Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1895-04-26
Just Now the Society Leaders are
lnduiging in Bicycle Riding.

less extent in horseback riding, in
rowing, tennis, and quite recently the
game of golf, which is of course very
English, has been taken up. 1t may
be, and probably is, that these fancies
have their origin in the fondness OF
the British aristOcracy for such amuse-
ments. However that may be, their
adoption in this country has resulted
in change in the habits of the aver
age society woman which has been
highly beneficial in developing the
best type OF American beauty. 1t has
not been SO many years ago when ex-
ercise in the open air was unknown
among fashionable people in this
country. Of course, what the leaders
of society do is apt to be initiated in
all the grades, and continued indoor
existence has naturally had marked
effect on the health OF the American
women.
People of middle age with ordinary
powers of observation have noticed
the change in the type of female
beauty, and they have not failed to
mark the glow of health and the full
cheeks and rounded forms which are
now so characteristic of any gathering
of women. 1t is of course trite say
ing that exercise and an abundance of
fresh air is beneficial to the health,
but nevertheless, it is an axiom that
has been wofully neglected by Ameri-
can women, and to a large extent by
the men.
1t is therefore a happy omen when
outdoor exercise becomes fashionable,
and for this reason the latest fad.
namely, that of bicycling, has more
importance than otherwise would be
the case. Learning to ride the wheel
has become an actual fashion in So
ciety, and as is always the case, plenty
of imitators are found among those
who do not claim to be in fashionable
society.
Perhaps ut no time where there so
many schools for instruction in bicycle
riding in existence in this city as at
the present time. 1t is certain that
the roll OF female pupils was never so
large. AS soon as they are able to
master the wheel the girls dressed in
natty and becoming costumes may be
seen speeding over the smooth streets
and avenues and out along the coun-
try roads.
In some cases they form parties
with a rendezvous at some place in
the suburbs where they can enjoy
possibly a dance and supper, and
then spin homeward in the moonlight.
All these pleasures have hitherto been
left for the enjoyment Of the sterner
sex, but now the women are claiming
their share, and they not only secure
the immediate enjoyment, but they
are building up constitutions which
have become weakened through the
lack of active exercise, and they are
bringing a heslthful bloom to their
cheeks which is beyond the power Of
any art or device to produce.
There is only one reason why this
form of open air exercise cannot be
generally adopted, and that is the ex-
pense. A good wheel costs 500,
although there are some wheels which
are placed on the market at a lower
rate, and then again, the secondhand
wheels come within the scope of a
limited pocketbook. 1t is evident,
however, that in some instances sac
ritices are made in various directions
in order to secure the coveted wheel.
The wives and daughters OF wealthy
men, Of course do not have to stop to
consider the cost, and they buy the
highest priced wheels with the latest
and most approved attachments. BIZ
cycle riding is form of amusement
which perhaps costs less than any of
the others that have been named, and
owing TO the fascination which it pos
sesses, and also the practical uses
which can be made of the wheel, it is
likely to continue in fashion for some
time. However, where it does or not,
it has in connection with other means
OF taking physical exercise rendered
valuable service in building up the
health of the women OF the country.