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

February 19, 2021July 14, 2022 ~ Steve Wartenberg ~ Leave a comment

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

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

February 8, 2021February 8, 2021 ~ Steve Wartenberg ~ Leave a comment

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

January 21, 2021January 21, 2021 ~ Steve Wartenberg ~ 1 Comment

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

Are You and Your Significant Other Cycling Compatible?

November 30, 2020November 29, 2020 ~ Steve Wartenberg ~ 2 Comments

I love to ride and am a bit of a cycling fanatic. Susan? Not so much. And less and less as the years go by. This makes us a cycling incompatible couple. And yet, somehow, despite this huge hurdle, we’ve been able to stay happily married for 27 years. At least I think we’re happily married. … Continue reading Are You and Your Significant Other Cycling Compatible?

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

November 8, 2020November 22, 2020 ~ Steve Wartenberg ~ 6 Comments

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?