The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-03-11

The seventh annual Bicycle Week is being held here and in many other cities and towns of the United States. and every opportunity is being taken to impress upon the people the nu- merous benefits in the way of ex- ercise,, recreation, genera l utility economy, sport and health that can be derived from cycling. In many places associations, clubs and in- dividnals are conducting stunts to indicate the various advantages of wheeling. These include outings of various kinds, parades, races and novelties.
 There are, indeed. many ways in which the bicycle can be used for health giving recreation and diver sion. It forms the most economical mode of individual transportation ever known and this fact is valuable to workers who ride back and forth to work day after day, saving both time and money and securing great CT convenience. But apart from this the bicycle gives an opportunity for events and pastimes that promote rosy checks. build up bodies. sharpen the wits, increase appetites and help
 
 The bicycle picnic is a very pop ular form of outing. Each person rides his or her own bicycle and carries a haversack containing d lunch and, perhaps, fishing tackle, ball. pr other sport requisites. The members of the bicycle club gather at a certain central point and then ride out to a chosen spot In the coun- try where swimming, fishing and boating may be enjoyed, games played and foot races held. Perhaps there Is sparkling spring nearby, and the lovely cool water forms a delightful treat. Some one has brought a big pot with some coffee. sugar and condensed milk. A fire is built and the pot is soon boiling. Then comes the grand evening meal and after that the splendid ride homc at twilight. Such days outing works wonders.
 There are the usual forms of track and pad races for boys and trained riders. and these comprise handicaps, novice, club and open events, Aus tralian pursuit races, unknown dis tance races, obstacle races with bi- cycles, miss-and-out race, in which the last man crossing the line In each lap is called out and the last man on the track wins; relay races. unpaced time trials, motorpaced races, and others.
 Cyclists can hold hare and hound chase through rural districts, and there are the weekend tours, which have become popular, par ticularly since the bringing out of light silk tents that can be carried without difficulty. The bicycle search is also a stunt that gets peo- pie out into the great, wide, open country. This consists in hiding a prize in some locality, after which some hint is given as to the place. Many cyclists take part in these searches.
 There are also rides for men and These can be arranged so that some picturesque or historic spot may be visited. Occasions present them selves when riders can decorate their wheels and take part in some holi day or patriotic demonstration. Bi- cycle riders are such red-blooded en- thusiasts that 1t does not take them long to get acquainted and to get busy with suggested stunts or sports that every outing or other event in variably proves to be highly enjoy able.
 Many bicycle clubs are to be found in various cities. but it is not hard to organize one among ones own friends, if none is already in exist ence. There Is no need for nu- merous formalities, as the policy of the club should simply be to get to- gether for health giving outings, runs and races.
 France is a land of bicycles and riders. Steadfast cycling enthusiasm is also to be found in adjacent coun- tries of Europe. The official statis- tics show that the number of bi- cycles in use in France last year amounted to 4,309.129. This was a