Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1893-05-06


some few of the more enthusiastic riders man
age to wend their way to and from their office.
Then there are others who ride for the bene-
fit of their health. These riders, as a rule. are
not long-distance riders but confine their
movements chiefly over the concrete pave
ments. where the ridingis made easy on account
of the smooth surface, and where it is not abso-
lutely necessary to climb hills dismount and
have to push their wheels up grades. These
riders, however, fail to reap the benefit Of the
bracing country, which necessarily carries with
1t a change of scenery, both of which physi-
clans prescribe as being beneficial to health.
This trouble, however. is being overcome by
the riders Of the silent steed who are taking adj
vantage of the generosity Of some Of the rail-
road companies in carrying the bicycles free of
charge, and these particular companies are
being patroniZed by the wheelmen.
Along the line of the railroads about this city
and within short ranges there many lovely
rides which are not very long and at the end OF
which there are pleasant stopping places. On
the line of the metropolitan branch of the Bal
timore and Ohio railroad, between here and
Harper's Ferry, there are several such places.
After passing beyond the line of Rock Creek
valley there is magnificent scenery along the
Chesapeake and Ohio canal and the Potomac
river. and after these the mountains loom up on
either side Of the railroad track, and from the
stations they are easily reached on the silent
steed.
Over the mountains the roads are as a rule in
very good or at least in fair condition. and their
grade in many places being SO similar to that
OF roller coaster, riding is made easy even
for those who are not in the best physical con-
dltion Imaginable. From Tuscarora the Sugar
Loaf mountains are within few minutes ride,
while fromHarpers Ferrythere are several pretty
mountain roads. On the Washington branch
there are also number of pretty rides. there
being number of roads leading to villages and
anal caftl Thn hn, 81
the railroads which cross the Potomac into Vir-
GINA
Along the line of the Washington and Ohio
road there are the villages of Falls Church, Fair
fax Court House, Leesburg and Round Hill.
while along the other roads there numerous
places where the scenery is worth seeing and
where the numerous small streams are stocked
with various specimens of fish. affording wheel
men an opportunity of a diversity of sports.
Historic Occoquan Falls in this direction.
and is only about three miles from
the Alexandria and Fredericksburg rail-
road at Woodbridge station, and there
the scenery is unsurpassed in this section
of the country. Then, too, the wheelmen find
ample accommodations there and are always
sure of good quarters and an equally good table,
GEORGETOWN CYCLE CLUB.
The threatening weather last Sunday had its
effect on some of those who seek health and
recreation on the silent steed and kept many OF
them in the city, although the club runs were
taken as usual and the trips proved very en-
joyable. Members of the Georgetown turned
out a good party and Capt. Cook led them to
Occoquan Falls following the smooth path
along the railroad track. The run was scheduled
to leave the Long bridge at $50 o'clock and
Alexandria an hour later. When the latter
place was reached several stray wheelmen were
picked up, and. as there was long ride ahead
it was suggested that light lunch might not
az hnrvr h,,tu . -. L.
had in Alexandria at so short notice, and so
Capt Cook treated to pie and ginger ale. The
scent pies were eaten with relish that even
startled those who proceeded to make half
moons of the dough and fruit at a single bite.
While thus engaged the Arlington Wheelmen,
also on their way to Occoquan Falls. passed.
Leaving Alexandria the wheelmen started along
the railroad path which had been softened by the
rain in the early morning. and at LortOn Post
Office the Arlingtons were overtaken, and I'M
fortunately for the wheelmen. they left the
railroad and followed the country road around
the hills to Occoquan. This is one Of the poor
est roads il the state of Virginia. and those who
were in the party were sorry they did Iot fol-
low the advice given in The STAR several
weeks ago. Before getting out of the village
the wheel ridden by Hunt was so badly disabled
that 1t had to be put in a wagon with its owner
and shipped to the railroad station at Wood
bridge. Four Of the riders. Capt. Cook, George
Hunt, Kiester and Fister. returned home on
their wheels. while the others got the train
at Woodbridge and returned. Tomorrow the
club will go to Dickeys.
ARLINGTON wHEELMEN.
Bad roads. in fact SO bad that even the
sturdy hardihood of the Arlingtons was fire.
quently taxed and they were many times
tempted to turn back. characterized the run o.
that club last Sunday.
Mr.. B. T. Larcombe, the genial secretary of the
Al
course, Capt. ClaDp, in his ever-obliging way,
called the run for that place. A large attend
ance was the main feature. but the roads were
so very poor that it was necessary to throw the
responsibility on some one for calling the run
to such place, and as it had been called at the
instance of Nr. Larcombe he compelled
to shoulder the blame. In fact, when
member i'll his vain endeavors to keep the
pace was heard to strike n railroad tie or go
rushing through some small rivulet. his fellow
sufferers could hear his sarcastic mutterngs
and at once distinguish the words ''Larcombes
run. Occoquan.'
IF the citizens of Fairfax county. in the
vicinity of Occoquan do not wake from their
dawdling sleep and organize movement for
good roads" said one of the Arlingtons, '.they
will soon be eEgulfed in mixture of mud and
water that will forever put to flight any stray
ideas they may now entertain of ultimately
arcusing themselves to the importance of the
occasion"
Mr.. Ed. Terry, the Arlingtons' fastest man,
is now upon the shelf he having had an acct
dent few evenings since which very
near being his last. Mr.. Terry. in his prepar-
atoms for the Irvington NIlburn road race was
riding down Cabin John road at rapid pace
when his machine parted i'll the center and let
him through to the ground.
The regular club run CT the Arlingtons to-
morrow will be to Ashton, the start to be made
from the residence of Capt Clapp at o'clock
sharp. This promises to be the most pleasant
run of the season, and number have already
signitied their intention of attending
CAPITAL BI. CLUB.
Capt Macdaniei of the Capital Bi. Club
called run for Fort Washington last Sunday,
and those who turned out enjoyed pleasant
ride over a good road. The wheelmen rode
over the asylum hill on their light pneumatics
and then enjoyed an almost continuous down
grade as far the foot Of Oxon hill. This,
however, was not lengthy hill and no dis
mounting was required. At Oxon hill there is
a good view of the Potomac river, and the ride
through the country as far as Broad Branch
Church was green and the air braclng This
distance was covered without a di5mOunt. but
at the branch halt was made and the wheel
men crossed the stream on a log bridge. Below
this place two miles of the road was almost inn
passable and finally, after some walking through
the woods to avoid the mud. the fort
reached. There few minutes were spent
in seeing what there was to be seen, and n boat