If you are of a certain age (i.e., my age), you recall the early years of Saturday Night Live. Some of the most memorable moments came during some of the shows-within-the-show.
One such show was "What If?", which took zany, absurd takes on historical figures and events. One episode featured Superman landing in Nazi Germany instead of Kansas; another had Napoleon fighting the Battle of Waterloo with a B 52 bomber. Perhaps the most famous episode of all was the "What If Eleanor Roosevelt Could Fly?" sketch.
That got me to thinking: What if the Wright Brothers couldn't--or didn't--fly?
Or what if they had stuck to their original occupations as bike mechanics and designers?
I found this propellered bike on Strangefunkidz.com, but couldn't find any other information about it. I'd love to know how it was built and how much it was ridden--or whether it's still intact!
One such show was "What If?", which took zany, absurd takes on historical figures and events. One episode featured Superman landing in Nazi Germany instead of Kansas; another had Napoleon fighting the Battle of Waterloo with a B 52 bomber. Perhaps the most famous episode of all was the "What If Eleanor Roosevelt Could Fly?" sketch.
That got me to thinking: What if the Wright Brothers couldn't--or didn't--fly?
Or what if they had stuck to their original occupations as bike mechanics and designers?
I found this propellered bike on Strangefunkidz.com, but couldn't find any other information about it. I'd love to know how it was built and how much it was ridden--or whether it's still intact!
Well, if nothing else it's likely to deter wheelsuckers,heehee.
ReplyDeletePhillip--Hmm...Hadn't thought of that. But you're right! ;-)
ReplyDeleteIt would certainly deter wheel suckers as I think it rather unlikely this contraption would actually move forward at all. I note that the chain from the rear cassette to the propeller shaft makes a 90 degree twist thus maximising friction within the chain. It appears to be made of scavenged old parts and welded together: it is made of STEEL and therefore heavy. They have made a concentrated effort to make it anti-ergonomic. Look at the position of the seat, the pedals and the handlebars. Maybe a juvenile gorilla could operate it. I think this was the production of a bunch of kids horsing around.
ReplyDeleteLeo
Leo--If anyone can actually ride that thing, I will adopt his or her training regimen! ;-)
ReplyDelete