The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1895-05-04
LADY CYCLISTS.
A San Jose Girl Discusses the
Boomer QueS-
ton.

The following interesting communica-
ton, from one of San Joses best-known
wheelwomen, on boomers and skirts must
certainly interest the admirers of cycling
SAN JOSE, May 3.-The question of skirts VS..
bloomers for wheelwomen we thought thor
oughly worn out from discussion; but now
comes the assertion that the One Hundred and
Fifty of New York object to boomers, and will
cling to the skirt. Ye ancient GODS! And New
York is considered cup to datep' Well, of
course, in this wild, wild West, suppose we
are little pronounced in our tastes. What
can we expect when our forefathers came over
in company" boat instead of one of their
own?
But for a truly charming companion, a thor
oughly good chum, and an altogether sensible
piece of humanity, give me a California bicycle
girl. San Jose, think, is the cycling center
OF our glorious State. Here we have the Ladies'
Cycling Club, consisting of about thirty men,
bers, all expert riders, besides many unat-
is, perhaps, one OF the most graceful as well as
most courageous riders.
Mrs. Owen, when interviewed by the writer
upon the desirability of the bloomer costume
said: you may quote me as being stanch
advocate OF the rational costume. Why, think
OF the comfort gained in adopting this style of
dress. few years ago was riding 35- pound
wheel, wearing long skirt, frequently leaving
yards OF said skirt by the roadside after an ami
mated struggle with chains and pedals,
Hnally coming nome annoyed ana fatigued,
with dress to be mended and cleaned. Now,
l don my boomers, mount q 17-pound dia-
mond-frame wheel and skim over the ground
untrammeled by care-or skirts" Mrs. owen
makes very pretty picture as she pedals
serenely down the most crowded street, conf
dent in the knowledge that she is entire mis-
tress OF the silent steed so obedient to her
touch.
After this pleasant chat with Mrs. owen,
called upon another of the unattached-one of
the brightest and cheeriest little bodies 1t has
been my pleasure to meet-Miss Fits. This
lady's idea about the use of boomers is such
sensible one must tell you about it. She
said: well, you see, as boomers are con-
cerned, am, practically speaking, 'on the
fence believe they should always be worn
on long rides, but do object to them on the
main streets. am q sincere advocate of them,
but l have no admiration for the girls who
ride UP and down the principal thoroughfares,
dismounting occasionally to partake OF soda,
and invariably attracting attention by giggling
and appearing very conscious of their appear
ance. wear the boomers whenever ride for
the exercise, but for town riding still cling to
skirts" 1t is conceded that Miss Fits main
tains the prettiest position when riding OF any
lady in San Jose.
Many members of the Ladies' Cycling Club
favor boomers, but alasl there is majority
against the custom, and until their minds are
changed all the fair members must ride in
skirts. In another article l hope to present
pictures of a number of San Jose most promi-
nent attached and unattached wheelwomen.
Speaking of ladies' clubs, which so seldom
prove success, recently heard prom inent