The 3 Day ‘Health Tour’ to Knutsford via Hoo Green.   NEXT PAGE 23

The Road Race of the Liverpool Cycling Club (June 1887) The ‘Xtraordinary’ (1st sketch) had the saddle further back than the ordinary to try and reduce the not inconsiderable risk with the standard ordinary of taking a header over the … Read More

An evening cycle ride to the Ship Inn, Rainhill, 14th July 1887 The reference to ‘Swift’s’ is no doubt due to a Peter Swift having long been the landlord of the Ship Inn.  It perhaps says something about Walt’s presence … Read More

Knutsford Sunday 3rd July 1887 This day’s ride from Walt’s home at West Derby must have been at least 55 miles. The “George” will be the former Royal George Hotel, Knutsford.  Gathering honeysuckles is presumably a euphemism relieving themselves! NEXT … Read More

Saturday 2nd July 1887 – trials and tribulations. Illustrating the problems arising when a lady’s long dress becomes entangled in the front wheel.  Not only does dress and dignity suffer, but also the cycle chain. NEXT PAGE 19

Sundry Cycle Rides in June 1887 With the warmer summer days and nights, Walt and sister Amy range far and wide around Liverpool and beyond.  Bold, St Helen’s, Rainhill, &Thatto Heath get a mention.  On one occasion Amy had to … Read More

Impromptu Cycle Ride to Hunts Cross 29th June 1887. Walt borrows Billy Slade’s bike and rides over to Hunts Cross Hotel for a game of Crown Green Bowls.  He appears to have gathered some friends on the dusty way along … Read More

Wirral Bicycle Club. (20 Miles Handicap) This handicap was from Birkenhead to Sutton and back. The Crockeries was probably the nickname for the Victoria Lodge Hotel, the club’s headquarters, where the race presumably started (Argyle St South, Birkenhead is close … Read More

Whit Sunday, Knutsford. 29th May 1887 The day starts at the Royal George Hotel, Knutsford.  ‘Old Billy’ Slade arrives from Liverpool to join the fun.  Thanks to the generosity of a family descendant of Billy, we now know more of … Read More

Wirral Bicycle Club Tour to Knutsford 28th May 1887 A cripper was a tricycle steered by a front small wheel in a fork (1st sketch), named after Bob Crips, a popular champion who used one in his races. Bowdon is … Read More