I read "The Lost Cyclist" a few months ago. Story of a rider circling the globe and two other doing the same. I think the time was just before the turn of the century when riders were trading up from the big front wheel machines to the new "safety" first with solid rubber then with inflatable tires. It was an interesting read, some good history and accounts of some outrageous rugged guys. It was hard to believe things like this were attempted and recorded.