Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1889-04-06
WHEELING TO ARLINGTON.
The Pleasure Ladies Derive From
Cycling.

To the Editor of THE EVENING STAR:
Nowhere in the United States can we find
streets SO well adapted for cycling as in Wash
ington, and if the women could know how much
stronger and healthier they would be riding,
but few would stay in the house on these fine
days. There is nothing that will make the
blood circulate and ones fingers and toes tingle
like or 10 mile ride on bicycle. 1t is better
than horseback riding to gain strength, for one
has to sit straight and exercise all the muscles.
l like both, but 1 will keep my bicycle
for health and the horse for pleasure.
A few DAYS since a friend and myself, taking
our wheels, started for Arlington. 1t was lovely
day, the roads were good, and we soon found
ourselves crossing the aqueduct bridge, and
flying along the road, leaving the carriages men
and horses far behind. We dismounted at a
spring and got a cool drink, and rested few
moments. While so doing we tried throwing
stones at large trees. OF course a woman could
not hit what she threw at, SO took my revenge
on my accompanying lord of creation by riding
off up the hill, leaving him far behind. but
taking pity on the poor little fellow who is 6-foot
tall Twaited for him at the top of the hill. We
were then at Fort Myer. Turning to our left
We asked a soldier whom we met if We could
see the stables. He very kindly
turned around and accompanied US through a
long stable. Everything was neat and clean
Going through that we passed over and went
through the main stable, but the stalls were
empty, as all the horses were out in the SUM-
tied to a long rope stretched between posts
some 20 feet apart. l do not remember how
many horses there were, but / do remember
one that seemed to have more than horse sense
He had been used out west, and by taking hold
of his left foreleg, and placing a hand on his
neck, he would lie down, while the soldier could
place his gun across the horses back and fire.
Mounting our wheels again We were soon at
Gen. Lees old residence, with its massive pill
lars on the east, and the lovely view of almost
all the city. Looking long and well at this
lovely scene it made an impression on my mind
that will never be effaced. Taking our wheels
we were soon, to the establishment of those
around us, flying around the BEAUTIFUL
curves of the many miles Of road, and
for nearly mile We coasted, not having to
touch the foot to the pedal. We were soon at
the eastern gate. We found this road q little
rough. with many small stone lying very close
together. But we soon had an adventure that
more than paid US for our trouble of coming
home that way. At our left, perched on high
HILL was gypsy camp; old wagons, tent, two
old women and some truck met our view.
Leaving our wheels down near the road we
visited the tent. Giving my companion a hint
not to let the gypsy know / was married. / gave
one my hand. She kindly informed me that il
must first be crossed with a half dollar.
She told the old, old story of an
enemy and a rival with light hair
and blue eyes; that was very fckIe-minded;
that there was a dark-haired gentleman that
loved me very much; that would win him
from my hated rival and be married some day
and be happy. That was enough. Laughingly
shaking my fist at her, said, ''you old fraud,
I'm married now. and have two children" She
retorted, Il don't believe it." After telling nv
friend his, we mounted and were soon on our
way home, arriving there hungry, but not tired.
This spring we hope to get all the ladies to-
gether and ride and have many a fine run
around and out of the city. Scarcely any one
knows how many ladies here have bicycles and
ride in the District. Last fall there were one
hundred and fifty, and know of several more
who have secured bicycles this winter. Mrs. S.