The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1897-04-19
BICYCLE ISLAND,

among other things noticed an advertise
ment of a summer resort called Bicycle
island. After had finished reading the
paper I sat idly looking out of the window
thinking about the island mentioned in
the advertisement, when noticed that the
country through which we were passing
did not look natural The train was due
at Lawrence in five minutes. But instead
of the familiar river with the mills on the
opposite bank, saw a wide expanse of
water with no land in sight except a large
island three or four miles distant
L looked around the car and was sur
prised to find myself alone, with the ex-
ception of a young lady who sat in the
forward end of the car. Very soon heard
the conductor call out: Ocean Station
This train goes no fartherl AS I stepped
from the train 1 heard a voice the shore
calling ''This way for Bicycle islandP'
Well. it seemed that my opportunity to see
this island about which I had read had
come sooner than I expected.
1 found on questioning the conductor
that the train did not return to the city
for five hours. So hurried down to the
shore where found the young lady, my
travelling companion, already seated in the
ferryboat which was really bicycle boat
The ferryman sat astride bicycle in the
middle of the boat, the prOpelling power
being large paddles underneath, which
were connected with the pedals of the BIZ
cycle.
On the way to the island I had a very
pleasant chat with the young lady. I
found that her name was Grace Edwards,
and that she had the dread disease, bicy-
closis, and was going to the island for
week s vacation to Feouperate. The more
talked with her the more fascinated I
became, and by the time we reached our
destination I had decided that would ask
her to marry me. I could not understand
IL T,,,+ T Cd with an n
desire to make this girl my wife.
AS we neared the island I saw that the
place was literally alive with bicycles.
People of all ages were riding. Not a sim
gle person could I see walking. There
were no horses-man was the only motive
power.
I asked Miss Edwards if she would ride
with me.
with pleasure, p" she said.
''Shau we take our first ride this after
noon?''
Eyes; about o clock
AS we stepped from the boat We were
met by man who had in charge a row of
bicycles. There are several kinds from
which to choose and was lucky enough
to find the exact counterpart of my own
wheel. After adjusting the saddles and
handlebars to suit us we mounted and rode
to the hotel.
We were Just in time for dinner, so, as
sion to dine with her. I still adhered to
my determination to make her my wife,
so while we ate dinner I laid the case be-
fore her and told her that although had
known her so short a time was very much
in love with her and begged her to marry
me. To my surprise she consented and
said she had liked me from the very first
'tWhy not be married this afternOOnY
said, land then we can spend the honey
moon right here on the island. -
At first she would not consent to this,
but finally overruled her objections and
she said she would do whatever thought
best.
I found, on questioning the proprietor of
the hotel, that there was minister stay
ing there, so the last objection to our mar
riage was removed. I hunted him up and
found him just starting of for a ride, but
when had introduced myself and told
him what I wanted he offered to postpone
his trip till later, and when he found that
we both rode the same kind of wheel he
was more willing than ever to do me the
favor I asked. Well, the wedding took
place that afternoon in the parlor of the
hotel, all the other guests being present to
witness the ceremony. 1t was a bicycle
wedding in every respect, as every one
wore bicycle suits, even the bride and
groom.
After it was over and we had received the
congratulations of the whole party I sug
RGSt6Q TQaU we Jake bQ9 4Abb16 IlQ6 We AdQ
planned while coming over In the boat.
Grace was eager to show me the beauties
of her dear island, so we went down stairs
after our wheels. The man in the check
room informed US that we could have a
tandem if we preferred So we decided to
try it.
The island was covered with labyrinth
of roads, hard and smooth enough to de-
light a wheelman's breast, and it was per-
feet bliss to roll swiftly along, stopping
now and then to inspect some interesting
spot or view fine bit of scenery.
NOW, must show you the cliff, - said
Grace looking toward the northern end of
the island. When coming over in the boat,
had noticed that at that particular point
a huge mass of rock stood out in bold re-
lief, 80 or more feet above the water, with
the waves dashing abruptly against its
base.
From the place where we were standing
the road lay straight and smooth before
US, extending almost to the very edge of
the cliff, where it turned abruptly, follow
ing the other shore back to the hotel. We
started off toward the cliff, and as it was
slightly down grade we we're soon going
like the wind As we neared the cliff, I
discovered that my handle bar seemed to
be stuck in the tubing, and it was inpos
sible to steer the machine told Grace
that she would have to do the steering, as
could not move my handle bar.
'Why, my handlebar is stuck toe" she
exclaimed what can be the matter with
the old machine anyway? Let's use the
brake and dismount."
There is no brake - replied.
We were approaching nearer and nearer
the cliff and were going so fast that it was
impossible to get of the wheel. tried
harder than ever to turn the handle bar,
but it absolutely refused to move.
If we could not get around the curve in
4V.,7r
edge, and at least get a ducking. did
not think there was any danger of drown
ing, as I was pretty good swimmer, and
II 1 could keep Grace clear from the wheel
I could easily swim with her around to
the other shore.