Sydney Bicycle Club-Opening Trip.

Rare colonial engraving of Sydney’s oldest cycling club showing incidents on its opening trip in 1885.

1. “Some of the crowd.” 2. “Ready to start.” 3. “A few types.” 4. “Signal to start.” 5. “Ouch! A spill.” 6. “Into the saddle.” 7. “Sliding down the backbone of a bicycle (as described in S. M. H.)”
8. “Side-saddle.” 9. “A recitation.” 10. “Goodbye.” 11. “The result.” 12. “The last to go.” 13. “Thick riding and vaulting.” 14. “Standing up on the saddle.” 15. “Kneeling off the saddle.”

Contemporary account of The Sydney Bicycle Club’s Opening Trip.

The Sydney Bicycle Club inaugurated the opening trip of the season on the afternoon of Saturday, the 11th instant, with a ride to Botany followed by a tea and social gathering. The senior club extended invitations to nine other clubs, all of which were represented. The party consisted of the following clubs: Sydney Bicycle Club (35 wheelmen), Suburban (45), Redfern (21), Wanderers (20), Balmain (12), Burwood (14), Orientals (17), Manly (10), Sydney Tricycle Club (13), making a total of 187 wheelmen. With the addition of visitors, the total number reached 202.

The party assembled at Circular Quay and set off, two abreast, drawing the attention of a large crowd that cheered as they swiftly rode on their steel steeds. In just 45 minutes, the entire party arrived at the Sir Joseph Banks hotel in Botany, where tea had been prepared. Skilled riders among the group showcased impressive trick-riding performances on the lawn and later on the pavilion boards, demonstrating remarkable feats of balance and nerve. One of the standout and daring acts of the day was performed by Mr. J. McDonald, who slid down the backbone of a moving bicycle, touched the ground with his right foot, and regained his saddle. In the evening, a tea was held followed by an enjoyable social gathering, with Mr. H. W. Crane, Captain of the Club, presiding as the chairperson. During a break in the activities, Mr. Alfred Edwards, a member of the Sydney Bicycle Club, was presented with a medal commemorating his famous ride to Melbourne.

Our artist has captured a variety of the day’s incidents in an apt and engaging manner, which can be found on our 8th page. It is worth noting that the Annual Inter-colonial Race Meeting is scheduled to take place in August at the Association Grounds.

From the original edition of the Illustrated Sydney News.  

Collections:
National Library Australia: Bib ID 440095
State Library New South Wales: F8/39-40
State Library Victoria: CINF SLVIC=1853-1872-RARENSL N.S.W.