Charles Minthorn Murphy

Charles Minthorn Murphy, called Mile -a- Minute Murphy, (* October 1870 in New York; † February 16, 1950 ) was an American cyclist and driver record.

Record run and cycling

Charles Murphy worked as a salesman in a bicycle shop until he himself became cyclists. In 1891 he won the U.S. championship in tandem races and won more championship titles. In 1895 he held seven world records and 17 national records. His great aim was, however, a new speed record behind a locomotive set up as a " pacemaker ". For ten years he tried to inspire various railway companies for his idea until finally 1899, the " Long Iceland Railroad " ready said: On June 30 this year, he made ​​his spectacular record ride behind a locomotive with a trailer and drove a mile in 57.80 seconds. For the record attempt Murphys the railway line between Farmingdale and Babylon was designed with hardwood boards and mounted on the trailer behind a disguise to protect the driver. The record held until 1924, when it was undercutting the Frenchman Gustave Ganay at a record attempt in Daytona Beach behind a race car. Murphy was becoming the first cyclist over the mile in under a minute, earning him the nickname " Mile -a- Minute Murphy " earned.

Then Charles Murphy stepped up in a circus, or in vaudeville and went on an exercise bike against the dummy a locomotive.

Policeman in New York

After his cycling career in 1900, Murphy became a police officer in New York. He was repeatedly praised and honored publicly. He was the first policeman of the world, who piloted an aircraft in service, and the first New York Motorcycle cop. In 1914 he had a motorcycle accident, after which he was temporarily paralyzed on one side. After two more accidents in the service, he had to acknowledge it in 1917.

1948 had Charles Murphy because of a gangrene leg amputated; In 1950, he died from the effects of diabetes.

Honors

1991 Murphy was inducted into the United States Bicycling Hall of Fame.