Mark Twain and the Bicycle
05-17-11 | 08:53 AM
#1
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2009
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From: New England
Bikes: Trek 1.1
Mark Twain and the Bicycle
I can't believe I have lived this long and never read this essay by Mark Twain.
Delightful!
https://www.bikereader.com/contributors/misc/taming.html
Delightful!
https://www.bikereader.com/contributors/misc/taming.html
05-17-11 | 01:57 PM
#3
www.ocrebels.com
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From: Los Angeles area
Bikes: Several bikes, Road, Mountain, Commute, etc.
I don't know history well enough to know, but it sounds like he was riding a high-wheeler (penny-farthing type). Wonder if he was still around when the "safety bicycle" came around.
Probably not as much fun to write about!
Rick / OCRR
Probably not as much fun to write about!
Rick / OCRR
05-17-11 | 02:24 PM
#4
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Joined: Mar 2008
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From: Costa Mesa CA
A 50 inch penny-farthing! I can't imagine learning to ride on one of those. More guts than I. He died in 1910, so he did see the modern bike.
Mark Twain also tried surfing when he was in Hawaii. Had less than stellar results. Read about it in "Roughing It"
Mark Twain also tried surfing when he was in Hawaii. Had less than stellar results. Read about it in "Roughing It"
05-17-11 | 02:43 PM
#5
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From the description, it was definitely NOT a safety bike. Don't think I've even been so glad that they were invented as I was reading this. 
What a hoot.
Also sounds like we have a new suggestion for the dog threads, ride a penny farthing and you will take care of the little beasts.
What a hoot.Also sounds like we have a new suggestion for the dog threads, ride a penny farthing and you will take care of the little beasts.
