Bicycle History: The Velo-Douche, Lawn Mower Bicycle & Bicycle Sailboat

Hardly a day passes but somebody invents a new kind of bicycle. Philadelphia Inquirer, December 2, 1894 This was so very true, and here are three of my favorite new kinds of bicycle inventions: the Velo-Douche, Lawn Mower Bicycle and the Bicycle Sailboat. The Velo-Douche There’s nothing like a nice, refreshing shower after a long ride. … Continue reading Bicycle History: The Velo-Douche, Lawn Mower Bicycle & Bicycle Sailboat

Advertisement

Bicycle History: Lions & Tigers & Bears … and Bikes!

Beasts and bicycles, just think of all the fascinating possibilities. Here are three of the stories I found in old newspapers that leapt off the faded pages and bit me ...  The Bear, the Bicycle, and the Bloomers Bruin was a performer, a dancing bear who lived with his “master” somewhere in London. Apparently this … Continue reading Bicycle History: Lions & Tigers & Bears … and Bikes!

Around the World With Bicycle History: A King, Sultan, Bullfighter, Deadly Duel & the World’s Most Expensive Bike

The bicycle is everywhere, in every country and culture, and can be used for good and for evil, as you'll see. So, off we go on a quick bike trip around the world: Spain, France, Greece, Russia, Morocco, England, back to Spain and, finally, South Africa.  Spain: No Bull Birmingham Daily Post, England, July 2, … Continue reading Around the World With Bicycle History: A King, Sultan, Bullfighter, Deadly Duel & the World’s Most Expensive Bike

Technology Has Totally Changed Traveling: Remember Traveler’s Checks, Kodachrome & Cyber Cafes?

It began in 1981.  I was just a kid, 22, covering the Paris Air Show for an aviation magazine. I had traveler’s checks, a Walkman with cassettes, and bought several little pieces of paper that had color photos of famous sites on one side - the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame - and room to write … Continue reading Technology Has Totally Changed Traveling: Remember Traveler’s Checks, Kodachrome & Cyber Cafes?