Daily inter mountain. [volume] (Butte, Mont.) 1881-1901, 1900-11-07
NEWEST FEATs OF TRICK CYCL-
ING.

independently of the fascination of
and to left within an exceedingly mar
row compass. CD the capacity to ride
without the aid of either hand on the
handlebar; go the attainment of the
stationary balance, viz, to be able to
remain upon the machine when it is at
a standstill. Before going into the
means of acquiring a mastery over these
three difficulties, let me say Just one
word upon the equally interesting sub
ject of the mount.
For; although we nave all learnt a
nimble and neat mount and dismount
on either side of the machine. in our
| green and salad cycling days, there re-
mains the question of the side saddle
mount to be discussed. This is effected
by ~standinS-hands on handles in the
usual manner-on the left side of the
machine. which is inclined a trife to
the right, the golden rule of cycling
equilibrium being invariably to lean
in whichever direction you appear to be
falling. Place the left foot upon the
left pedal when we'll forward and pedal
quietly and gently. Some care will be
needed to bring the right loot safely
through the narrow space between the
left foot and the frame. The right
foot should rest either upon the tubes
of the frame or upon the foot rest
or hang idle near the left; and the
body should lean towards the left side
trick-oycling per Sc, its practice greatly
N'NNA' az MA AZ VI SNttN
day. 1t minimizes effort by the insis-
tence of the learners initiation into the
knack of ankling, the acquisition of
which should be, but. alas! it not. the
style by the absence of visible effort,
and by the graceful body movements it
teaches its votaries. 1t inculcates skill
in quick turns and in accurat judg-
ment of distances measured by inches.
a knowledge invaluable to the traffic
rider. 1t also serves to evoke and to
strengthen the qualities of courage and
perseverance. Therefore, should only
the outposts of the fort be stormed, the
gain Will be considerable.
Before proceeding to the evolution of
the trick proper. three preliminary les
sons must be learnt. These are % the
ability to turn and to circle both to right
of the machine.
The best method Of vanquishing the
difficulties of circlinG is to place some
OBJECT, such as a flag. a piece of wood.
or a stone, as a center. AS all hasty
and jorky movements considerably af-
feet the steering, you will, Of course,
ride with circumspection, pedalling
evenly and continuously resting the
feet so lightly upon the pedals that
they can feel every twist and turn of
the machine and instinctively correct
alterations from the right path. a
practice quickly acquired. Sit well back
upon the saddle, which SHOULD bear all
the weight of the body, and treat the
'aN AAio AAS hSuu
as much liberty as circumstances will
permit.
Lean well over to the inner side Of
the circle, steering principally by body
movement, aided as need arises by the
action of the pedals and by an occa-
sional movement of the handlebar, but
~strenuously avoiding any wobbling of
the front wheel. Diminish the circum-
ference of the circles until you are able
to turn as sharply as you can without
risking an actual fall. When this can
be accomplished either to right or to
left. untoward encounters will be rob
proceed with a light heart to the elu-
cidation of the next problem.
Learning to ride hands off" re-
quires some little effort of will. Even
shining steel brings comfort. But half
measures are of no avail; one must
greatly dare, and with determination
comes capacity. At first timidly and
perhaps for half a second at a time,
then the tendency to hold the handles
gradually lessons.
You will find yourself sitting we'll
back in the saddle, keeping a steady
seat, not allowing the body to rock
from side to side. but maintaining your
balance by following and controlling
the sway of the machine. Endeavor
not to allow the natural nervousness you
VIII at first feel to affect the steady
movement of yOur feet, which. if al
lowed to continue their work, will con-
tribute so largely to the success of your
task; for steering is much more easily
effected when riding at a fair speed.
With a little practice proficiency will
soon be attained when going forward.
Circling and figures of eight are, how
ever, much more difficult to execute
when riding in this manner, and will
require the exercise of some patience;
but as they are necessary for the attain
ment of proficiency in the higher
branches of the art, this expenditure
of trouble must not be pared.
The stationary balance is SO useful,
even in everyday riding that it seems
strange that it is not more generally
practised. 1t is easy to learn and of
much help in the acquiring of perfect
control over the machine. Now it is an
indisputable fact that a bicycle cannot
when motionless remain erect unsup-
ported. The necessary movement is OBJ
tanned in this instance by alternately
slightly depressing either pedal, rest
ing the heel of the forward foot upon
the crank bracket and exerting the re-
quired pressure by the upward and
downward movement of the upper part,
the heel remaining mOtionless.
BY this means a slight manipulation
Of the chain is effected, producing an
all but imperceptible oscillation of
the back wheel. whereby the equil-
} ibrium is maintained. To attain this
balance, reduce speed to a snails pace,
then rise upon the pedals. relieving
the saddle from further burden, and
turn the front wheel toward whichever
pedal may happen to be forward at the
\ moment. Continue the slight pedal
movement mentioned above until desir-
Gus of a change, when you can reverse
proceedings. The stationary balance can
be retained for almost any length of
! time.
The resumption of pedalling is a very
difficult matter, partly on account of the
cranks being in an unfavorable position
b for that operation, and also because the
!, front wheel has a tendency to swing
round and collide with one or other OF
\ it's neighbors, a tendency which, If moi
smartly checked, would cause a bad fall
as the rider las no means of saving
himself.
: Inbon tho di@ol,lfior of tho forurn, ~