BICYCLE RIDING.

Press, Volume LI, Issue 8781, 30 April 1894, Page 3

BICYCLE RIDING.

TROUBLES OF NOVICES.

The initial difficulties of an undertaking often deter,the stoutest hearted. So it is in connection with bicycle riding, which, like everything else at the outset, has attendant troubles.' There are some geniuses who will tell you that they have mastered all the difficulties iv connection with the control of a cycle in the space of half an hour and-have then gone in the midst of tbe thickest traffic: What happened then they are generally silent about. A beginner 1 ought never try to learn on a Rood machine, bscause the novice is so apt feoTun into kerb stones, fences, or whatever obstacle is within a radius of a 100 yds. All who have tried to direct the erratic movements of, a "jigger" for tbe first time agree that between the machine and obstacles there appears to exist a mutual sort of attraction which operates at. the expense of the would-be rider, though it is very rarely that a bad "buster"isobtained off a safety bicycle. They are well named in this respect. It is when the beginner has acquired the art of maintaining his equilibrium on a machine that the fun really begins. Properly, he should then practice on a level street without much traffic in it, but frequently it happens that he chooses an uo-hlfl and down-dale thoroughfare, with a fair amount of vehicles running to and fro. It is amusiog then to watch the tyro. First of all he starts down hill, thinking it easier riding. So it is—much too easy in fact, for the machine, generating considerable momentum, fairly runs away with the rider, who experiences the sensation of being on a bolting horse. Being in a stale of panic, the rider, finding himself being whirled along violently, will not unfrequently create great excitement en route, as he is bound to bump into anything that comes into his path. Very often, should ho manage to reach the foot of the hill, if there happens to be a cross track he will endeavoar to turn off, but this is impossible at the rate he is going, for a novice, and the result is an ambitious beginner is _ spreadeagled in the road alongside of a twisted machine. Repair'having been effected the bicyclist perhaps starts on again. He finds himself irresistibly brought into contact with vehicles, the drivers of which desire to know in violent tones where he is driving to. As if the poor fellow could help it 1 But climbing hills constitutes the most arduous task of all. They should not be attempted till a fair amount of proficiency has been gained, as considerable science is required for.cllrablng work. Before the handle-bar of the machine is under full control the beginner will find hiinseif swimming into almost everything that he tries to steer clear of. The moral of it all is: Begin cycling operations on a quiet, level road, and, above alt, do not rush things. Little spills will occur, but if the pace is kept moderate the cyclist can always save the fall by dropping his foot from the pedal on the ground. After the cyclist Muds himself able to go on a straight course he should then try turning. At first he will overbalance and come off but gradually he will find that he can maintain his equilibrium on a curved course. When he ventures forth on to the. roads ruts should ..be avoided as ranch as possible, and the rider be content to walk up stiff hills. Soft muddy roads are difficult, and the beginner should be cautious about turning on a damp ground, as a sharp turn means a very decided epil a The grease on a tram motor route has brought many a cyclist to grief. Having gained proficiency on a rough and ready "bike/ the cyclist should get a good machine. .In cycling, as in most other things, the cheap machine is dearest in the long run. Pneumatic tyres, of course, are far ahead of either the cushion or solid type. With a good machine and a fair knowledge of the art ot propulsion, which is easily picked up, many an enjoyable ride through rural scenery can ha enjoyed.