The Daily News Nov. 23rd 1886.
"The rapidity of growth in the ’wheel world’ is hardly to be matched by any other domain of sport, and its extent is just as remarkable. As an organized sport cycling probably ranks next to racing. It has covered the face of the country with its ’consulates’, and in a lesser degree has extended the benefits of its rule to the Continent, and indeed to the whole world. It has eminently a civilizing influence."

1878 August 5th.
Great Meet of the North of England Bicycle Club at Harrogate. The riders, about 200 in number, paraded the streets in procession mounted on their machines; and, afterwards formed themselves into a group on The Stray between Leeds Road and the Tewit Well, where they were photographed by Messrs Holroyd. (Note: The year 1877 was the first year of their meeting here. No. of riders 134.)

1879 August 4th Bank Holiday.
Meet of North of England Bicycle Clubs - no. of riders 375. About one o’clock the mounted riders formed a procession and moved along York Place by twos, led by the president of the Bradford Club, the oldest representative present (dating from July 1874), the other clubs followed in order of seniority. 50 clubs sent riders, while 50 riders were unattached to any club. The splendid machines and the trim riders were a novel and attractive sight. Races were afterwards run in the Concert Room Grounds for a silver cup and many other prizes.

1880 Aug. Bank Holiday.
A similar Meet was held which bore a great resemblance to that of last year; only the number of riders was greater.

1881 July 30th.
The bicyclists began to arrive today for their great annual carnival. This year they formed an encampment in the Football field adjoining the Harrogate Cricket Ground on the Leeds Road. Forty bell tents were erected, along with a large marquee as a mess room. On Sunday the 31st divine service was held in the marquee, which was well attended. On Monday August 1st the sports commenced by a muster of the bicycles opposite the Prince of Wales hotel to the number of 576. After parading the streets in procession, they returned to the cricket field, where the usual races were held.