Held annually in the early 1900s in August, the Gymkhana welcomed cyclists from all parts of America for some fun competition. The first day usually featured a grand parade at the Queen’s Royal Hotel (formerly located at Queen’s Royal Park) with decorated bicycles, followed by races for boys and girls. On the second day, the real competitions began with many interesting races during the tournament. The maiden’s scurry was for girls under age 16, who needed to start, turn, and go over an obstacle 18 inches high — over which the wheel must be lifted — and finish. To win the obstacle race, one was required to start, ride ten yards, dismount, lift the wheel over an obstacle, ride thirty yards, pick up a handkerchief without dismounting, ride 20 yards, go over a hurdle and finish. There was also the tortoise race, where the winner was the last person to cover the 50-yard course without falling off his or her bicycle. This photograph shows some of the prize winners c. 1900. If there’s an event to bring back for NOTL’s Heritage Fair, this might be it.