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Presentation on biking in the 1880s

The Morgan-Manning House Museum and the Brockport Community Museum in cooperation with the Clarkson Historical Society and the Triangle Tract Historical Society invite the community to a presentation by Karen Lankeshofer Thursday evening, May 22, at 7 p.m. at the Clarkson Historical Society location at 8343 West Ridge Road, Clarkson.

Elsa Von Blumen, with a Penny Farthing or High Wheel bike. “A woman can accomplish anything she undertakes.” – Elsa Von Blumen

Elsa Von Blumen was a Rochesterian who, in the 1880s, raced high-wheeled bikes against horses, skaters, and male cyclists. She overcame challenges in a sport dominated by men. She helped inspire other women to find the courage to break social taboos. Her first professional bike race was against a horse in Rochester’s Driving Park. From Rochester, she went on to race throughout the entire Eastern United States for a decade. She was a force to be reckoned with in the cycling world. This PowerPoint presentation will introduce attendees to an Upstate New York athlete who should not be forgotten.
Karen Lankeshofer is a long-time Henrietta resident. She is an avid bike rider and advocates for safe cycling infrastructure. She enjoys studying history, especially if it pertains to Upstate New York. Her presentation is a tribute to a pioneering female professional athlete.

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