The New York Herald was a large-distribution New York City newspaper from 1835 to 1924, when it was acquired by its smaller rival the New-York Tribune to form the New York Herald Tribune. The first issue was published by James Gordon Bennett Sr., on this date in 1835. The Herald stated its policy that it published in its first issue: "We shall support no party, be the agent of no faction or coterie, and we care nothing for any election, or any candidate from president down to constable/" But the paper was considered sympathetic to the Jacksonian Democratic Party and later, President John Tyler. Bennett pioneered the "extra" edition during the Herald's sensational coverage of the Robinson-Jewett murder case. By 1845 it was the most popular and profitable daily newspaper in the United States. In 1861 it circulated 84,000 copies and called itself "the most largely circulated journal in the world." Bennett stated that the function of a newspaper "is not to instruct but to startle and amuse." Credit: https://w.wiki/Mn$J Image: https://w.wiki/Mn$N Public Domain: Cover of June 20, 1861 issue of New York Herald covering the American Civil War The Valley Spokesmen club has very well-organized practice rides up Mount Diablo on Wednesdays. Everyone is asked to register ahead of the ride, and everyone is checked in before the ride starts. There are several re-groups on the way up the mountain, and a group photo at the top. After everyone arrives at the finish, they serve hot coffee and pastries. What an enjoyable day! I don't ride Mount Diablo often. I do the Mount Diablo Challenge in October most years, and I joined one of these practice rides last year. When my travels work out, I'd like to join more practice rides this year! With all the prep I did going into the Wine Country Century the weekend before, and because I finished that century without difficulty, I was sure I would find Mount Diablo easier than in the past. And I did! I wasn't miserable at any point. On the last, very steep pitch to the upper parking lot, I had to stop a couple of times to get my breath. And that pitch isn't as steep as during the Mount Diablo Challenge, where we go the wrong way up the short descent to the lower parking lot. I was able to ride that steeper pitch without stopping last year. But overall, this practice ride felt more within my ability. So I'm glad. Maybe it'll get easier if I keep doing it.