The Washington times., 1894-05-27
SAILING ON A BICYCLE.
wheelmen Look Upon Novel Device wit
Much Favor

Wheelmen Look Upon Novel Device with
Much Favor.
Every cyclist will want to know about the
invention of Charles D. White, OF San Ber-
nardino, Cal. who has recently invented way
OF satisfactorily attaching a mast to the COM
! mon bicycle, and has already tried it himself
with fine success. It is said that number
OF cyclists are alreadyusing the sail. says the
Chicago Evening Post, and are gratified with
the results. Mr.. White worked hard with the
idea. The only difficulty experienced was in
securing the sail firmly to the Wheel After
several attempts Mr.. White made head
block, in which the end OF the mast was
placed and secured. This block can be re-
moved very easily by taking of the burrs on
two bolts. When the sail is removed the
block does not interfere with the use of the
machine in any manner. nor has it a displeas-
ing look to the eye.
The block head is made of Oregon pine.
while the two side clamps are OF oak half an
inch thick. These are securely fastened to
the wheel by two iron bolts. Great care
should be exercised in placing this particular
part OF the attachment in position. The head
block must not be fastened to the handle
guiding Of the bicycle. 1t must be boIted to
the joint below the elbow, as this allows the
free use OF the handles to direct the wheels
course, 70 those who will doubtless try the
invention it may be explained that they
should be very careful not to secure the boom
to the machine. but fasten small pulley to
the spring under the seat and allow the cord
attached to the boom to run freely through it,
as the balance can be kept much better in this
manner. Mr.. Whites sail is attached to
ten-fOot mast and an eight-foot boom, and
weighs six pounds and nine ounces. The
cost complete is about $40. if the work is
performed by the individual himself. Almost
any one can make sail and place it on the
wheel. With few hours practice a good
wheelman can easily manipulate it and en-
Joy ride without fatigue.
For the benefit of those who will try the
labor-saving device Mr.. White gives the fol-
lowing advice on the subject: ''After making
or buying the sail and placing it in position,
keep the same furled until outside of the city,
on quiet and lonely road. Be careful when
approaching a horse, rs the animal will take
fright when a fourth of a mile away il the sail
Is in position. On arriving at a secluded spot
hoist the sail and allow it to swing loosely in
the wind. Mount the machine the same as
usual and pedal while the wind is filling the
sail, gradually. and the regular rate of speed
is being acquired. Then the sail will come
under perfect control.
The best position is to keep one hand on
the handle-bars and the other on the boom.
should it be close enough TO the rider. When
the sail swings away from the reach, control
it by the cord running through the pulley
under the seat. Be sure the cord will slip
through the pulley easily. or sudden squail
will unseat You instantly. Keep the feet on
the pedals. which should be racing or rat
traps as they will hold the feet in position
best. This will assist materially in keeping
balance. The coasters can be used but not
so well as the first mentioned Sailing be-
fore the wind you will so Just twice rs fast as
in ordinary bicycle riding. while the greatest
velocity is gained while riding. at right angle
from the wind. With good han Hing speed
Of from twenty to thirty miles per hour can
be obtained. Beating against the wind is
very hard, as it is almost impossible to tack
in the narrow roads. No jib or rudder is
needed, therefore, the resistance is not SO
great"