The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1897-07-24
FIRST GET IN CONDITION.

However, in taking a tour of any
sort the newness of things is apt to be
felt by the rider. The continuous rid
ing and the variety of roads encoun-
tered, together with all other condi-
tions that beset bicycle rider. are apt
to have an effect, and these should be
looked after as much as possible be-
fore the start. BY steady practice rid
ing for a. week or so before going out
on a long ride of the sort the inclina-
ton to feel the effect of the steady rid
ing on the road will be overbalanced,
and by taking things easy and keeping
a serenity of mind the various defects
in the roads can be overlooked. This
Is the one great secret Of an enjoyable
trip. The rider goes out to look for
pleasure, and this is not obtainable by
noticing every little defect in the roads
and grumbling and mumbling over the
same. One cannot expect the high
ways of the country to be as smooth as
the streets of the city.
If an accident should occur take the
bright side of it; do not keep thinking
over it, as this sort of worry will spoil
any trip. There may be portions of
the road encountered which would be
words, but that all goes with the trip,
and in looking back over such a ride
there is more or less pleasure in the
fact that you managed to get over the
place, at any rate. Another thing is
this: 1t is all good and right to have
a certain degree Of fastidiousness, but
it must not be carried to an extreme.
At the country hotels and farm houses
where one may be compelled to stop
the style and elegance of a city hotel
cannot be expected. There will he no
courses at the table, possibly no nap
kins served, and toilet conveniences
very limited, but one should not grum-
BILE. All this goes with the trip, and
the novelty will be enjoyed afterward,
If not at the time. 1t is something OF
a relief to get away from the conven-
tionalities of city life, and enjoy the
free country life as we'll as the free and
bracing air of the country itself.
While the bicycle Is virtually a cure
all for good many minor diseases, and
some major ones, too, for that matter
there are some riders on a tour who
are apt to suffer from their stomachs
through q change of water and food
which may be superinduced by the
change of air. While this is only tenn
porary suffering, yet it would hardly
do 10 have such occur on a journey OF
two or three days, as 1t would leave
the rider sick most of the time. Or
this account it is we'll to be cautious
as to the food eaten and the drink
taken by those who are apt to suffer in
this respect. The stomach is as much
in need of attention at times as the
bicycle itself, though some riders are
not aware of it until too late.
The touring rider will find simple pre-
cautions of the homeopathic school suf
ficient to get the system into workinl
order and then moderation should b,
the rule in eating, drinking and exer
else. AS the stomach becomes toned III
the thirst grows less frequent and an
noylng, and In due course the wind anC
staying power requisite for thorough
enjoyment on the wheel will develop
The popular habit Of jumping off a
wayside refreshment booths and fllinl
up on ice-cold drinks is not only dan
gerous to the health, but ruinous t,
the wind, while repeated repasts oi
questionable pie are also landmark