Thomas Stevens concludes the first circumnavigation by bicycle

Background. Thomas Stevens, an English-American citizen, is recognized as the first person to circle the globe by bicycle. He utilized a large-wheeled Ordinary, known as a penny-farthing, for his journey. The specific bicycle was a black-enameled Columbia 50-inch 'Standard' model with nickel-plated wheels, manufactured by the Pope Manufacturing Company. Stevens departed San Francisco on 22 April 1884, carrying minimal supplies including a raincoat and a revolver.

Transcontinental Ride. Stevens completed the first transcontinental bicycle ride in the United States, arriving in Boston on 4 August 1884. The journey covered 3,700 miles across wagon trails, railways, canal towpaths, and public roads. He subsequently traveled to Europe, landing in Liverpool on 9 April 1885. A formal start for the next phase occurred on 4 May 1885 at Edge Hill church, where hundreds watched him depart.

Global Route. Denied permission to travel through Siberia, Stevens set off on 10 March 1886 through Afghanistan, despite closed borders and fierce guards. His route continued through Europe, the Middle East, China, and Japan. The bicycle portion of his journey concluded on 17 December 1886 at Yokohama, a major city in Japan. Stevens later returned to San Francisco by steamer in January 1887.