3 minute read
Like Riding a Bike
EHS alumnus travels 700 miles by bicycle in 1898.
Although the bicycle dates back to the early 1800s, it was the development of the safety bicycle, as an alternative to the high-wheel bicycle, and technological developments, including the pneumatic tire and the chain drive, that accelerated the popularity of cycling on both sides of the Atlantic.
The 1890s bicycle craze that swept Europe and the United States found an enthusiastic follower among the Episcopal High School community. In June of 1898, alumnus Wythe Leigh Kinsolving, Class of 1897, set out by bicycle with an ambitious itinerary that would take him and a friend across the Commonwealth of Virginia. Their 700-mile itinerary over 12 days, covering some of the hilliest terrain of the region, was ambitious even by today’s standards. It would have been especially so given the road conditions and bike technology at the time, as they were likely biking on dirt roads on a single gear. Because their itinerary included the commencement ceremonies for Episcopal High School and the University of Virginia, the two cyclists sent valises ahead to ensure their attire for the final celebrations would be waiting for them, but carried everything else they would need for their journey by bike.
Kinsolving and his friend launched their journey with an ambitious sixty-mile ride north to Lynchburg from Houston, Va. They allowed themselves two days to bike the 70 miles to Charlottesville where they devoted four days to celebrating UVA’s commencement, leaving the pair well rested for the challenges ahead. The 75 miles they would travel between Manassas and Bull Run on their way to Episcopal High School would prove to be especially challenging.
The challenges of this segment were rewarded with a week at The High School, from which they rode approximately 60 miles to Brunswick, Md., spending the night before peddling to Harper’s Ferry taking in the dramatic scenery where the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers meet. From there, the cyclists headed south to Winchester, Va., and onto Luray Caverns for sightseeing. After crossing Massanutten Mountain, the pair headed to Staunton for four days of rest before cycling to Lexington for more sightseeing.
From Lexington, they rode approximately 20 miles to Buchanan getting just enough rest overnight to cross the Blue Ridge to the Peaks of Otter before continuing onto Forest Station to spend the night before returning to Lynchburg. Due to inclement weather, the pair was forced to abandon cycling and return home by train for the first time on their 700-mile trek.
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE PRINTS AND PHOTOGRAPHS DIVISION, LIBRARY OF CONGRESS, LC-USZ62-25339
While the men pictured are not Kinsolving and friend, this archival photo is an excellent example of what their trip looked like in 1898.
