Perhaps it\’s thanks to Tambora that we have the bicycles that we do.

The word \”volcano\” conjures up images of death and destruction. We see pics in the news media of a mountain spewing out huge clouds of ash, emitting streams of molten lava; even burying entire cities. Just look at Pompeii.

People who live near a volcano probably have an uneasy truce with the mountain. Scientists now know that a volcano that\’s been inactive for ages can wake up again. The residents would need to be prepared to evacuate should that occur.

So then, is there anything good about volcanoes? Actually, there is. One reason for living close to a volcano is that volcanic soil is very fertile, and good for growing crops.

Cyclists can thank the 1815 eruption of Indonesia\’s Tambora for their \”rides\”. As a result of all the ash and aerosols that Tambora blasted high into the atmosphere, there was global cooling. Widespread crop failure and famine resulted.

In times such as that, it was difficult to keep a horse. A horse needed to be fed, and oats were hard to get. Enter Baron Karl von Drais. His invention is the forerunner of the modern bicycle.

Using a \”dandy horse\” for transportation meant a horse didn\’t need to be fed and stabled. It was a lot faster than walking, but riders unfortunately wore out the soles of their boots quite quickly.

Over time the Draisine evolved into the bicycle that we know today. So let\’s give our proper thanks to Tambora. If it hadn\’t been for Tambora — oh, sad to think of —  might we not have bicycles?