In New Bremen, Ohio there's a gem--The Bicycle Museum of America. They've re-organized their collection since we visited two years ago, and have printed more and better explanatory material. What was once a fine collection jammed into a small space is now an education and an adventure. I'm sure less of the (copious) collection is actually on display than was out in 2013, but it feels like I'm seeing more, and learning more, too.

The bicycle carried a substantial load in bringing us the enhanced health, freedom of movement and thought that we enjoy today. Let me quote Susan B. Anthony, as the museum does:

"Let me tell you what I think of bicycling. I think it has done more to emancipate women than anything else in the world. It gives women a feeling of freedom and self-reliance. I stand and rejoice every time I see a woman ride by on a wheel...the picture of free, untrammeled womanhood."

The collection will, I predict, give you much to think about. From the scientific issues of metallurgy and aerodynamics, to social issues of modesty and mobility, you can learn a lot about who we are as a people today from how we developed and responded to the bicycle since 1816.

  

I could go on and on. If you have $3 and a modicum of historical curiosity, for pity sake, go visit. Oh--and--also--besides all this--the designs on the bike sprockets made me itch to go get a pencil. The art that went into these little circles was inspiring, so here are some sprockets, and my response...