The Hawaiian star. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu]) 1893-1912, 1897-12-15
RIDE ABOUT ON BICYCLES.
NUMEROUS PARTIES TOUR ALL
EUROPE IN THIS MANNER.
Notes on Wheeling in Different Coun-
tries of the Continent-Wheelmen
are Received Hospitality.

a cyclist who has made a tour of
Europe has the following TO say of it:
Bicyclists go to Europe in yearly in
creasing. numbers. Probably this is
the most satisfactory way for party
of young men who wish to travel at
minimum expense. Its use, howev-
er, is by no means confined to young
men. Many ladies take their ma
chimes with them and testify to their
enjoyment of a bicycle trip. The
greatest objection is that one is so
dependent upon the weather. 1t is
an inexplicable fact that the bicycllst
in shower always thinks he is get
ting much wetter than if he were out
walking.
cycle Hospitality. No duty has ever
been levied on it, and the rider is well
treated by the public and at the no.
tells. Every dog banks at him, but he
seems to do it as a matter of duty,
for he rarely goes any further. The
country has good roads, plenty of
daylight in summer and comfortable
hotels in all large towns. If one can
escape the frequent showers he will
have a very pleasant trip. Sweden
has more fine scenery and in some re-
spects a more interesting people. But
the distances are long and sometimes
the country is mountainous. Norway
is more mountainous and a trifie more
showery. In both these countries the
cyclist will have to deposit small
sum (about $50 which will be receipt
ed for and returned upon his depart
ure. Holland furnishes splendid rid
ing, and enjoyable trips can be taken
in all parts of Germany. Belgian roads
are often paved for miles with unrid-
able cobblestones. France has good
roads and in the southern part eX-
cellent weather in spring and fall
The peasants, unfortunately, have all
their shoes filled with heavy nails
These drop out on the road, and as
! they are always found with the point
up punctured ties are not uncommon.
The French peasant is not inclined to
be more than civil to the cyclist. In
these countries a bicycle accompanied
by its owner can usually be taken in
free of duty but if it is eXacted he can
reclaim it on leaving. Switzerland IS
too billy to attract many riders. Aus
tria and Italy require the deposit of a
heavy duty. The former country has
excellent roads and an interesting trip
can be planned in the Tyrol. In its
southern portion of Dolomites offer a
field not yet opened by the railroads.
Italy is hot and dusty in summer, but
this does not deter every one. | have
had no experience in Russia. but met
couple of Finlanders in Sweden last
summer who informed me that bicy-
clists were numerous there and it is
probable that they do not meet with
more trouble and restrictions than do
other travellers.
The Cyclists Touring club has done
much for tourists. Special privileges
and prices are accorded to its men,
bers at many hotels, repair shops and
custom houses. They have access to
specially prepared road books. 1t has
representative in many places in
Europe. The Touring club of France
holds similar position on the con-
tinent. There are also local organiZa-
tons sometimes covering a large ter
ritory, which it is advisable to Join,
if one intends to cycle there for some
time.