WELCOME TO An Entertainment Site for Scottish Country Dancers - Enjoy the curated selection of theme-related dances for celebrations and holidays, or find a dance associated with a special calendar day, or EVEN your own birthday!
Penny Farthing Race At Herne Hill In England On August 31St 1937
Take a Ride Day
Nov 22
Other Scottish Country Dances for this Day
Today's Musings, History & Folklore
"Get a bicycle. You will not regret it, if you live."
~ "Taming the Bicycle", Mark Twain, 1884
Penny-farthing for your thoughts? Weather permitting, why not build your dancing muscles and preserve your dancing feet with a bicycle ride! This tribute reel splits the phrases into figures which represent: the wheels, the handlebars and saddle of the bike, the bicycle chain (don't get your kilt or skirt caught!) and the journey! The bicycle traces its origins back to the early 19th century with the "dandy horse" or draisine, invented in 1817. It lacked pedals and required riders to push themselves along with their feet! The 1860s saw the emergence of pedal-powered bicycles, notably the "boneshaker," which had wooden wheels with iron tires. But by the 1870s and 1880s, the high-wheeled penny-farthing became popular, though its design posed stability issues and its height made it a vehicle only for the adventurous. The modern bicycle's form emerged in the 1880s with the "safety bicycle," featuring equal-sized wheels and a chain-driven rear wheel. This innovation, combined with pneumatic tires changed the lives of many, especially the ladies, who hit the open road with gusto! 💚 💙 ❤️ 🚴
Bicycle Reel
The early 20th century was a golden age for bicycles, as they became a practical mode of transportation and a symbol of modern mobility. Innovations like pneumatic tires and the safety bicycle—featuring equal-sized wheels and a chain drive—had made cycling safer and more accessible by the late 19th century. As cities grew and people sought affordable ways to commute, bicycles became a vital tool for workers, students, and urban dwellers. In rural areas, bicycles provided newfound independence, allowing individuals to travel longer distances without reliance on horse-drawn vehicles or trains.
The world wars of the 20th century highlighted the strategic utility of bicycles. During World War I, bicycles were used by soldiers for reconnaissance, communication, and quick transportation, particularly in rough terrain where motor vehicles struggled. In World War II, bicycles played a crucial role in resistance movements. For example, messengers on bicycles carried secret documents and supplies through occupied territories in Europe. Meanwhile, the scarcity of fuel made bicycles an indispensable means of transportation for civilians in many countries.
After World War II, bicycles experienced a resurgence in popularity, driven by a growing interest in recreation and fitness. In the 1950s and 1960s, bicycles became an essential part of childhood, with many families in North America and Europe purchasing them as a rite of passage for their children. The introduction of lightweight materials and gears made cycling more enjoyable and efficient, expanding its appeal to adults as well. The rise of automobile culture in the same period, however, often relegated bicycles to secondary status as a mode of transport.
By the 1970s, the environmental movement and the oil crises sparked renewed interest in bicycles as a sustainable and economical alternative to cars. Urban planning in cities like Amsterdam and Copenhagen began to prioritize cycling infrastructure, creating networks of bike lanes and facilities that made cycling safer and more practical. At the same time, the popularity of sports like road racing and mountain biking further fueled interest in bicycles. Manufacturers responded with innovations, such as aluminum and carbon fiber frames, that improved performance and durability.
For more on how the bicycle transformed women's lives, click the lady and her penny-farthing!
Click the dance cribs or description below to link to a printable version of the dance!
