Jonathan Stone for Art-Sheep

Since the 1890s people had an amazing vehicle as an alternative to a boat, the hydrocycle. Myron Coloney of New Haven, Connecticut in fact designed one of the first hydrocycles, the “marine velocipede,” which was patented and loosely based on a penny-farthing bicycle.

In 1914, Parisians thought of a definitely unique way to spend their day, as they organized a hydrocycling race on Lake Enghien. The competitors took part with their homemade bicycles and tricycle contraptions with a variety of modifications. The bold hydrocyclists must’ve had a huge ammount of faith in their creations and surely, a lot of patience. Apart from faith they probably also had a sense of humor, as many of them took part in the race in swimming and cycling costumes.

People from the audience had the chance to take a boating -or should we say cycling, trip with one of the competitors. This odd but interesting activity and the images documenting its unknown protagonists leave us in awe and make us wonder what went wrong and no one ever tries to cross a river on their delicate bicycles nowadays.

via mashable

Competition for water cycles on Lake Enghien. Berregent driven by Austerling Competition for water cycles on Lake Enghien. Schweitzer design Competition for water cycles on Lake Enghien. Race start Competition for water cycles on Lake Enghien. Schweitzer design Competition for water cycles on Lake Enghien. Berregent driven by Austerling Competition for water cycles on Lake Enghien. Pessana design Competition for water cycles on Lake Enghien. Bernard design Competition for water cycles on Lake Enghien. The Duguet towing a raft Competition for water cycles on Lake Enghien. Cazel design