The record-union., 1898-05-30
OF INTEREST TO CYCLISTS.
THE WOMEN, THE DOCTORS
AND THE WHEEL.
Wheel Notes.-The Wheelway Badge
Question-HiI Climbing
Army Wheel

At a recent meeting or the Sacra-
mento Society for Medical Improve
ment (May number Occidental and
Medical Times'') DR.. Josephine Gala
han read a paper on bicycling for
Women" She held that in many or
most cases the wheel is beneficial for
women. 1t is the abuse, not the use,
of the bicycle that is to be condemned.
They must not ride too long, in. un-
suitable dress, or an il-ltting saddle,
in faulty position, nor when not IN
proper physical condition.
The woman should be taught to ride
properly by a skilled teacher, and in
proper costume, with clothing loose at
the waist. rather short skirt, high
shoes to support the ankle, and with
low heels. After the exercise in learn
ing take warm bath. and if agreeable
follow it with a cool shower, and
good rub down and a change of linen.
Much attention must be given to the
saddle; keep trying until a satisfactory
one is obtained Divide the weight be-
tween the saddle, the handle bars and
the pedals evenly. Adjust the saddle
to throw the body slightly forward.
Avoid a perfectly erect position. Ad-
just the pedal until at extension the
ankle is somewhat Strengthened and
the knee is slightly bent.
She believed, rightly employed, that
the wheel is a great benefit; it abolishes
tight lacing; it stimulates a sluggish
liver and the secreting functions of the
stomach, as we'll as it's peristatic action.
It makes the stout slighter, and the
thin plump. 1t is one Of the best things
for insomnia-but not in all cases.
In nervous conditions not dependent
upon real pathological lesion, but
rather to accumulation of poisonous
matter in the blood, systematic exer-
else on the wheel is good In condi-
tions infiammatory in character, or apt
to become so. wheeling is dangerous.
DR.. Parkinson was heartily in ac-
cord with the sentiments of the paper.
and declared that there is no question
as to the direct advantages the wheel
has produced
DR.. Sutlif believed wheeling to be a
healthful form of exercise He be-
Ieved women will more and more en-
ploy It,
DR.. Power was almost entirely in ac-
cord with the views set out in the
paper. Pelvic trouble he believed to
be most largely due to absence of
muscular tone, and hence wheeling is
beneficial He did not approve of high
shoes-the ankle should be free. He
did not believe in the forward position,
and women especially should avoid it.
The only objection to the wheel for
women is the possibility of crowding
down the pelvic organs and a forward
posture favOrs that Spinal shock is
not materially increased if the spine is
fairly bent. In handle bars and saddle
there should be as much elasticity as
possible. Get spring saddles, and if
possible, spring forks. Train for foot
pedaling, not leg pedaling; there is then
less expenditure of force.
DR. W. E. Briggs thought walking a
preferable exercise. Women would
usually benefit by open air exercise,
and some viii not take it except by the
wheel But walking with the body
erect and the vessels unobstructed is
better exercise than riding a wheel
Time will develop the disadvantages of
the bicycle.