Finally, it’s done. There are always more stories to be unearthed but, according to my word counting software, there are now more than 115,000 words in 1903 with an “average read tine” of 9hr 37min 45sec. The system indicates that there are 489 pics and ads to look at. Blimey. I’m now busy uploading more assorted pics into the second melange page—there are hundreds to work through from my chum Francois’ amazing archive. Well worth a look.Among the final 1903 yarns to be unearthed (from The Motor Cycle) were feature supporting footrests over pedals and extolling the “freemasonry of motor cyclists”, with a note that “motor cycles are not confined to the middle class. Thanks to modified prices and the extension of the instalment system, the motor cycle is becoming a more familiar vehicle with the artisan class.” Hurrah! Then it will; be time to get back to work on 1933. Three and four-speed gearboxes…suspension…saddle tanks…drum brakes…where will it all end?

That was the year that was—take another look at 1903 and you’ll find comprehensive reports on the Stanley, Crystal Palace and Paris shows. There are marques you’ve never heard of, accessories galore, the first generation of purpose made riding gear and so much more. Don’t neglect the extensive collection of features—”Wake up Ladies” has been extended and revamped (the fair sex is reminded that while they should ride motor-bicycles, they “must not attempt to ape their male companions either as regards dress or performances”.) There are now more than 100,000 words of motor cycling history in 1903 with more being added daily. Meanwhile the M21, Model 100, ESS250/2 and A10 lie neglected. Hobby? It’s an obssession.

It was time to prove to the Great British Public that motor-bicycles had come of age. The MCC staged a series of 200-mile reliability trials (with a 100-miler for forecars, trailers and combos). The motorised section of the ACC upped the ante with a 1,000-mile trial based on the Crystal Palace. And the motorised section of the CTC planned a tour from Land’s End to John o’ Groats. Designers came up with rear stands—not least to allow bikes to be started at a standstill—and, 50 years before centre-stands became ubiquitous, one appeared on the Bat. It’s all awaiting you in 1903 (the 1,000-miler report’s so extensive that you’ll find it in the features section; while your there do take a look at ‘Dogs: Shoot, Hang or Poison?).

There was already plenty of material in 1903 (the features section is a doozy) but, thanks to my acquisition of early volumes of The Motor (née Motor Cycling and Motoring) a positive cornucopia of stories and pics unseen for 120 years awaits your attention. There are bags of forgotten bikes, the first generation of sidecars (and the cartoon that inspired their invention), races between motor-bicycles and airships, experiments with more potent fuel, the first 60mph racer…and a death toll in the Paris-Madrid race that stopped the race at Bordeaux and led to a French ban on road racing.

That’s it; 1902’s in the bag, all 143,000 words of it (not counting features). This is the year motor cycling came of age; the word-count software reckons you can read all about it in 12 hours. The final (for now) instalment includes reports from the Stanley and Paris shows including a shedload of marques lost to history. You’ll also find the first motor cycle to carry the Rudge name, the first bike cop, the first Xmas story in a bike mag and…you get the picture.

More firsts from 1902: The first wheelie; the first bike cop (“He has to race motorcars transgressing the speed limit.”) and the first reported bike theft (of a one-off prototype destined for the Stanley Show). There’s also a 12hp pacer which “has touched 55mph on the track” and a 32hp 4.2-litre vertical twin ‘bête de vitesse’ trike of which Motor Cycling said: “This machine is claimed to have—and we give the information with all reserve—a speed of 124mph.”

More stories, more bikes, more reports, more firsts (probably) including a lurid newspaper report of a rider’s injuries, a two-speed transmission, a cantilever frame, a purpose-built, a machine-gun trike, a racetrack (at Spa) and a clip-on two-stroke.

Just added to 1902, loads of good stuff including reports from the Paris-Vienna Great Race (the motor-bicycles did remarkably well), the Westerham Hill-Climb, notes on upgrading a 1900 front-wheel-drive Werner and a first-hand account of the first motor-bicycle run from Land’s End to John o’Groats (which has joined the rest of the E2E and round-the-coast yarns in the 1911 features section). Ixion reckoned this run, by MCC Captain EH Arnott, was the most impressive of them all; It’s a ripping yarn. You’ll also find some Stateside bikes you’ve never heard of and an editorial pointing out that motorbikes are the safest vehicles on the road…and this cartoon, which rings horribly true today.

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.

Among the latest additions to 1902 are the launch story of the ‘New Pattern’ Werner—arguably one of the most influential bikes in history—and the launch of what would become the ubiquitous (in Britain) Smith’s speedo. The introduction to the Smith’s story is gloriously steampunk: “Messrs S Smith and Sons, the well-known horologists, of 9, Strand, WC, have just completed the first specimen of their new patent combined motor chronograph and speed indicator.”