I want to ride my bicycle

Photograph of Jesse Mercer Archer, Hancock County, Georgia, between 1895 and 1900
Jesse Mercer Archer, Hancock County, Georgia, between 1895 and 1900

I recently purchased a bicycle. While it lacks the nifty bell possessed by this dapper gentleman’s bike (as pictured on the left), it does otherwise appear little changed to the casual eye. The larger difference by far is found in the rider, and I will not anytime soon be seen on, or even posing by, my new bike in a suit, tie and hat.

Style is a sacrifice, particularly if you insist upon it crossing boundaries. Living in Athens, Georgia, one sees spandex clad bikers at all times and places. Below are photographs of  a time when riders eschewed hyper-specific sports wear for the dignified clothes of their daily lives.

The DLG – and more specifically the Vanishing Georgia collection – has many historical photographs of bicycles, bike riders and even bike shops. Take a look.

Photograph of Cook and Gentry Bicycle Shop, Rome, Floyd County, Georgia, ca. 1897
Cook and Gentry Bicycle Shop, Rome, Floyd County, Georgia, ca. 1897
Photograph of Group on bicycles, not after 1904
Group on bicycles, not after 1904
Photograph of Florence Timmerman with a new bicycle, Lanier County, Georgia
Florence Timmerman with a new bicycle, Lanier County, Georgia
Photograph of Man on tricycle, Cedartown, Polk County, Georgia, ca. 1895
Man on tricycle, Cedartown, Polk County, Georgia, ca. 1895
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