Epilogue - Across America on a Motor Bicycle

New York Motor Cycle Club

"While I slept at the Herald Square Hotel, my ride really ended at the New York Motor Cycle Club's rooms, No. 1904 Broadway. It was there I left the faithful little machine that had carried me some 3,800 miles. What was the exact distance  I never will be able to tell, because, as previously related, after breaking four cyclometers, I ceased to bother with the mileage.

Compared with the first cycling journey across the continent, that of Thomas Stevens in 1882, the first effort of the motor bicycle does not suffer. Mr. Stevens required 103 1/2 days to ride from San Francisco to Boston; my journey was completed in 50 days. While the idea of establishing a record was no part of my purpose, it is worthy of remark that none of the three powerful automobiles that have since crossed the continent have come near to equaling my time. With the experience gained and with a more powerful machine - the one I used was of but 1¼ horsepower - I feel confident that the journey from ocean to ocean can be made in 30 days without particularly strenuous effort. With a railway attachment, such as is in common use by bicyclists in the West, and which would permit the use of rails across the deserts of Nevada, it will be possible to more than realize the 30 days' estimate.

Wyman "Pose"

While it is true that my forks broke and the motor crank axle also gave way, these are unusual accidents; nearly all of my other troubles were minor ones, the belt being a most prolific source. But, as a whole, the motor behaved splendidly and performed its work well under many trying conditions. Its failure at Albany was really the only occasion when it gave me serious concern. Subsequent examination proved that the inlet valve had in some way become jammed so as to be immovable, at least with the means at my command. Between fear of breaking something and anxiety to reach New York, I possibly did not take the chances at making a strenuous repair that under other circumstances I would have taken. Save the forks, the bicycle also stood up well. The wonder is that it stood up at all, so terrific and so frequent was the pounding it received in the many miles of cross-tie travel. The saddle, too, deserves praise. Despite its many drenchings and mud and the heat of the desert and the banging of the railroad ties, it did not stretch or sag the fractional part of an inch, and reached New York in as good condition as when it left San Francisco."

Across America on a Motor Bicycle - "Along The Shores Of The Great Lakes And Down The Hudson To New York" by George A. Wyman, The Motorcycle Magazine, October 1903, Vol 1 No 5
Chicago, IL to New York City
June 20 to July 6, 1903

Wyman "Swag" Collection

Wyman Memorial Plaque Dedication - Kearney Nebraska

The Great Platte River Road Archway Monument Partners With the George A. Wyman Memorial Project to Celebrate a Historic Ride

Imagine in 1903 being the first person to complete a transcontinental trip across the United States using a motorized vehicle. George A. Wyman did just that on a 50-day ride using a single cylinder, 1.25 horsepower 1902 “California” motorcycle. Starting in San Francisco and ending in New York City, most of Wyman’s route across Nebraska closely followed the Great Platte River Road. In recognition of that historic event The Great Platte River Road Archway Monument along with the George A. Wyman Memorial Project will be dedicating a Wyman Memorial Plaque & Waypoint sign at the Monument as part of the Archway’s 25th Anniversary celebration on June 14th 2025.

For 25 years The Great Platte River Road Archway Monument has told the story of one of the most important transportation routes in American history. With its outstanding museum exhibits and expansive campus grounds located adjacent to the landmark Archway across I-80, the Archway Monument has consistently been ranked as the Number 1 tourist attraction in Nebraska. Stacy Schwartz, Executive Director of The Great Platte River Road Archway Monument stated, “Working with the George A. Wyman Memorial Project to establish an official Wyman Waypoint on our campus grounds will add another important chapter to the history of the Great Platte River Road and is an oft forgotten part of the roads’ history. We look forward to everyone joining us on June 14th to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the Archway Monument and dedication of the Wyman Waypoint.”

The Archway Monument with its focus on the history of the Great Platte River Road is a most fitting location for a Wyman Waypoint. 

Additional information on The Great Platte River Road Archway Monument and their 25th Anniversary Celebration 

Special thanks to David & Tracy Hoover, Wyman Memorial Project Waypoint Coordinator for Nebraska and Iowa. They are also the sponsors for the Wyman Memorial Plaque for waypoint 609-3 Kearney.