Norman Salomons was born in 1880 in New Jersey USA, the youngest of Herman and Rose Salomons’ four children. The family emigrated to Australia from London on the SS Orizaba, arriving in Albany in early 1891.

Later that same year 11 year old Norm showed early promise behind bars; he and Barber Nicholls were convicted of “furious riding”, an offence dastardly enough to attract a fine of 10 shillings (plus costs). Although unappreciated by the police, Norman’s talent for furious riding was put to good effect in the many cycle races he entered as a young man.

He competed in the Beverley to Perth Road Race a number of times, winning the 1903 edition off a 30 minute handicap. The Daily News gave this account of his arrival at the finish line on the road opposite the Windsor Hotel in South Perth:

“An avenue of cyclists was formed, and amid the cheers of the crowd Salomons - for it was he - rode past the winning post at 57min. 24 2/5sec past 2 p.m. The young cyclist was particularly fresh and sprang from his bicycle to receive the hand grips of the admiring spectators. Shoulder high he was hoisted, and carried to one of the hotel bedrooms for a rub down and some refreshments.”

The West Australian reported with somewhat less ebullience:

“Riding well and confidently, Salomons kept his advantage, and a few minutes before three o'clock he plugged up the hill leading to the Gardens, and amidst the cheers of the waiting crowd rode on to the winning post. The winner, who is a mere youth, and finished comparatively fresh, rode a Rover machine, 84” gear.”

Following this success Norm tackled the 267km Warrnambool to Melbourne Road Race. In 1903 it was won by New Zealander Jack Arnst in difficult conditions and Norm finished in 9 hours, 56 minutes and 3 seconds.

Norm worked at the Fremantle branch of the Armstrong Cycle and Motor Agency from 1906 until 1932 when he bought the shop and recast it as a sports depot. Over the years he also served as LWAW referee as well as secretary and ultimately president of the Fremantle Cycling Club. His passions were not confined to cycling - he was an active sailor and committee member of a number of yacht clubs. He was made a life member of Fremantle Sailing Club in 1930. Norman Frank Patrick Salomons died in 1972 aged 92.