Superstitions of the Old Time Wheelmen

I've discovered that baseball has nothing on cycling when it comes to superstitions; they may be more widespread amongst the playing field in the former, but the latter has had some pretty strange ones over the years. Take these from way-back times (1896): 

1. the wheelman who allows a hearse to pass him will die before the year is out.

2. to be chased by a yellow dog wth one blue eye and one black one indicates a bad fall.

3. to see a small boy with a sling shot beside the road is a prophecy of a puncture.

4. if you pass a white horse driven by a red-haired lady your rim will split unless you say cajandrum and hold up two fingers.

5. the rider who expectorates [spits] tobacco juice on the track will lose a spoke.

6. if you take your machine to the repair shop it is a sign that you will not buy that new suit of clothes.

7. kicking the man who asks the make of your wheel is a sign of high honors and riches within the year.

While there is one in there with some practical application, by and large those old timers sure had some far out beliefs. The connections in some of them are rather obvious. Some are very specific, for instance I guess it's okay if a brown dog is chasing you, or if you pass a brunette riding a white horse. As for kids with sling shots, I believe it may be best to avoid them altogether.

Just out of curiosity, who's going to kick the next person to ask what kind of bike you ride? Riches and fame await.