Olde Timey Bike Fest

By Bruce Cohen - August 8, 2014

On Thursday, Nate and I went to the Olde Timey Bike Fest, put on by the Maryland Historical Society and Baltimore Heritage.  It was great seeing so many familiar faces, some new, and so many awesome, old bikes!

After the demonstration of bikes through the ages, Eli Pousson of Baltimore Heritage lead us all on a biking tour of bicycle history in Baltimore.  The high wheels riding with us attracted a lot of cheering children and passersby who were astounded that people could actually ride them.  “How do you get up there?” they kept asking the riders as they passed.  Of course, being the historians that they are, they always correctly informed people that there is a small step on the back of the bike.  Other cyclists were having fun creating different possibilities for how someone could get on a high wheel.

All in all, it was a great evening.  The 25th International Cycling History Conference is still in Baltimore and Saturday, August 9th is the last day to listen to presentations on papers about cycling history.  One day passes are available.

Again, big thanks to the Maryland Historical Society and Baltimore Heritage for such a fun (and informative) evening.

Happy Riding!

Emily Ranson

P.S.  Remember that the Frederick Clustered Spires High Wheel Race is Saturday, August 16th, so don’t despair if you missed the bikes last night.