In the early 1950’s, C.R. Woodard published, “Scientific Training for Cycling”.  The book as a whole is fascinating.  What interested me in particular was the fifth chapter, Women in Cycling.

In this chapter, Woodard proposes that Cycling is a sport that encourages participation by women, but there is still a lot of prejudice against women taking part in strenuous exercise of any sort.  I know of no physiological reason why they should not do so, but I will admit that at present the general standard of fitness amongst women cyclists is much lower than that of men.

C.R. Woodard’s notion that having an understanding of the scientific methods of training and possessing a solid state of fitness is applied with vigor throughout the chapter covering competitive women cyclists.

At the time of the first publication, Woodard believed that women cyclists fell short of their male counterparts in competition due to the fact that, “at present most women have no serious idea how vigorous training should be”, and “if they had trained properly and been aware of what makes real fitness…” — Woodard felt that women could best the men in the sport of cycling.

“There is always an exception”, Woodard wrote, “and as I write this I am thinking of the almost supreme state of fitness that Eileen Sheridan attained”.

Eileen Sheridan, an english cyclist who began her career in the late 30’s, specialized in breaking world records in time trials and distance road records.

A national champion by 1945, Sheridan also won the British Best All-Rounder time trials in ‘49 and ‘50.  Her career is marked with victories and in 1951, sponsored by Hercules Cycle and Motor Company, Eileen Sheridan was unmatched in distance riding.

For three years she broke all records, sanctioned by the Road Records Association — most notable is her Land’s End to John O’ Groats run in 1954.  A blistering 2 days, 11 hours and 7-minutes.

“I believe that when women start training themselves for cycling as seriously as men do, there will be very little difference in the performances between male and female, and I believe one of the most important factors of all is the matter of appreciating what real fitness means.” -C.R. Woodard, Scientific Training for Cycling, 1951.

Beryl Burton, the greatest womens cyclist of all time.

Marshall Major Taylor, renowned as The Fastest Bicycle Rider In The World in the early 1900’s, accredits his success as a world champion to the value of good habits and clean living:

“Clean living is the cardinal principle in the lives of the world’s greatest athletes…”

Major Taylor’s celebrated values remain relevant to this day — not just for those who strive to succeed as a champion, but for those who desire to achieve in all aspects of life:

Don’t try to “gyp.”

Don’t be a pie biter.

Don’t keep late hours.

Don’t use intoxicants.

Don’t be a big bluffer.

Don’t eat cheap candies.

Don’t get a swelled head.

Don’t use tobacco in any form.

Don’t fail to live a clean life.

Don’t forget to play the game fair.

Don’t take in unfair advantage of an opponent.

Don’t forget the practice of good sportsmanship.

“These rules may seem simple enough, but it will require great morale and physical courage to adhere to them.  But if carried out in the strict sense of the word it will surely lead to a greater success than could otherwise be attained.“

–Major Taylor, The Fastest Bicycle Rider In The World, 1928.

When I discovered Freeman last Fall, my first thought was finally.  Finally someone had crafted a bicycle that would compliment my lifestyle (and reflect what I refer to as a grown man’s hustle).

At the time, however, I was unable to order the build that was available and so began my year long investment of all other things Freeman, including a series of interesting conversations with Ben in Missoula.

As we talked about the different product offerings and how each was the result of relationships forged through collaboration, my resolve solidified — I had to get down with a custom build.

When I mentioned to Ben that by the same time next year I would own the Track No.1 bicycle and be the first in Boston to do so, I have no doubt the sentiment resonated as full-blown hype.

Still, Ben indulged me and we continued to converse about how our ideals intersected and were reflected in our lifestyles. In the meantime, I slowly acquired the full complement of Freeman offerings. It is without shame that I share that particular fact — the inherent narrative behind each piece in the collection itself drew me in.

The denouement came during the summer when I reached out to Ben and Nathan and together we collaborated with OPEN on what became Black Dynamite, A Free Man’s Transport.

Much respect to Ben and Nathan for the circle of contributors they have brought together and a place for me to lay down some narratives as well.

Ride. Boldly ride.