Dear All:
I finally got around to reading the Scientific American I bought last 
month.  Their "100 years ago" column had the following entry for October, 
1896:
Cycling, which was yesterday the fad of the few, is today the pastime of 
the many.  Unfortunately, this progress has been attended with numberless 
casualties.  One temptation of many cyclists is to see how speedily they 
can sacrifice their lives on hilly ground.  The moment the brow of a hill 
is reached the reckless cyclist seems impelled to take his feet from the 
pedals and allow the machine to descend with all the rapidity which 
gravity gives it.  A good brake affixed to the back wheel would 
considerably reduce the number of accidents from this cause; but, 
unfortunately, there is an idea that a brake adds an inconvenient weight 
to the machine.
I note that downhill racing is a big part of mountain bike racing in the 
modern age but at least they have (and use?) brakes.  They can also pedal 
while going downhill.
Tailwinds to you,
Steve
... Trackball:  a mouse with its feet in the air.
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