The Birth of Flight - Page 3

	The Wright home, in Ohio, about 1900				Wilbur Wright working in the bicycle shop

In 1889, after Wilbur recovered from complications from an ice skating accident, he joined his brother Orville in his printing business. As soon as they mastered the traditional printing process, they moved on to building their own printing presses and published two local newspapers.

In 1892 the brothers got caught up in the bicycle craze that swept the nation. They decided to open a bicycle sales and repair shop. Eventually they began building their own bicycles. The brothers added a few unique enhancements to their bikes, including an oil-retaining wheel hub and coaster brakes, which are still used today. With their profits from the bicycle business, Wilbur and Orville were able to pursue their dream of building the world’s first airplane.

Ever since Milton brought home the helicopter toy, Wilbur and Orville had been determined to fly. They followed the accounts of the German gliding pioneer, Otto Lilienthal, with much interest. Lilienthal's death in 1896 inspired the brothers to start building and experimenting with gliders.