Tillie the Terrible Swede

[speedysmed]

http://www.reminisce.com/1900s-1920s/tillie-the-terrible-swede/?pmcode=CJDA1VH059&_mid=2612956&_rid=2612956.1103928.7308

 

Bicycle racing was a huge spectator sport in the 1890s, drawing thousands in cities all across America. Even women competed in these grueling races, which lasted for hours or even days.

Newspapers questioned her femininity and the wisdom of letting women compete. One newspaper even published a photograph of her leg to show what effect cycling had on the female form.

 “Bicycle Racing Transforms Lovely Woman From a Pale Beauty Into a Perfect Fright.”

 

Photo is from about 1896

 

[Road Runner]

Cool story.  Thanks.

 

Fixies don't look all that much different 117 years later.