Hr. Karl Drais (b. 1785), was the German inventor of the Velocipede (1817), the precursor of the bike. It was the first machine with 2 wheels in a single line. It “ran” by the leg power of the rider, paddling along at a goodly speed.

The Velocipede had a few problems: 1) it was made of wood and very heavy, 2) the roads were terrible, and 3) sidewalks were better, but accidents were bountiful for unsuspecting pedestrians.  Oh yes, it had no mechanical brakes.

The Rhino POV: everything has a beginning, with wrinkles or without. Happy Birthday, Hr. Drais.