A champion of six-day bike races, Albert Schock is often called one the greatest cyclists of all time. Born in Chicago, he is currently listed as the 31st greatest American rider of all time (behind Lance Armstrong and Greg Lemond.)
In the late 1800s, six-day, indoor, ultra-marathon competitions were incredibly popular. All types of endurance races were held including “go-as-you-please” walks, roller-skating, and cycling. These events were held for 6 days straight, sometimes for up to 24 hours per day.
In 1886, Schock set a world distance record for the six-day bike race by riding 1,009 miles and 3 laps in Minneapolis. Two of his competitors had to quit — one started vomiting from exertion and the other fell asleep at the wheel and crashed.
Later that same year, Schock broke his own by record riding 1,405 miles in another six-day race. His stamina was incredible. He was legendary for being able to stay on the bike for long periods of time – in one race, he took only one 40-minute break during a 72-hour period. In 1887, he won a 72-hour bike race again in Minneapolis, covering 923 miles. To make these accomplishments even more impressive, before 1893, Schock competed on a high-wheel bike, also known as a Penny-farthing.
Schock was born in 1857 and died in 1921.
Many American cities hosted these marathon events. Madison Square Garden in New York City held raucous six-day races with crowds of thousands crammed into the arena, blowing horns, shaking rattles, smoking and, of course, placing bets. In 1893, Schock was the winner of the six-day race at Madison Square Garden, this time competing on a “safety” bicycle; one that more closely resembles modern-day bike construction. Schock’s win demonstrated that the new diamond-framed bike was an improvement over the high-wheelers still being ridden in the races.
Because the cyclists, or “pluggers,” went round the same track for lap after lap, they sometimes broke up the monotony by playing hijinks — throwing wet sponges at each other or wearing goofy hats and wigs. The six-day races could also feature smaller competitions, like “rider who rode furthest without dismounting.” Interestingly, women sometimes competed against men and African American riders were included in the races.
Schock must have had a constitution built for endurance, besides competing in 41 six-day bike races, he was an “ultrarunning pedestrian” participating in three six-day “go-as-you-please races” and a roller-skater, skating in at least one six-day ultra-distance race.
In 1884, the New York Times published an article that said Schock and another cyclist, Jack Prince, were going to race against 20 horses in a six-day race (limited to 12 hours a day). Sadly, the results of the race, or even evidence that the race was held, have been difficult to find.
A native of Chicago, Schock invented one of the earliest indoor trainers, a “training wheel,” so that he could ride his bike during inclement weather. He developed a frame to hold the bike while the wheels spun on rollers. There was even a device to measure the distance pedaled.
Schock died on March 3, 1921 while visiting his son in New Jersey. He is buried in Forest Home Cemetery. One can imagine that it must be challenging for him to stay in one place for so long.
References: Cyclehistory.worldpress.com, Jersey Observer and Jersey Journal, Cyclingranking.com, The Pittsburgh Post, Thevictoriancyclist.worldpress.com, ultrarunninghistory.org, Prestigelisten.dk, Velo.Outsideonline.com, Long Riders Guild Academic Foundation (Thanks to Steve of Chicago Bike Adventures for telling me about Albert Schock!)