The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1898-03-25
HOW TO CYCLE IN EUROPE.

II any one wishes to cycle independently
and mt the same time pleasantly, profirabiy.
and may say economically. IN Europe there
are certain rules TO be remembered FIRST,
owing 10 the present state Of the tariff law,
which prevents the free importation OF for
eign cycles into the United States, II is bet
ter 10 ride an American wheel This OF
course does not apply to the Englishman.
But the American wheel, rs l have seen 10 in
Europe, is una1apted to the purpose. 1t is
furnished with neither a mud guard nor n
gear case and both are absolutely indispensa
bio to ones comfort, owing 10 the dampnes
of tho climate and the muddiness or dust u
the roads; while the wood rims and single
tube tires, IL a smash occurs, cannot be re-
paired in any but the largest cities, and this
means UNNECESSARY delay and expense. The
brakes, as rule, are not half rs powerful as
they should be. Altogether, American ma
chimes, IL can.judge by those brought over
are really fair-weather wheels, scarcely prac-
tical touring carriages. But no matter what
wheel you ride. do notlfsl to fit it with good
brakes-if you are gong to Switzerland, the
pneumatic Is essential for pleasure-mud-
guards, and gear which should be
made. not OF celluloid, rubber, or leather, but
OF metal II weight is increased, so is your
comfort. Every machine must be furnished
by law with lamp and a bell. The lamp
must be lighted short time after sunset; (;
otherwise on, subjects ones self to a fine.
Every machine must also have a makers
number stamped on some undstachabile psrt
OF the frame, for Identification by customs
officers. IL Is good thing to have plate
bearing your name and address affixed to Ii.
This il compulsory for the natives of most
European countries, and foreigners touring
without it may find themselves exposed TO
annoying inquiries by the police. rubber
coat or cape, or macltintosh OF some sort,
should invariably be carried.
Wear what you like; the foreigner in knick-
erbockers has ceased to be a source Of delight
to the native. As to ordinary baggage, my
experience Is that il is very much better to
bring your everyday clothes, il you do bring
them, in a trunk or bag with a lock 10 1t,
and II you mean to return from the same port
at which you land, you can leave IL there. IL
can only be forwarded across frontiers by
sending the key with it, that customs officers
may open il and on tho Continent, IL you are
dependent on baggage sent in this way, your
time will be devoted 10 looking after 1t. The
chances are it will not arrive when you expect
il, though 10 usually turns up eventually.
The plan adopted Wy my wife and mysef Is to
carry everything we want for trip OF from
three to five weeks on our machines Extra
shirts and blouscs fannels, hsndkerchiefs,
etc., can be washed overnight. and In the
summer time one suit OF underclotbes, pa
jamas and toilet articles are all that are
needed. II you travel in this way You are in
dependent Of every body and everything; and
in my opinion IT is the only way to travel.
All the necessary articles for two people will
weigh not more than twenty five pounds, and
can easily be carried on two machines. With
our bicycles thus loaded, we can make from
ten to hundred miles in day. our pace de-
pendent upon nothing but our feelings, the
roads, and the weather. From "How 10 Cycle
in Europe" by Joseph Pennell, in Harper's
Magazine for April.