The record-union., 1898-04-14

The man upon MS IetL HAS 6OLlc,
Unto a rest eternal;
The man who scorched is scorching yet
In the regions called Internal
Detroit Tribune.
A wheelman who has been a teacher
of cycling, by request Of the Record
Union" gives this advice to those who
are about to learn to ride. He says
the rules apply equally to young and
old. and that if observed viii save a
world Of trouble and any amount of
waste of nerve force and physical en-
ergy.
1: Choose an old wheel to learn upon.
2. Pay no attention to the mount at
first
3. At the outset practice falling off.
Get on the wheel and fall off right and
left, alighting upon the feet, until you
have no longer any fear Of "tumbling," A"
for it is perfectly easy to tip over and
alight on one or the other foot and hold
the wheel from mixing UP with the
legs.
4. Have your assistant next hold the
wheel lightly while you mount and seat
yourself. Then practice holding the
wheel upright by slightly and rapidly
turning the front wheel right and left
of this motion that the upright posi-
tion is maintained.
3. Never attempt to keep upright by
balancing the body. It is folly and will
never succeed. Keep the body easily
erect and balance only as described in
rule 4. At this point rest for one day.
6. On the second day let the assist
ant propel the wheel slowly while you
Of five f1~Cf
given.
Z. In pedaling push gently with the
feet Remember it requires but little
output of strength. Cease the push with
the foot on one side fully one-sixth the
revolution before beginning with the
other foot.
s. Do not think much about the ped
aling. Let it be out of mind so to
speak Entertain it no more than is
necessary to remember that some en-
ergy is required.
g. Grasp the handle bars lightly. Re-
sist the disposition to grip them like
grim death Treat them as If the ham
dies were eggshells. It is time enough
to cling to them when you learn to go
alone at a rapid pace. As to position,
do not put all your weight on the sad
die. Dispose a good deal Of it on the
handle bars, and to do SO incline slight
ly forward.
10. In moving keep the eye en-
the path about three feet ahead Of
the wheel Do not attempt to look one
side or another. Insist that your as
sistant shall not touch the handle bars
or your body. Let him aid you by a
grasp Of the seat or seat post only.
Nothing will retard you more than nom
observance of this rule.
II. Feeling that you must tip over, do
not attempt to save yourself by twisting
the handling bars, but throw the foot
off of the lower side pedal and step
upon the ground. There is absolutely
no excuse for falling.
II Finally be content to ride slowly
at first and but short distances. Study
relaxation of the muscles of the arms
and hands and resist the disposition to
grasp things, to balance with the body
and to work hard. On the third day,
the third half-hour you should be able
to ride safely. You will learn then
easily how to go over rough spots
without jOlting by casting the weight
upon the feet and relieving the seat
from the blow of a bump over rough
ness. A half-hour on each of three
days is sufficient exertion for a begin
ner All else in riding will come easily,
and a beginner should not be bothered
with learning to turn corners, mount
and dismount, etc. Leave that all out,
until he or she can ride in straight
line and dismount by failing off, as
described.
The Capital City Wheelmen's Race
Committee has taken the ten best men
of the recent tryout for the 100-mile
relay race of the oath. Seven Of these
in best condition will be chosen for the
team five days before the race.
The other three viii be reserves
in case of accident. Club spirit rules
high and new members give way or
come in as the need may be. 1t mat
ters not so much who rides, as that the
club wins for Sacramento. Those who
train to go" though all may not go,
have as much honor and glory as those
who make UP the chosen seven. Trust
your committee, gentlemen, and stand
by the club colors, regardless of choice
of riders