The Washington times., 1894-12-16
SMART CYCLING.
Where AMI How Fashionable Wome
Learn TO Ride f;ic Wheel

Where AMI How Fashionable Women
Learn TO Ride fic Wheel.
NEW YoRK, Dee IA good-lookinG and
sion. who is the recognized cycling authority
in New YORK city. makes some interesting as
seuions concerning women on the wheel.
II wiu be remembered that Johnston was
leader or the "40O'' at New ort last summer
in all that related 30 the gentle art of wheel
Ing. A. he talght The fashionable set there
how 20 manage their machines, his opinions
are entitled To unusual consideration.
Now. Johnston says that pelticoats in no
way interfere with swift. safe, and graceful
cycling. he does not believe in bioomcrs or
biiurcated skirts. He DrououL ced tie coa-
yentional costame ''.li right, simply request
ing his pnIiis 10 wear plain walking dresses
when learning to ride. FL teaches in two big
aca .em es where smart women are 10 be
found every morning struggling with the
problems OF mounting, guiding, and pedaling
according 10 correct rules. There is never n
kn ckerbocker TO Ge seen about the place.
Popular pictures showing girls and n2atrons
in trousers are a libel upon the genuine So
cciy Woa an. She has never for instant
contemplated such garb. and would scorn to
be seen without her wide French skirt -un-
trimmed. IL is true. but with ii silk petticoat
Lenea:h-and ready at u moments notice 10
step down and OUT upon Broadway.
The idea that the bicycle is TO revo!utionize
female attira is au utterly exploded idea. Ua-
less women OF wealth and position agree 10
ado, I q dress re crin there is not the smallest
chance Oh its winning success. just 1T nrst
these reeogaizcd sar,orial leaders were un-
certain as TO VITA; the cyce might demand o
them, but having mastered the wheel they
Gnhesita:3nEly pronounce reform as botn
ungra-efGl and unnecessary.
Ahe;her thing Ike Johnston aff;;ms is that
tun.b cs aud a!ls when learning, To ri.;e are
solely the fault OF iadGii Mt Instructors. He
says there is no necessity OF single iru.se il
the teacher 5 willing to do his duty; and,
I nOreoteT. that the women one sees coming
/ troopers Ca Iutlic thoroughiares aye those
/ who re use to take the necessary lessons.
Johnston himself i I orn Instructor. and
4 il Is worth one while TO See the infinite
! paias he takes with his Eup.ls. He frs,
/ MAJ, the novice buckle Hruun her waist a
/ lroad canvas leit taat Eas sort q! handle at
one side. this bar he Cras.ss firmly ter heip-
IN his EuTii on the machine and Se;s oi
tro:iiag ri her side. Tie gat is s!uw 1T first
rs tue lady becomes accustomed TO the
motion lie uckens lis pace. and stradyina
J htr IL ne saddle all the time IS soon of 1T
smart rGP. Johnson often covers three mics
+ il Il ingie lesson, and until his papii is eX-
ert Ue refuses 10 trust har alon-. when hC
hnus me new rider Is beginning 10 learn no"
! TO distri ute her weight he ties Il rope 10 the
handle bar and gives his instruction al 1
distance. hut all the while moving beside the
machine.
1t reJu res Just five lessons OF an hour eacl
10 win ones credentials rs an expert bi
/ cyel st with knowlrdSe CT how 10 mount
! Ciistril ate the weight. and keep the whee
/ flying without straining down upon tn,
( pedals.
Except AT sunrise in the park, one seldom
/ sees q fashionable woman on her wheel IL
/ New YORK city, As IA rue they avoid all pub
licity, and depend a. on country lanes ant
high roads for cycling. The clubs now form
! ing propose TO wheel in r.ng. alter th'
/ methods OF tte sma.t Dicyci ne Clubs. wher
musiral drills. tea. and gossip w;li add TO th
4 amusement of meeting. MAaY L. BIsI.ASI.