Democratic Sentinel, Volume 20, Number 41, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 16 October 1896 — BICYCLING FOR WOMEN. [ARTICLE]

BICYCLING FOR WOMEN.

WHAT IT HAS DONE TO IMPROVE THEIR PHYSICAL CONDITION. Wheeling Possesses Charms Enjoyed by No Other Forms of Sport—The Danger of Attempting Too Much at First Mr. Isaac B. Potter, Chief Consul of the New York Division, League of American Wheelmen, has an article on “The Bicycle Outlook" in The Century. The following is an extract: After a close study of the question for five years, I am ready to express my belief that the use of the bicycle will do more to improve the physical condition of Americau women, and therefore of the American iteople.than any other agency yet devised. Argument on this iwint lias given way to demonstration. Women are riding the wheel in all parts of the country, and their increasing numbers testify to its benefits and its popularity. The average woman loves to lie out of doors; she enjoys the change of scene, the gentle exercise, the delightful companionship of congenial friends, and the exhilarating benefits of contact with the pure air and bright sunlight, which the knowledge of cycling brings within her reach. To the woman, as to the man, these features, possessed by no other form of sport, comprise the foundation on which the popularity of the bicycle will rest. The only possible danger In cycling for women lies in the fascination which sometimes tempts her to undue effort. In^common with every other form of exercise, bicycle-riding may of course be overdone, and as well by women as by men; but under proper advice from the family physician, supplemented by such practical suggestions as may be had from an intelligent instructor or from an expert? eneed rider, any woman in a fair condition of health may undertake bi-cycle-riding with a feeling of certainty that the result will be delightful and helpful in a measure that was never anticipated. A mistake commonly made by women riders, and indeed by new riders of both sexes, is that of undertaking too much at first. Overexertion induces discouragement, and recollection of a tiresome ride has been known too deter new riders from repeating the attempt. The real pleasure of bicycle riding can be had only by keeping in mind this little truth. No new rider should continue the first trip to such a point as to feel weariness. A half hour is In most cases ample for the first road ride, and it should not be continued beyond that time, except by the strongest and most capable rider. The tyro exerts more power than the expert, and in consequence becomes more rapidly tired. He pushes the pedals witli undue force, fails to sit erect, falls to sit still, and tends to follow what seems to him to be an erratic motion of the wheel by a swinging and wobbling of the body which not only tends to increase and make real what was only an Imaginary difficulty, but insures also the quick coming of fatigue, that might otherwise have been avoided.

The new rider should learn to sit erect and to sit still, and In the early stages of his road practice avoid long rides, remembering that the exertion which he puts forth in his first efforts will be more than sufficient, as soon as a little skill has been acquired, to propel his wheel many miles farther than was covered by his first trip. If the first ride is wearisome, It should not be repeated on the next following day, but rather upon alternate days, until such skill Is acquired as will enable the new rider to enjoy ills outing without suffering too much fatigue. Bicycling for women has received the Indorsement of our leading women and our best physicians. The bicycledealers of most of our large towns state that the number of bicycles sold to women Is dally increasing, and that the established popularity of bicycling among the gentle sex Is assured. The tendency of the bicycle market to lower prices, even of wheels of the reliable ferade, will doubtless Increase the use of the wheel among women, and enhance Its aggregate benefit to the sex. When the time comes that the delightful country roads and shaded lanes can be so kept as to make more general the practice of touring during the vacation season of the year, the wheel will have gained Its true measure of value as a health restorer, and will attract thousands of riders from among the women of the land who do not yet know the joys of a hearty appetite and of refreshment Induced by sound sleep.