1902: Racing start

~ motorcycletimeline

The country’s first racetrack opened at Bexhill-on-Sea and, while the Earl De La Warr (who owned the seafront) envisioned a south coast Le Mans, motor cyclists got in on the act, competing for a rather fine cup presented by Motor Cycling. What would evolve into the Green ‘Un was also running reviews of the leading designs if the day so you can read all about the New Pattern Werner, Clement-Garrard, Phoenix, Singer, Auto-Bi, Excelsior, FN…with plenty more to come. There’s also a report on the Crystal Palace trials, two show reports and news of French plans to use surplus wine and beetroot crops to power bikes. And a five-pot rotary engines. And heated discussion about the perils faced by novices on 2¾hp speedsters. The first riding gear was arriving. The accessory market was finding its feet. More stories are being added on an almost daily basis so, enjoy. I certainly am.

1902 BIKE CRANE AW
“Usefulness vs Art 1: Bjones scandalised his eminently respectable neighbourhood by razing his flower beds and erecting a hideous donkey engine and crane in his front garden! Just fancy!! “Usefulness vs Art 2: But when the truyly intelligent community saw it was really the most practical way of getting his motor-bicycle into the hall they bore the inflictiojn with resignation. This is truly a utilitarian age and art must be subservienbt to usefulness.”
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