Bill Triplett of the Triplett family will give lessons on how to ride a high wheeler bicycle from 7 to 9 p.m., Monday, June 18, at Bluffton Family Recreation, 215 Snider Road.
The Boneshaker bike is a replica of a high wheeler bike model that became popular after 1888.
The bike was donated to the Bluffton Lions Foundation by the Triplett family to promote the Lions bike path project and the annual Ride to Remember bike ride, which will take place on Saturday, July 14.
The bike’s front wheel is 48-inches tall. According to Bill Triplett, who will teach the lessons, the biggest challenges in riding the high wheel are mounting and dismounting. The rider must mount while the bike is in motion and jump into the saddle. Since the bike does not have breaks, the rider dismounts by hopping off while pedaling.
Triplett notes, however, that the bikes get lots of attention. The bikes are slower and allow the rider to enjoy the scenery—and interactions with surprised bystanders—from their 5-foot perch.
Triplett rides the bike for the challenge and also in memory of R. L. Triplett, founder of Triplett Corporation, who owned a similar bike.
To sign up for a lesson on the high wheeler, contact Dick Ramseyer at (419) 234-0105 or [email protected].
