The Indianapolis journal., 1904-06-05

run of cyclists to scoff and
N5&HI mark: Cycling in Switzerland.
Whoever heard of such madness?
One goes to Switzerland to climb noun
tains and scale heights inaccessible to the
cyclist. but to bicycle in Switzerland. why
the idea is absurd
This. as 1 say, was what nine persons
out of every ten used to reply when 1,
in answer to the inquiry as TO where 1
had spent my holiday. would say that
bicycle tour in ia belle Suisse had again
proved attractive to me that had once
more wheeled through the Alps much to
the benefit of my general health.
But now every cycling season comes
round. more and more frequenters of Switz-
erIand who have hitherto only cycled at
home, include their machine with other
luggage when starting for their yearly
visit to that lovely country of snowy
mountains, forests. lakes. rivers and wa
terfalls.
1t is a well-known fact that trip to
Switzerland creates Unsuitable desire to
revisit the country at the first oportunity,
and / think this would be proved were
any OF my readers to try short tour there
this year. In Switzerland. as in nearly
every other country. cne can keep ones
expenses within very reasonable limits If
one has not the desire to frequent the best
hotels. but Switzerland has the advantage
over most other countries from the fact
that it is essentially land of hotels. and
where the catering in all classes is reduced
to veritable art Be careful always to
fix your inclusive terms beforehand. other
wise the extras very often assume con-
genuine touring rider. such hint will be
out of place.
THE QUESTION OF LUGGAGE.
The postal arrangements throughout
switzerland are as near perfect possible.
One can send almost any weight by post.
30 that there is need to overburden
either machine rider with Unnecessary
luggage. BY dispatching this in the morn
ing before starting the days ride, to ones
destination for the night one will find
ones luggage delivered the same day, al
ways providing one has been careful to
send of the parcel before the morning
post has gone. This be usually ascer
tanned from the hall porter and in case one
- not sure of ones actual hotel for the fol-
lowing stop. the luggage can be sent poste
restante. Then again, telephone and tel
egraphc communication all over Switzer-
land is very extensive and complete. so
that one can easily engage ones room for
the night by telephone.
| usually carry sufficient the machine
for a nights stay In case of emergencies
and have even on some occasions. where
have not been certain of the roads or ac-
commodation. sent my gladstone" to a
destination some three or four days ride
ahead. and carried my wants on the BIZ
cycle. but then. personally, / do not OBJ
ject to little extra weight. whereas some
think very light load absolute sine
qua non for a cycling tour.
Some years ago. before brakes claimed as
much attention as they very rightly do
three yards behind the machine affixed to
the saddle pillar by piece OF string. This
Is most effective method of retarding the
bicycle and a useful tip TO bear i'm mind
I'm case of need.
THE MACHINE.
AS regards the mount itself. be sure it is
in good condition. and understand it thor
oughly. There are now competent repair
ers in almost every town of any preten-
sions at all in Switzerland. but it will save
considerable time and expense to remedy
any small defects oneself cannot too
strongly urge a low gear, 90 at the most
and even for a tandem one of 20 is ample.
BY the way, this latter form of touring is
strongly To be recommended for Swtzer-
land 1t is quite fallacy to imagine that
the turns are too sharp on the passes for
q multicycle. OF course. care is required
when descending strange roads. but then l
cannot recommend Switzerland to reckless
riders. tandem is so handy if there be
any pushing 10 be done. especially IL one
rider happens to be of the fair sex of
course. In mountainous country like
Switzerland there Is bound TO be a certain
amount OF walking. although most of
the passes the gradient is hardly ever of
the ''side- of n house" order and can often
as not be negotiated with little extra exer-
ton.
would recommend intending riders 10
study their Baedeker before starting on
their tour. for there Is nearly always n
gradual and a stiff ascent 10 a Swiss pass
and. of course. IL II preferable to leave
the longer ana more gradual approach for
the descent.
The Upper Engadine Is a case In point