The Bennington banner. [volume] (Bennington, Vt.) 1858-1894, 1893-06-02
A TALK ABOUT WOMEN BICY-
NTERC

they would like to do, and to which good
Judgment teaches there is no real obJec-
ton. Popular prejudice makes one feel
that it is shocking for a woman to ride
horseback in mans saddle, thanks to
popular prejudice. But prejudice should
not altogether rule, for because person
never has done a thing is no sign one
never can and never should.
"Why, if women had never walked,
and one of them should be so bold as to
attempt such thing, the world would
be Mortified, especially conservative Bos-
ton" said an enthusiastic believer in
woman's rights. But while Boston may
be little too slow in some things, it
must be admitted that when she does
take hold it is with a grip that is not
easily loosened.
1t is undeniably true that the average
American woman has insufficient out-of-
door exercise. While English women
have their long, health-giving, invigorat-
ing walks and horseback rides, Ameri-
can girls and women are porting over the
novel of favorite author, or are gossip
ing with each other about the last recep-
ton or the next ball. Perhaps it is
more lust to say they would have been
gossipping last year, for it really seems
that they are growing much more sensi-
BILE. Long walks, riding and boating are
growing very popular with women.
One of the most healthful exercises for
women. when not abused, is cycling.
The tricycle. was very favorably received
by nearly every one, but there were few
who did not look with horror at woman
on a safety, especially at the first one.
Mrs. Mary Sargent Hopkins told why
she was so strongly in favor of wheeling
for women.
81 do not wonder" she said to the
representative of the Corner, THAT peo-
pie are shocked to see woman wearing
an ill fitting cast-off gown and a rag of a
hat, perched awkwardly on wheel. IL
may be independence, but it is not my
style. and of the women who will do
such thing have nothing whatever to
say"
Mrs. Hopkins evidently does not be-
lieye that anything is good enough to
wear on wheel,n although some of the
costumes seen would suggest that many
thought so.
"There is no reason, so far as | can
see," continued Mrs. Hopkins, ''why a
woman should not have as light and
comfortable machine as man, provid-
ed she rides it gracefully and in a
womanly manner"
"Do you believe in long runs for
women?'
'No, indeed" she said emphatically.
"a woman should be very careful about
riding. Twenty-Five miles is long
enough for any woman to ride in a day
for pleasure, and fifty miles is a good
long run. No woman is excusable for
riding to the limit of her strength, to
say nothing of riding beyond her
strength. All exercise should be taken
in moderation and wheeling for women
is for exercise"
"You do not believe in women's racing
then" .
81 think it is very much out of place.
For the last eight years have been in
terested in wheeling and have found the
bicycle the most delightful of machines.
1t is light, comfortable, easily managed,
and is not fatiguing, unlike the heavy,
cumbersome tricycle.. All my riding,
however, has been for pleasure, and my
work now is to try and convince sensible
women that they can ride the wheel
gracefully and with propriety if they
will only think So"
| in and about Boston this season and mas
been heartily supported and encouraged
| in her work by Mrs. Mary A. Livermore
Mrs. Annie Jenness Miller, Frances E.
| Willard and others. MusiJ, Rotations
readings mingled with the talk have con
stituted literally an entertainment
unique"
Mrs. Hopkins entertained the corner
| a. N IN
bicycle world The club house of the
Massachusetts, Bicycle Club at the Yves
End was delightfully."- cool, in contrast to
the depressing heat of out-of-doors, and
as none of the members were in, the en-
tire house was possessed for pleaSan
half-hour by Mrs. Hopkins and her guest
Reception rooms, reading rooms, Office
and dressing rooms, comfortably fur
nished in excellent taste, makes mos
agreeable meeting place for the member
of the club.
This is the only club TO which l be
long, and during the several month";
since joined l have been in the build
ing just once. This is a good club t,
belong to, and it is one of the very old
est, by the way. The club was original,
composed of Boston's best-knOwn bust
ness and public men, among whom wa
Colonel T. w. Higginson."
"What do you think of club life TO
wheel women?"
81 believe they would do full as wei
without the clubs" said Mrs. Hopkins
ga woman cannot be too careful abou
riding. She should not ride alone whel
she can have company or an escourt, ant
if she belongs to a club she should know
of what the club consists. If there i
one member in club who makes her
self too conspicuous or obnoxious on he
wheel she Injuries the reputation of tn
entire club; so think, on the whole
that it is better to ride with two or tire
chosen companions than with club.
Col. Pope also talked with the Gale
about women and the wheel, and said b
thought women ought to take nue.
more out of-dOor exercise than they dc
SIT is not always necessary that won
en- ride wheel, in order to exercise out
of-doors, of course" said Mrs. Sargent
as she and her guest were on their wa
down town again. There is tennis, row
ing, yachting, horseback riding, an
numerous other sports, but wheeling, t
me, is better, more enjoyable and NOR
healthful than any or all of the others
A woman who rides wheel gracefully
sits erect, not STOPPING and bending j
the racer fashion, and who dresses prop
erlv cannot Init derive much nhVsica