Evening star., 1896-08-15
THE WHEELING GIRL.
Dos and DOn'ts Connected With Hen
Dress md Department.

From the Philadelphia Times.
Now that so many women ride. II becomes
imperative that a book of tactics be given
the army Of the wheel. and in the absence OF
such a needed manuals gentle warning may
not be amiss for those feminine riders who,
from carelessness or thoughtlessness ex-
pose themselves and their sisters TO ridicule.
1t should be every womans desire to not
only be able to ride. but to ride well. AS
there is no royal road to learning. a few
dos" and "don'ts" may help the novice
who as yet is ignorant OF her failings and OF
the simple tenets OF what constitutes good
FORM for the wheelwoman.
The very first do" is. do dress appro-
priately No lady OF taste goes in full dress
to a matinee or to a ball in a calling cos
tune. Nor should she so disregard common
sense as to be seen upon her bicycle In
makeshift costume, that, while perfectly
permissible for street use, lis entirely inap-
propriate for wear upon wheel.
Do remember you are just as much lady
on as off your machine. In consequence "
is quite as necessary to be quiet. refined and
ladylike while cycling at home in the
parlor. No lady should be wildly hilarious
over anything that may occur during the
run. or court undue notoriety by calling or
speaking in a loud tone OF voice with her
near and far companions.
Do have the machine perfectly adjusted,
SO ii will not only be comfortable, but give
is absolutely necessary before grace I'm rid
ing can be acquired.
Do learn to mount easily. Without having
to make an uncouth jump and fall into the
saddle, and a subsequent battle to catch the
left pedal, with the agonized expression that
tells the onlooker plainly Il know 1 shall
fall on" The good rider mounts her steed
of metal easily as she enters her carriage.
Every woman should aspire 10 conquering
the near-pedal mount, which is the persona
fication of grace. and well repays the time
and patience required TO master IL.
Do sit gracefully erect. No matter how
pi oficient I'm the art of riding without the
hands. keep al least the right hand upon the
handle-bar. not only a wise precaution.
but as looking less ostentatious and con-
spicuous.
The column of 'don'ts" would fll "A VOL
ume, but let few OF the most important be
memorized and acted upon.
Don't scorch! Ii is not only an awkward
and unhealthy pose. but decidedly had
form. particularly for a lady. Don't sit with
a low saddle and ride "all knees" IL may
feel safer, but remember II looks abomin-
ably. The saddle should be well Tilted. de-
spite what some people may say 10 the con-
trary. throwing the weight OF the rider well
back on the seat. and not on the narrow
metal brace in front. that causes almost i'm
mediate discomfort and fatigue.
Don't wear an unlinei skirt. that flies up
with every current OF air. Every cyclists
costume should be made with a view TO COM
fort and utility in all kinds of weather
of experience prove that the best skirt is
rather short and narrow, with the fullness
evenly gathered at the waistband, with
1eeden weights sewed to the HEM or better
still, fully lined with silesia OF the same color
as the goods. with seams turned Inside.
This last is important, as many accidents
occur by catching the toe or some part OF
the gear of the machine in a loose hem
Don't stop somewhere In the park or I'm the
city proper to drink beer or wine while rest
Ing from the run, with your cycling COM
panions, unless your husband is I'm the party.
1t looks fast and outre ana gives outsiders n
chance TO mistudge you. Ice water. lemon
ace or Vichy are more cooling and less In
furious. Don't ride up hard grades iust TO
show the public you can. Ride with dis
cretion In a common sense and rational way,
and you will not only enjoy the ride much
more, prove an agreeable companion and
have the respect of everybody. but will ar
rive homo looking as much the lady as when
you started which cannot be said of the
perspiring hill-climber. who is not only tired
out, but cross. 1ed-faced and altogether un-
attractive as the result of her uncalIcd-for
eXertions.