The Golden Age of Bicycle Racing in New Jersey
"The book documents that New Jersey indeed is deserving of its distinction as the "cradle of cycling" for the United States." --Clifton Journal"Clifton writer and historian Michael C. Gabriele rides us through this elegant era and, by bringing us up to date with the annual Somerville tour, tells us how the golden age may yet come around once again." --Allen Barra,Star-Ledger"Published by The History Press, Charleston, S.C., the book documents the era of bicycle racing in New Jersey, illustrated with 70 vintage photos from the late 1800s, and pictures of racing champions taken at the turn of the 20th century." --NorthJersey.comGabriele's book, published by The History Press, Charleston, SC, is a comprehensive narrative on the Garden State's colorful 130-year cycling heritage. The book documents New Jersey's lost history as a hub for international bicycle racing, re-establishing the Garden State's claim as the "cradle of cycling" for the United States.In the 1880s and 1890s, amateur bike clubs throughout the state sparked the growth of the nascent cycling scene. During the sport's golden era (1900-1940), the greatest professional and amateur cyclists from Europe, Australia, South America and throughout the North America came to race in New Jersey. The legendary velodromes of Newark and Nutley were the center stage for this grand international circuit. New Jersey was home to some of the world's greatest cycling champions: Frank Kramer, Alf Goullet, Arthur A. Zimmerman and Willie Honeman.A 1975 graduate of Montclair State University, Gabriele is a member of the executive board of the Nutley Historical Society. Earlier this year Gabriele was a panel speaker for the New Jersey Bike and Walk Coalition's annual summit, which was held in New Brunswick. --My Veronanj