The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1898-01-18
PRIVATE STOCKHOLDERS BE
DAMNED STR"
Timely Bicycle Topics.

Prospects for summer cycling camps in
this country are promising this year.
Hitherto very little attention has been
paid to this particular feature of bicycle
life, a feature which is enjoyed to the
utmost in England. But reports from
various parts of the United States indi-
cate that such camps are to become pop
ular and numerous during the coming
summer Generally speaking, the camps
are to be conducted by bicycle clubs, and
so arranged as to provide certain comforts
as we'll as mere protection against wind
and weather. The subject of such camps
is now under discussion in several Of the
leading cycling organizations of New
York, and several expeditions of the kind
will undoubtedly be arranged for. Con-
sidering the steady popularity and sue
cess of cyclists camps in England for
the past fifteen years, it is singular
that the subject has been neglected so
long in this country. The camps are con-
Quoted on an inexpensive scale, and offer
most attractive opportunities for the va
cation holidays. Almost any club of fifty
members or more can run such a camp
successfully and probably. Reasonable
rules and careful management, together
with Il sufficient number of subscribers,
are bound to make the Undertaking one
of the most attractive events in the
clubs year. The location should be
chosen in or near good touring country
and close to some waterway if possible,
The programme for entertaining the
campers for one week, two weeks, or
even n longer time, must naturally be
left to the ingenuity of the management
in each individual case. The opportuni-
ties in that respect are endless. Now is
the time to begin preparations for sum
mer camps, and it is gratifying to note
that American clubs are taking to the
idea.
Winter bicycling offers as much rea,
enjoyment as does summer riding. Ir
fact, there are many who prefer the win.
ter riding. There is no reason why the
sport should not be as freely INDUCED in
during the winter months as in the sum.
mer, provided always that a few neceS-
sary precautions are taken. The matter
of dress is the most important. Extra
heavy garments are cumbersome and are
not needed. Warm wooden underwear is
the proper thing. over which outer gar
ments of ordinary winter weight should
be worn.
Very fast riding should be avoided. a:
a cyclist is apt to take cold easily il
stopping to rest when perSpiring freely
An easy, moderate pace is preferable.
All nuts on the bicycle should be tight
ened frequently in cold weather. They
are more likely to work loose than in the
summer Heat expands metal; cold con
tracts it.
Cyclists should avoid hot alcoholic bev
erages while riding in cold weather. TIL,
effect on the system is anything bu
good, particularly if the rider resume.
riding after taking a hot drink.
All kinds of guarantees are offered thii
year by the various manufacturers mos
of them covering a period of sixty day!
after the purchase of Il machine. 1t il
argued that any defect in construction i
sure to be demonstrated in that time
Therefore the life of the guarantee ha.
been shortened all along the line. Indi
yiduality marks some of the guarantees
but, generally speaking, their intent an,
scope are about the same.
Irving Harrison, of Hackensack. n. J.
has accomplished the feat of riding
bicycle &c, 253 miles in one calendar year
He set out to cover 2, 900 miles to secur,
the national road riding record. but ex
ceeded that figure by 4,253 miles. Hi
claim for the record is in the hands O
the Century Roa Club and will doubt
1ess be allowed.
Mr.. Harrison is a street light inspecto
i'm HackenSack. His route of inspection
covers forty-five miles, including tn