Who invented the bicycle? The French say it was Michaux and seem to have forgotten about their countrymen Blanchard and Sivrac. “Nein” say the Germans, it was the Baron Von Drais, everyone knows this. And then there are the Scots, who say these claims are rubbish and the honor rightly belongs to our Macmillan and … Continue reading Inventing the Bicycle, Part 1: The Horseless Carriage and Celerifere (1779 to 1791)
Category: Uncategorized
It’s A Wonderful Life Trivia Contest!
Surely you’ve watched It’s A Wonderful Life a few times. And perhaps shed a tear or two. Which means you’re ready for the official, world championship It’s A Wonderul Life Trivia Contest created by Susan and me. Here are the questions, the answers are down below, just past the photo of Nick. And yes, I know this has nothing … Continue reading It’s A Wonderful Life Trivia Contest!
My Favorite Rides (#3): The Loire’s Azay & Villandry Castle, Apple Loop
The Loire holds a special place in my cycling heart – and history. It was here, in 1985, that I first hopped on a (rented) bike, promptly fell over, and quickly got hooked on cyclotourisme, learned how to read a Michelin map and appreciate a croissant sandwich. That very first ride, from Blois to Chambord … Continue reading My Favorite Rides (#3): The Loire’s Azay & Villandry Castle, Apple Loop
Bicycle History: A Propeller Bike, Bicycle Baby Cart, Steam-Powered & More Inventions That Didn’t Quite Make It
A bicycle ambulance, a “celebrated” vehicle that rides the rails, a baby buggy attachment, a steam-powered velocipede and, my favorite: a twin-screw, propeller-powered bike! These are some of the more creative build-a-better bike inventions that great thinkers and tinkerers came up after the modern-safety bicycle was developed in the 1860s. I found all these stories … Continue reading Bicycle History: A Propeller Bike, Bicycle Baby Cart, Steam-Powered & More Inventions That Didn’t Quite Make It
Bicycle History: Dogs Have Been Chasing & Biting Cyclists Since the 1700s
Soon after the first velocipedist headed out for a ride, a dog gave “chafe.” Chafe? That’s how they spelled the word chase back in the days of Old English, the long s and the first canine attacks. I found evidence of the delight dogs take in chasing bicycle-like vehicles, and sinking their teeth into riders, as … Continue reading Bicycle History: Dogs Have Been Chasing & Biting Cyclists Since the 1700s
The Biking France Blog 