Richmond Area Bicycling Association (RABA)
-The Early Years-
The introduction of mass-produced automobiles early in the twentieth century virtually brought about the demise of bicycling by the adult population of the United States, although the bicycle continued in widespread use as a means of recreation and transportation in other parts of the world.
Before World War lithe bicycles produced in this country were characterized as balloon- tired seventy-five pound monsters. Our servicemen were exposed to the so-called “English racer” and on their return home created the desire for better bicycles. When better bicycles became available bicycling became something adults, too, could enjoy.
Availability of lighter, geared bicycles, along with other fortuitous circumstances in the mid sixties, set the stage for a massive renewal of interest in adult bicycling and revival of the bicycle clubs so popular in the late nineteenth century.
Exercise had diminished inversely in proportion to the degree of mechanization. The incidence of cardiac failure increased at an alarming rate more or less directly to the lack of exercise.
Dr. Paul Dudley White, an eminent cardiologist, practiced and promoted bicycling as an effective form of exercise. Dr. White treated President Eisenhower and advised him to ride a bicycle as part of the treatment for his cardiac problems. Dr. White’s program and the efforts of the bicycle industry, the Bicycle Institute of America, in particular, led to a real boom in adult bicycling.
Mr. Horace Edwards, the Mayor of Richmond, was advised by his physician to take up cycling to strengthen his heart following an attack. Mr. A. Howe Todd, Richmond’s Director of Planning, and an avid cyclist, was interested in laying out safe routes for cycling in the city. These two gentlemen approached Mr. Monty Agee for his advice and assistance. Thus, Mr. Edwards and Mr. Todd had generated the spark that ignited interest in the formation of a bicycle club.
Mr. Monty Agee planted the seed that sprouted into The Richmond Area Bicycling Association. He invited Mr. Keith Kingbay, Cycling Activities Manager of the Schwinn Bicycle Company and representative of the League of American Wheelmen, to deliver a talk on bicycling to a local group of interested persons.
An advertisement was placed in a local newspaper, inviting anyone interested in bicycling and formation of a bicycle club in this area to meet at the Branch House (then the headquarters of the United Givers Fund, now United Way) on Monument Avenue.
Mrs. Maurice Hutzler saw the advertisement and brought it to the attention of her husband, who was an avid cyclist. Because he was 74 years old at that time, he felt that they wouldn’t be interested in having him participate. At Mrs. Hutzler’ s insistence, Maurice attended the meeting held on January 24, 1967 at the Branch House. Thirty-six persons attended this meeting and Mr. Hutzler, a retired businessman, was elected temporary chairman to serve until the election of officers.
Under the name The Richmond Area Bicycling Association the club met Sunday April 16, 1967 for an organizational meeting at the Pine Camp Recreational Center on Old Brook Road. Monty Agee of Agee’s Bicycle Shop was generous with financial assistance to the Association to encourage bikeways and bicycling. On occasions during RABA’s early years Monty often served as ride leader for club rides.
Mr. Horace Edwards, Mayor of Richmond, who had been advised by his physician to take up cycling to strengthen his heart, spoke at this meeting attended by about seventy- five people. Mr. Kingbay had presented the mayor with a bicycle at a previous meeting. Two bicycles were given away in a drawing on this occasion. Mr. Edwards and Mr. A Howe Todd, Richmond’s Director of Planning and a regular cyclist, were instrumental in bringing about the city government’s involvement in the cycling activities of the RABA.
The first annual city-wide BIKE RALLY, geared to promote adult bicycling, was held at the Pine Camp Recreation Center on Sunday April 23, 1967. The event was co-sponsored by The Richmond Area Bicycling Association and the Richmond Area Safety Council. The rally featured a colorful display of bicycles and exhibits, refreshments, games, prizes for oldest and youngest cyclists, and door prizes. A short bicycle ride concluded the event.
The Richmond Area Bicycling Association met at Fort Harrison on Sunday, April 30, 1967 for a bike ride, picnic supper and business meeting. It was at this meeting that the Association achieved a state of legitimacy by electing a slate of officers: President — Roland Leonard, Vice-President — A. Howe Todd, Secretary-Treasurer — Maurice Hutzler, and Ride Captain — Gene Dixon. Dues were $1.50 per year, and the PEDALER was mailed to members only. Club rides were scheduled weekly each Wednesday, with a “Ride-of-the-Month” on a Sunday, usually followed by a picnic supper.
Out of town rides appeared early. The club met on June 4, 1967 at the Jamestown Festival Park for a ride in the area led by Monty Agee. At this time the Richmond Police Department began enforcing an ordinance prohibiting more than one person on a bicycle. I wonder how the tandem fitted into this situation.
In a short time the “Ride-of-the-Month” had become a “family ride” and was followed by a picnic supper. Later in the first year of existence cooler weather brought about longer rides on Sundays. The first ‘recorded ride to Ashland from Laurel Park Shopping Center took place on Sunday September 24, 1967. This 20-mile ride was recommended only for strong riders!
The first year for RABA had come to an end. That so much could be accomplished in such a short time by so few dedicated individuals borders on the unfathomable. It is well that we pause to reflect on the sturdy foundations these founding cyclists built.
Bob Stiff, Club Historian
December 31, 1992