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Summer Solstice Celebration of Bicycles!
“The bicycle is a curious vehicle. Its passenger is its engine.”
- John Howard, Olympic cyclist, set a speed record of 152.2 mph in 1985
It’s the longest day of the year up here beyond 42 degrees north. The weather is mild, the winds are calm. Perfect weather to get out and take a ride.
“Cyclists see considerably more of this beautiful world than any other class of citizens. A good bicycle, well applied, will kill most ill this flesh is heir to.”
- Dr. K.K. Doty, 19th century physician
Jill Lepore is that rare and cherished writer who can make anything interesting. Her New Yorker articles — on any topic — are insightful and expanding. Imagine my thrill encountering her personal essay in the May 30, 2022 issue: “Easy Rider: Life on a Bike.” I plunged right into a favorite writer’s thoughts on a favorite subject.
“The bicycle is the most civilized conveyance known to man. Other forms of transport grow daily more nightmarish. Only the bicycle remains pure in heart.”
- Iris Murdoch, Author
By New Yorker standards, “Easy Rider” is a puff piece; appropriate for this time of year and this lighthearted subject.
