Kleiner’s Korner: Part 5 - Motorcycling on Long Island Roads
Numerous motorcycle races and "economy" tests were held on Long Island in the early 1900s many of which were on other roads besides the Motor Parkway (some however, were influenced by the Vanderbilt Cup Races). These photos are from one such event held on July 3, 1908. All photos are from the May 30 and July 4, 1908 issues of Bicycle World and Motorcycle Review.
Art Kleiner
Routes of the contests often included both shores of Long Island and included "control" stops - this map shows the stops at the start of the race in Brooklyn, Roslyn, Riverhead and Patchogue.
The July 3 event was switched from a race to an "economy" test, partly because of the "consequences" that county (I presume, Nassau County) officials encountered from earlier Vanderbilt Cup Races. Anyone want to guess what "spray nozzles" might relate to as mentioned here?
The Manhasset Hill was a favorite spot to photograph the event.
The Patchogue control.
Comments
I’m figuring ‘small spray nozzles’ were cleverly hidden fuel reservoirs that can add fuel to the tank during a Economy Run, or an additive to give the bike more pep for hills.
Using the nozzle like you would a primer bulb.
From Art Kleiner:
Good thinking, Brian. You might be correct but here’s some material found in “Motorcycle Illustrated” from around 1912. Possibly the last article may relate to why they wouldn’t be allowed in an economy test as all cycles might need to be equipped equally!
I believe the 2 views of “making the ascent of Manhasset Hill” is on the Flushing and North Hempstead Turnpike (present day Northern Blvd) looking east towards today’s Whitney Pond, which was called Mitchell’s Pond in the 1906 E. Belcher Hyde Atlas of Nassau County, Double page 3. Your thoughts?
Sounds good, Art. I like diagrams, like below : )
Gary - Quite possible on photo location, or further east at today’s Old Northern Blvd, at the top of the hill (just south of Northern Blvd and Middle Neck Rd), also looking east. I don’t have info yet to verify either location.
Brian - Great pic! The 1902 bike photo follows the “Safety Bicycle” frame design still in effect today. First developed in late 1880s, it continues today as the improved two-wheel design for rider stability. The only minor flaw I can see in the 1902 bike is the short front wheel fender, ending at the front fork, and needing to extend further to the front wheel for water/mud prevention. Still an amazing bike for 1902! Thanks for sharing this!
Art, The “spray nozzles”/July 3, article. That economy test started and finished in Roslyn at what used to be the George Washington Manor. It went east past the mill up to today’s Northern Blvd,. turned right onto Glen Cove Rd., south to Jericho Tpke., west to Roslyn Rd. and then north to the starting point. The gas tanks were sealed to prevent cheating.
Gary, If Chapple and Baker are….” making the ascent of Manhasset Hill”, .... Whitney Pond would be on the right of them. Also, Belcher Hyde got in wrong labeling it Mitchell"s Pond. Payne Whitney purchased the pond from Charles T. Mitchell in 1903.
Art, The photo captioned, officials at Manhassett (sic) hill,....I think thats Spinney Hill which is east of Lakeville Rd. descending to where Northern Blvd.,Community Dr.and East Shore rd. converge.