Start of a High-Wheel Bicycle Race, circa 1886

01

Artifact Overview

American bicycle racing flourished in the late 19th century -- first with the high-wheel "ordinary" machines, then with the same-sized wheel "safeties". This photograph shows seven athletes atop their high-wheel bicycles prepared for the start of a race. Spectators press up against the rails at this local track to watch and encourage their favorite cyclist.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Photographic print

Subject Date

circa 1886

Location

By Request in the Benson Ford Research Center

Object ID

86.18.49.1

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Paper (Fiber product)
Cardboard

Technique

Albumen process

Color

Black-and-white (Colors)

Dimensions

Height: 4.125 in
Width: 8.25 in

Inscriptions

Handwritten in ink on back: about 1886 / 1- A.B. Rich, New York / 2- W.E. Christ Washington D.C. / 4- D. Edgar Hunter, Salem, Mass Blue and white label on back side reads: LEAGUE OF AMERICAN WHEELMEN / ABBOT BASSETT, Secretary- Treasurer, / 221 Columbus Ave. Boston, Mass.