A story of pluck and determination inspired by the real events of 1815-17, when a young man named Karl Drais invented the very first bicycle.Before there were trains, or cars, or planes, people rode horses to travel from place to place.Then came the Year without a Summer, when a cloud of volcanic ash blocked the sun and crops withered across half the world. With no oats to eat, horses grew too weak to walk. Everyone despaired--how would they get around?But one day, a young forester had a bright idea in the darkness...Inspired by true events, The Running Machine shows how resilience in the face of adversity can lead to something wondrous.