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Proof Shakespeare was a cyclist


Shakespeare was a keen cyclist, as these quotes from his oeuvre show.

In the bike shop
Will this gear ne’er be mended? Troilus and Cressida Act I, Scene 1
Lights, lights, lights! Hamlet Act III, Scene 2
I’ll provide you a chain; and I’ll do what I can to get you a pair of horns. Merry Wives of Windsor Act V, Scene 1
Lights, more lights! Timon of Athens Act I, Scene 2

On the folly of cheap or worn accessories
A merry heart goes all the day, your sad tires in a mile-a. Winter’s Tale Act IV Scene 3
…to ride with ugly rack… Sonnet 33
Look you what hacks are on his helmet! Troilus and Cressida Act I, Scene 2
…thou hast worn out thy pump… Romeo and Juliet Act II, Scene 4

Encounters with bad drivers
They shouted thrice: what was the last cry for? Julius Caesar Act I, Scene 2
This cuff was but to knock at your car and beseech list’ning. Taming of the Shrew Act IV, Scene 1

At Critical Mass
For ’tis the sport to have the enginer hoist with his own petard Hamlet Act III, Scene 4

On waiting at cycle crossings which stay red through several greens for everyone else
Lo, where it comes again! I’ll cross it, though it blast me. Hamlet Act I, Scene 1

To the cyclist who jumps red lights
Stir not until the signal. Julius Caesar Act V, Scene 1

On overambitious touring itineraries
…thou and I have thirty miles to ride yet ere dinner time Henry IV Part 1, Act III Scene 3

On the need for security
You shall not now be stol’n, you have locks upon you Cymbeline Act V, Scene 4

To the CTC Sunday ride arriving at the pub
…do you look for ale and cakes here, you rude rascals? Henry VIII Act V, Scene 4

A cyclist’s declaration of love
…no leave take I; for I will ride, as far as land will let me, by your side. Richard II Act I, Scene 3

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