at Hamilton Park, 23-24 September.