Wednesday 25 January 2012

Cycling miscellany - part 3

The Amphibicycle

Sadly no pictures remain of the remarkable tricycle designed by WilliamTerry which could be dismantled and re-assembled as a boat. The wheel and frame formed the hull; a wooden keel made it stable while air bags on either side gave it buoyancy.

In 1883, he travelled from London to Paris using this unique machine for the entire journey; riding as far as Dover, he re-configured it as a boat, rowed over the Channel and was promptly arrested by the French authorities on suspicion of smuggling. Having convinced them of his true intention he continued to Paris by road.... and canal.

What about it Gaz???

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