Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Penny Farthings and Such

I spent last weekend in the company of 12 other women at a writing retreat. It was wonderful for my writing and for me personally, too. We shared the grounds of St. Mary of the Woods with the Wheelmen, a group that collects and rides vintage bicycles. Being a fan of cycling, this was a delight for me!

This was the earliest bike represented. It doesn't have pedals. You lean forward and push with your feet.


An ordinary as they were called in the day. The name penny farthing didn't come into use until after the height of this bike's popularity.



Getting on and off is a daring feat!


One of the first pneumatics - air in the tires.
I loved her outfit, tho I'd hate to have to wear it on a muggy July day (like it was!).



A very interesting tricycle

I ride a leather saddle, not too different from this one

10 comments:

Lisa said...

I have to think your seat might look just a tad more comfortable! My bottom side wouldn't want to do any distance in THAT seat!

What fun pictures. It would be neat to see these bikes in action. You are a lucky duck! :)

Rosemary said...

What a wonderful variety of vintage bicycles! They were all fun... and the one without pedals was quite amazing. I don't believe I've ever seen one like that. Thanks for sharing this special event... and I look forward to enjoying the efforts of your writing sessions also!
Nancy

ayla begonia said...

What interesting pictures! Thanks for sharing!

Marilyn Miller said...

The bicycles were indeed a special treat. I hope you enjoyed your writing retreat and learned alot. I love educational weekends like that.

Amy said...

You know these bicycles were one of the reasons I was sad to miss this years retreat. (that and the 12 women!)

xo Esme

parTea lady said...

Sounds like it was a wonderful retreat. What fun to see all the vintage bicycles.

mep said...

Sounds like a wonderful weekend! A writing retreat with other women sounds fantastic.

My boys were visiting Grandma and Grandpa in Terre Haute this weekend . . . they should have checked out those bicycles!

Teresa's New Life said...

What fun! I especially loved that tricycle! And I agree with Hootie on that seat- ouch!

Angela McRae said...

Oh, what fun! And if *that* wasn't a free writing prompt for your retreat, I don't know what was!

Anonymous said...

Those are cool bike pictures. I'd like to ride one of those to tea.