Armchair fans, a Herne Hill borefest and a brawl in Shirley
Just three years into its existence, and Cycling already had a loyal following. “I came upon a curious case a few days ago: a young fellow has been a reader of Cycling for over a year – never missing a number, he told me – and yet he has never bestridden a wheel in his life,” writes the editor. “One’s first impulse in meeting with a case of this kind is to search for missing arms or legs, but no omission of the kind was discoverable.”
On reflection, it’s perhaps not that surprising: the safety bicycle had not been in existence for many years and there would have been many ‘young fellows’ unable to afford one.
Much of this 16-page issue is filled with stories from the Surrey Meeting at Herne Hill. Cycling estimated the crowds at 15 or 16,000 people, which “even included the committee of the Surrey Cricket Club”.
“The turf and trees were bright with spring’s most brilliant green, and all gave promise of a record afternoon. But this was not to be, for truth to tell, the Surrey meeting lacked throughout… The racing for the most part was deadly dull.”
Less dull was the West Croydon CC’S club run. A correspondent writes: “I would warn cyclists to beware of Shirley (Ed - the place, not a person) on the Sevenoaks road. Last night, as they were riding by the Shirley Inn, a group of cads ran out into the road and pulled the last man off his machine, doing considerable damage, smashing his lamp and cutting his hands and wrists.” Thankfully the victim’s clubmates turned around and took on the 12 or so assailants. The
correspondent reports: “One came away with two black eyes, and three more with one each.”
The issue as a whole is basically a series of short stories, from racing news to industry updates. There was even a poem: “A cycler who lived in Melrose, Was fond of the flashiest hose. A mad bull one day Chanced to pass his way Where the young man has gone no one knows.”
There was also the odd scam in the classified ads: “Unscrupulous persons are using our Private Sales columns for advertising as private individuals, when in reality they are representatives of cycle dealers. In spite of our constant refusal of such [adverts] we have found it impossible to grapple with the evil.” ebay and Gumtree eat your heart out.