Bicycle racing was one of the most popular forms of sport during the heyday of the Ordinary bicycle. The Springfield track in Springfield Massachusetts would typically draw 10,000 spectators for its annual meet! Like today,the bicycles were built of the finest and lightest materials and were the focus of the latest technological advances. Well publicized wins on the track would translate to sales at the dealerships. The racing men and women were national heroes.
In 1886 W.A. Rowe achieved the one hour track record of 22 miles 150 yards upon a 55 inch Columbia racing ordinary bicycle. This record stood until 2019 !!!
