Any comments, errors or omissions gratefully received
The Editor
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© F.Coakley , 2026
[from A.M Harrision's Descriptive List of Insular Societies]
not in A.H.
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Bicycles of the period before 1885 were of what is commonly known as the penny-farthing variety - a large steerable front wheel directly driven by cranked pedals with a smaller trailing wheel - the driver sat high over the front wheel; pneumattic tyres were invented only in 1888. The machines were awkward to mount and dismount, as well as being unsafe if the rider was thrown off. Hence typically the plaything of young men. Manx roads were not at this period tarmac'd
Mona's Herald, Thursday, 15th July 1875;
A Bicycle club has just been established in Douglas, aud already comprises a dozen members. As the charge for entrance to the club is moderate, we have no doubt that it, will receive the patronage of all the young men of the town who take an interest in manly and muscular exercise. Fifteen machines constructed on the most improved principle, have been brought over from England. The wheels of none of them are less than four feet in diameter, but they are of exceedingly light weight.
Mr Marshall Wane has been elected captain of the club.
Mona's Herald, Thursday, 20th April 1876
On Friday last the first run of the season of the Douglas Bicycle Club took place. The members met at the residence of Mr Wane, Finch-road, and started at ten a.m. en route via Kirk Michael for Ramsey, where they dined. The party arrived home about eight o'clock p.m. Those who did the journey were Messrs Wane (captain), Greig (sub-captain) and Knapp, Sharpe, Bell, and Stevens.
Manx Sun, Saturday, 29th April 1876
At a general meeting of the above club held on Monday last, it was resolved—"That the weekly meet for practice should take place on Wednesdays at 6-30 p.m." Mr A. W. Dumergue was elected to fill the vacancy on the committee occasioned by the withdrawal of Mr W. Knapp.—On Wednesday the weekly meet took place at Mr Wane's, Finch-road. Eight machines turned out, and the Laxey-road was chosen. The eight riders were : —Messrs Wane (capt.), Sharpe, Knapp, Allen, Bell, Harwood, Stevens, and Gray.
Isle of Man Times, Saturday, 6th May 1876
DOUGLAS AMATEUR BICYCLE CLUB. — QUICK RIDE.
Messrs A. W. Gray and A. Stevens, of Douglas, members of the above club, made a remarkably quick run from Peel to Douglas on Tuesday evening last. Those gentleman were on the platform at Peel railway station when the guard gave the signal for the train to start. They then proceeded up the town, and oiled their machines; after which they started for home. St. John's was reached a little in advance of the train. At Ballacraine the bicyclists stopped and had some refreshments, a proceeding which allowed the train to get ahead By the time Crosby station was reached, however, the bicyclists had again overtaken the train. At Greeba they were again passed by the train, but at the Union Mills the bicyclists had so much the advantage as to be quite confident of reaching Douglas first. On going over some loose stones at Kirk Braddan, Stevens broke one of the spokes of the driving wheel of his machine, which necessitated his dismounting to adjust, thus occasioning some delay. His companion, continuing the journey without interruption, reached Douglas some short time in front of the train, Stevens putting in an appearance shortly afterwards. Both gentlemen made their way to the station, their appearance causing no little surprise to some of their friends, who thought they had been left behind at Peel. The driving wheel of Mr Gray's machine is fifty inches in diameter, while that of Mr Stevens is 51. Both machines are of the "spider" build, and are made of bright polished steel. The time taken by Mr Gray to run the whole distance, including two stoppages, was under 41 minutes.
Manx Sun, Saturday, 27th May 1876
TRIP ROUND THE ISLAND.
ON Wednesday last, the Queen's birthday, the members of this club made a trip round the Island, the first time we believe this journey has been made on bicycles. From a member who was one of the party we have received the following particulars:—
The members who intended to travel round left Douglas at seven o'clock, a.m., and encountered a strong wind all the way to the Point of Ayre. From the Point of Ayre to Port Erin the wind was in our favour, but on leaving Port Erin the wind was again full in our teeth.
At Grenaby we were kindly entertained at a suptuous breakfast by Mr Lace which was heartily partaken of by all members. Leaving Grenaby we proceeded northward to the Point of Ayre lighthouse. We went up to the light and signed our names in the visitors' book. From the Point of Ayre we drove down to Port Erin, calling at the intermediate towns, and then home via Port St Mary and Castletown. The roads in the North are in a very bad condition, especially in and north at Ramsey, which caused us to drive slowly. At Bride we waited 50 minutes in order that Mr Lace's machine might be repaired. At Foxdale Mr Stevens lost a spoke out of his driving wheel, and the tire came off the hind wheel; however this did not detain him, and he proceeded without the tire. The fellow of Mr Gray's small wheel broke at the same time. The members who rode the whole distance (84¾ miles) were—Messrs Gray, Stevens, Lace, Bell, and Livesey.
They arrived back in Douglas at 9.55pm
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Any comments, errors or omissions gratefully received
The Editor |
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