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.