Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1894-08-11
THE BICYCLE CRAZE.



Bicycling has reached high water mark
in Augusta this year and many have been
initiated into the science Of driving the silent
steed. 1t is estimated that there are $50
bicycles in the city, and many Of these are
high grade machines. Lady riders have
become very numerous and it 10 not an un-
common sight to see dozen gliding along
the street, oft times on the sidewalk, in
serene and graceful disregard of the
city ordinances.
Many of the merchants and business
m,n ride to AMI from their HON es
on bicycles, not only getting an ap-
petite for dinner but also securing the nec-
essary exercise to settle it before returning
to work. Many of the riders have been
anxious that the Augusta bicycle club
should be revived. and have tried to arouse
the enthusiasm of wheelmen to that end,
but nothing definite has as yet been done.
In all probability il the craze continues
next year, as it has this, club will be
formed consisting of ladies as well as gen.
tlemen.
The bicycle races at the Augusta
driving park, July were among the
most exciting sports of the day.
When State street is repaired it
will be popular resort for the riders and
will complete fine circuit. One can ride
up State street to Winthrop and then down
Chapel to Western avenue and back to
State. All is practically level ground and
will make fine course for wheelmen.
Not few Of the Capital city people have
taken their wheels with them when going
away this season ON Vacation. sapTD
Have you ever watched the beginner en-
deavoring to master the intricacies OF a
risky "bik?" This is most generally done
when no one is around to see, and quite Of
ten after the most Of folks have retired.
The work offend proves Is sweating asa
Turkish bath though not as refreshing. A
favorable piece of road is chosen generally
gentle decline and in most cases an old
wheel 10 procured, then the trouble begins.
The vehicle is placed in front of the
rash neophyte determination sparkles
in bis eye, the foot is placed on
the little step, push and to the seat he
bounds.
Then begins experiences both novel
snds. startling. That front wheel,
which works as easily as the needle of q
compass, starts on a very zigzag course.
The ditch looms up before the rider. He
tries to avoid IT, tries with desperation
born Of despair but with an unaccountable
obstinacy, perfectly disgusting peril
nacity, the wheel insists in going right
there. In vain the frantic rider twists
the handle bars, while the cold sweat
streams down his spinal column.
Fate has decreed the ditch. An elm tree
stands rod down the side of the ditch
at least he is secure from that-but no!
The wheel which seems about to fall in
heap suddenly rights itself, and with series
drunken man, reels and wiggles along
towards that very tree. The rider strives
to turn its course. He jerks the handle
bars back and fourth with nervous energy.
He concentrates all the powers of his mind
upon the desperate, the pervading, the all
important problem of avoiding that tree.
But all his efforts are futile. Bump! WOW
-!l-!I-!!!,.
From under the debris mud
a mud begrimmed figure slowly emerges.
and throws an apprehensive glance up and
down the street to see if any one witnessed
the catastrophe. He is self-conscious and
sensitive to an unwonted degree. He feels
perfectly willing,tin fact anxious to fight
somebody. He would like to smash some-
thing. He is eure that he has no less
than forty nine distinct bruises upon
his anatomy; but that does not deter
him from another attempt. His eyes fash.
His lips are compressed. He feels cha
grined, indignant, revengeful, but deter
mined
He registers vow to ride that
wheel--or bust. He perseveres and at
length he succeeds. He glides away in q
perfect halo of exhilaration. Presto change
The great green, rolling world is his
Talk about the triumphs of history What
were the victories. of Napoleon or the con-
quests Of Alexander the Great, compared
with the subjugaton of that "bik"-But
why pursue this description further. The
wheelmen know how 1t is themselves, and all
others can never fully feel how truly life is
worth living until they have achieved this
greatest Of personal triumphs.
He Was Sailor.
James Bogie, who was arrested, Thurs
cay night, while hiding near the Cony Bros.
stable and waiting to steal a ride on the
train, told his tale of woe in the police court