The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1894-08-05
FRENCH WOMEN on THE WHEEL.
A Lively Parisienne Gives Her Ideas
on bicycling.
[From the Philadelphia Times.1

LFrom the Philadelphia TimesI
Cycling" exclaimed the Parisienne
with a smile, 81 adore it. 1t is now the
most popular women's sport. My girl
friends who rode horseback are aban-
doning the horse of flesh for that of
Steel How many ladies have you seen,
monsieur, en- bicycle this morning
Dozens?"
yes; quite that
"And all in knickerbockers of some
form or other?''
Yes; and they were modest enough. -
of course they were; it is the dress
for the sport"
Actresses, 1 believe, were the first
to inaugurate the sport" 1 remarked.
Yes, you are right; and when we saw
them enjoying themselves, and in smart
costumes-oh, so chic-we took up the
pardon me, monsieur, from your sisters.
We at once saw the possibilities of
the sport; the pretty neat dress. so
suitable that your Madame Grundy is
slowly agreeing to adopt it, occurred
to us at once. L was one of the first to
become a cyclist, and yet when 1 went
to my dresSmaker to obtain a correct
and smart costume ere taking my les
sons at the Manege Petit, in the
for my choice four or five different de-
signs. 1 really believe that we are
fonder of exercise here in Paris than
your women are in London. Oh, the de-
light of that cOstumei If you had ever
worn skirts you would know it. [ soon
learned to ride. Without the terrible
inconvenience of petticoats that is
easily done. Fully a score of girls were
learning at the same time in the Ma
Petit and en- Ua decided soma Of
us, to take our first ride en- plein air
(out of DOOR in company. When We
started we found that our neat suits
were not less becoming than habits,
or even ordinary dress, while they were
infinitely more comfortable and decent
Yes, decent. For I have seen one of
your English girls riding tricycle. in
skirts; that sight was enough to con-
denim them for cycling for ever in my
eyes. We had no prejudice TO contend
against. No gamins shouted out after
u.s. We called for admiration, not
amusement or disapproval.
do 1 mind telling you my views up
on costume?" mademoiselIe continued.
Certainly not. Firstly, then, what you
have referred to as the divided skirt
is an error. 1t presents too great a sur
neither too full nor too tight, are the
only garment possible for real and per-
feet comfort. One may wear a short
skirt, of course, if ones taste or figure
prompts it; but this should never come
below the knees when seated on the
machine, and l much prefer my own
costume, with no skirt other than that
afforded by the long redingote bodice.
Some women, you will have doubtless
noticed wear very wide Zouave-shaped
garments; others very tight ones. Both
are wrong the happy middle course be-
ing the best. Well, undernea thunder
meath L wear suit of silk and wool.
This is English made, and very COM
Portable things they are for either
cycling or horseback exercise"
'fStays?" 1 Intercepted. why yesl
We do not wear the costume solely be-
cause it is more healthy, rather be-
cause it is chic and suitable. French
women would scarcely seek to pur-
chase freedom of movement at the
price of their figures. Your rational