The Wheel World, Vol 4, No 22
Articles in this issue
- An editorial essay, prompted by Thackeray's observation that life is made of chances, arguing that cycling uniquely fosters lasting friendships formed in youth that will endure into later life.
- A further instalment of the serialised fiction in which Jack and Rose Mellish spend idyllic weeks by the sea, sailing and reading, as their romance deepens.
- Historical notes tracing the early Parisian origins of the bicycle, recording that Vincent began making bicycles in 1861 and Michaux introduced crank-action in 1855, with reference to the 1869 Crystal Palace tournament.
- The regular editorial column reflecting that winter club runs have been fewer than in recent years, despite mild weather, and that Boxing Day's beautiful morning failed to tempt riders out as expected.
- A profile of Richard Jourden, a well-known figure in the London wheel world celebrated not for racing records or published writings but for his genial presence and extensive network of cycling acquaintance.
- An account of a bicycle journey from Sydenham to Paris via Newhaven and Dieppe, including customs difficulties and a ride through the French countryside to the capital.
- The regular column of cycling news and correspondence from western districts of England.
- A short note advocating for the Park Commissioners of Chicago to grant cyclists access to the city's boulevards, arguing the bicycle is the most healthful exercise yet brought before the public.
- A comic poem addressing the bicycle as a phantasmagorical, aerial, yet mathematically precise invention, marvelling at the ingenuity of its "methodistical" inventor.
- A round-up of club news from across Britain, including notes on the Dunedin and Taieri clubs' holiday run in New Zealand.
- The Irish correspondent's column with news from Dublin clubs and commentary on sporting disputes.
- "Jarge" recounts a disastrous winter cycling excursion that proved to be the most unpleasant ride of the season, beset by mud, cold, and misfortune.
- A romantic poem set in a "lone and lovely country" describing an idealised female cyclist whose beauty harmonises with the flowers, birdsong, and streams of her natural surroundings.
- An account by members of the Dunedin and Taieri Bicycle Clubs of their club run to Balclutha and back, battling grey skies, muddy roads, and mountain passes.
- An account of a fraudster who impersonated the amateur cycling champion George Lacy Hillier to obtain money from unsuspecting bicycle buyers, culminating in his arrest at Lambeth Police Court.
- A touring narrative recording a lengthy tricycle journey through the Welsh borders and into North Wales, visiting Whitchurch, Chester, Llangollen, and the mountain passes of Snowdonia.
- A historical letter from Mr. William Soper of Reading describing experiments with primitive tricycles made by his father, grandfather, and brothers in the decades before the modern cycling era.
- A compiled listing of recent applications for letters patent concerning bicycle and tricycle velocipedes and lamps, compiled by Hart & Co., Patent Agents.