The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1898-08-21

methods. The power Of riders Lex
muscles should boz applied economically
and should be- made 10 count for all IL
s. worth and with no loss or waste. Inc
subject mas been discussed, even by VIII
ers OF scientific bent. and stiil close Cd
ecrvation shows that correct pedaling Is
the exception rather than the rule
THE WRONG WAY.
Most riiers apply the force OF thelr
thrust on the pedals from me uIl eI par
OF the lcz That u.s. 10 say they use the
foot simply as ~ hold ON tse pedal, push
ing down on II with long thrust and
neclecting tho ankle almost entirely. Iht
corsoauouco ls that neither knee uoi
ankle does its share of the work Ih~
being the case those members IRE
Quickly when called into play hy rld'r
who wishes 20 acquire tho proper me'hou
OF Dodallng IL does not take Dong now
ever. for them 10 become accustomed
10 the oxertion required.
The ankle has much 90 do with proper
pedaling as the muscles which supply
The power. II is not enough simply 70
uush one pedal down whom 10 is up
and allow tho foot Co rest idly on IL
when it's coming NO. That inertia means
not only n Joss or power hut "a dehd
weight 10 carry mp with every reNoiu 'lon
Of tho pedals Tho four illustrations
shown herewith give ap excellent picio-
vial odoa Of how pedal should be car
riod around the circle hy tho foot ana
ankle in order 10 get tho best results
with the least EFFORT
HOW TO 20 TT.
IN figure I tho beginning Of the down
thrust is shown. Tho heel Is dropped
slightly and the bali OF the foot rs pressed
against the pedal with the fun force or
tho thrust AS thc pedal desccnds the
downward pressure continues. but the
heel is raised gradually The heel Is
ellchtly hirher than the toe when the
medal Is half way down. as rs shown I'm
figure ?. Tho downward pressure is not
released until the pedal is almost nt its
lowest point. Then, as is demonstrated
ny figure 9. the foot clutches the pedal
with the heel high mp. and drags II M
part ~ the way for IT'S next revolution.
Pv the timc the pedal Is half way up
tGrure D the heel has been allowed 10
dron slightly below tho level Of the toes,
and 30 kcans ON dropping until 10 rs ready
20 start again with its next thrust at No.
7 The ankle does an the directing I'm
this work 10 Is plain that the upward
drag ON the ascending pedal helps 70
keen the machine going and avoids all
tendency TO jcrky podaline.
The value Of a good anlling motion
g. best demonstrated in hin climbing.
Grades that fatigue ridors who forget
20 use their ankles become mere Incl
dents when The pedals are manipulated
economically
THE UPWARD DRAG
Tho object in dropping the heel and
puhfns hard aeainst the pedal before IL
reaches fits topmost point I'm the circle
SIS 10 apply the power OF the thrust be-
fore tho pedal has begun It's downward
thrust The same principle applies 10
the act of beginning 90 drag the pedal
inward. iust before IL reaches its lowest
pcint A little practice rs all rider
needs 20 De convinced OF the force OF
these arguments.
Toe clips are OF undoubted advantage
in ANGLING" They serve 20 hold the
foot I'm place and prevent II from slip
ping besides giving an extra purchase
and leverage for the foot. They are by
no means Indispensable but cyclists who
have become accustomed 20 them viii
MOI ride without them
Constant practice viii enable any rider
90 improve his action, increase his eltec-
tivonoss aud minimize his power. Even
tualiy me will be able 10 exert the nun
EFFORT OF hts power on the complete down
stroke. with the raised foot always push
ing forward and the dropped foot always
clawinr. or dragging backward. on the
up-stroke. When this is done there can De
no dead center. or jerk In the bearings
between strokes The steady pressure
moves tho crank shaft evenly, gaining
ease in propulsion and better command
~ che bicycle and adds grace 90 appear
ance OF the rider