TWO WHEELING!

    SATURDAY, MAY 22, 2021

         TWO WHEELING!

  In  case you haven't heard or noticed

there's a bicycle shortage here in the U.S.

The pandemic is to blame! In a couple

ways. When the pandemic began the

only activities that were encouraged were

outdoor, individual activities like bike

riding. So bike sales rose. But, at that

same time, many bicycle manufactures,

especially in Asia, shut down their plants!

Now, as we emerge from the pandemic,

the demand for bicycles is high but the

supply is low. One answer would be to

construct your own. And today would be

an appropriate day. It was on May 22nd

of 1819 that the first bicycle showed up

in New York City. You'll just need two

wheels, a seat, or saddle, and a few boards.

The "Swift Walker" didn't have pedals or

a chain! As its name implies, the rider sat

astride the seat and walked along with

the bike. When the pavement declined at

all the rider simply lifted his or her feet

and coasted along! Unfortunately the Swift

Rider didn't last very long. Riders coasting

along tended to run into pedestrians and after

just a few short weeks they were banned in

New York. So, if you build one, you might

want to steer clear of Manhattan! Hope you're

well balanced and that all your NEWS is good!