The Faces We Make

Bicycling in the 19th century was dangerous for women even back then. Not from the threat of collision with cars but because it could lead to a threatening medical condition: the faces they would make while riding their bikes. In this article about the 19th century health scare, the doctors claimed that bicycling was a taxing physical activity and 'unsuitable for women'. That it would not only lead to a bicycle face but also a host of other health issues.

Special Collections Department of the University of Nevada, Reno Library

Speaking of bicycle faces, I love reading the blog Bikeyface.com and admiring the drawings that the author, Bekka, creates with a sense of humor I wish I had. I'm not very funny. I can't tell a joke to save my life, LOL. Anyway, Bekka talks about what a bikeface is. It is far from the condition "characterized by a hard, clenched jaw and bulging eyes" and "the beginning of dark shadows under the eyes, and always with an expression of weariness."

artwork by Bikeyface @ www.bikeyface.com

That made me wonder - what is my bicycle face? Usually a big wide grin.

Bicycle face after climbing to the top of a hill near home

I wear the big aviator glasses to hide my bulging eyes and the beginnings of dark shadows under them.

Bicycle face on the Truckee River Trail

Earlier this week I made some new friends while biking to work and my bicycle face was that of JOY!!

Eric & Corrie are from Arizona and new to Reno (Corrie lives here years ago). They are Zumba instructors in town and were also riding their bikes to work that morning.

 And I LOVE their bicycle faces!!

 I shall give these facial expressions a try!!

What would the doctors say if they were to see our bicycle faces now?