Velodrome Racing and the Rise of the Motorcycle

R.K. Keating had a long career developing workforce and economic development policy. His previous book was on Robert M. Keating, the pioneer of bicycles, motorcycles and automobiles. He lives in New Hampshire.

Table of Contents


Acknowledgments ix

Preface 1

Prologue: The Crazy Frenchman 7

Part I: In Pursuit of Speed

1 The Rise of Pedal-Powered Sport in America 15

2 Pacemaking: A Game Changer 26

3 Speed Engines 36

4 Taking It to the Limit 57

5 Reservations and Economics 72

Part II: Ex Machina

6 Nuts and Bolts 79

7 Internal Combustion 97

8 France Goes Electric 117

9 Infernal Machines 137

10 Blood Versus Petroleum 155

Part III: From Mayhem to Mainstream

11 The Steam Kings 171

12 Pioneers of Petrol-Powered Pace 191

13 Motormen 220

14 Innocence Lost 239

15 The Show Must Go On 272

Part IV: Going Solo

16 Metz Pushes the Envelope 285

17 A Tool Room in Middletown 304

18 Taking the Stage 314

19 Velodrome to Motordrome 342

20 Slipstream to Mainstream 364

Afterword 383

Chapter Notes 387

Bibliography 405

Index 413