Evening Star Newspaper, August 14, 1897, Page 19

HINTS ON THE SADDLE It is safe to say that the majority of per- sons who ride a wheel do so for the pleas- ure they get from the recreation. Compar- atively few wheels are ridden for business entirely. There may be some, but the num- ber is limtted. It is true that a much larg- er number of bicycles are used partly for business and partly for pleasure, which makes the use of the silent steed all the mere valuable. The days when the bicy- cle was regarded as a luxury have now passed, and the machine is within the means of almost every class. it seems strange, in view of all this, that 60 many people ride irrespective of com- fort. A few riders prefer comfort to every- thing else, while many make comfort sub- servient to appearance. Because some of the push use such and such a gear wheel is fo reason why any other rider should do likewise, especially if physically unable to manage the high gear. Because a good many riders may use drop handle bars and bend over the machine when in motion is no reason why all riders should do like- wise. Because so and so rides such a style of saddle is certainly no cause for another rider to adopt the same make. Some saddles may be excellent for some riders, and not at ail suit others. Then, again, there is a large number of riders who let their imagination have full sway. Imagination goes a long way. One may imagine that he should ride such and such @ wheel, or employ such a gear, when in reality he should have something different. He may imagine that he gets comfort, only cretion of the ~ It that the proper height of the sat the pedals should be just the distance from the heel up. In other words, the saddie @ person can touch the pedai with the heel when sitting on the wheel. Though this may be so, on account of the demand for jower framed wheels and aiso the drop sprocket, many riders this year are pedal- ing with a slight bend in the lower limbs. Every now and then the saddle should receive some attention. It often happens, that the wheel begins to squeak when in motion, and it ts the hardest thing imagin- able to locate the noise. In a majority of cases the trouble lies in the saddle. Ex- amine it and see ff any parts have worked loose. This is frequently the case, and when the loose parts are tightened the difficulty will have been overcome. Some- times there is friction in the saddle springs, and a drop of oil will prevent the annoying sound. If a rivet works loose the rider himself ought to be able to fix it. Rivets can be bought at any hardware store for about 5 cents a dozen, and it is eusy enough to place one in position. If the rider could only appreciate the value of a good saddle he would keep it in the best of order. So many by chance stumble on a good fit that’ they pay very little attention to the matter, but it is well for them and all others to remember that an easy and comfortable saddle should al- ways receive some attention. STOLEN WHEELS RECOVERED ‘THE EVENING STAR, SATURDAY; AUGUST 14, 1997-24 PAGES. Entry blanks for a race meet to be given at Petersburg, Va., August 21, by the Cock- ade City Cycle Club, may be-obtained at the office of the International Athletic Park, Room 36, 987 D street. seven events on the program, all for ama- teurs, with a fair prize lis! There are in ail ‘The members of the Capital Bi. Club have id upon to mourn the loss by death popular members of the 0. 207 Pennsylvania was not entirely unexpected, as a stroke of paralysis left him in an extremely His was a familiar fi ure at the club house, and, though looking like a person somewhere near forty-five or fifty years of age, he was fully twenty years older. He was one of the boys, and with the boys all the time, making a lively and congenial companion. He was also a member of the Analostan Boat Club, and belonged to several other organizations. The demise occurred at Garfield Hospital Monday, and the funeral was held Thurs- critical condition. SOME CYCLE CHAT The mext race meet, which will be hel@ September 6, is exciting considerable in- terest among the local clubs as to the ouf- ccme of the team race for the chi nvion- ship of the District. The distance will be one mile, and the teams will be limited to three men. So far there have been four clubs which have announced their int »n- tion of bemg represented in the con: »«t. They are the Washington Road Club. Ar- lington Wheelmen, Century Cycle Club and the Levant Wheelmen. Other clubs are ex- pected to be heard from before the date of the race, the entrance of the teams -— free. With four teams in the field there will be three races growing out of the championship—two trial heats, and a fina) between the winners of the heats, If more clubs enter the race it will be that much longer, but ali the more interesting. This is the first time a team race has been held on the local tracks for the championship ef the District. In fact, no race of the kind has been run o for @ year or so. Heretofore the club champion- ship has been fought out on the roads. These races for the club supremacy have always created considerable interest, from the time the fight was between the old Columbia Cycle Club and the Arlington Wheelmen, down to the latter club and «he Washington Road Club. The road cham- pionship now really belongs to the W. ington Road Club, which secured the honor through default, but the club refused to accept a championship without contest, day afternoon at 4:30 o'clock from the chap-| and at a meeting held last year decid el in Oak Hill cemetery. The club was rep-| that no club could claim the champion- resented by floral pieces, and also by many | ship without first competing for the honor. to find, in the long run, that he did not. Sometimes the imagination may only be checked by physical harm that is brought about, but then it is too late to do any gcod. The purpose of this article is to treat en- tirely of the comfortable side of cyciing in the minor details. It is to be supposed that the rider has an easy-running wheel, and it is enly intended to give a few helpful hints. Only the saddle will be touched upon, and it is to be hoped that the infor- n.ation given may prove of value in more than one case. A good saddle is something that can only be appreciated by those who have been rid- ing a bad one. It is a thing.of beauty, joy and pleasure as long as it lasts. The ap- Pearance is nothing, as compared with the cemfort it affords, though in looks the sad- die may not necessarily be disreputabl If one would only pay attention and notice tne various saddles ridden, it will be seen embrace a large field, of all kinds and s‘zes, of all shapes and pec il‘ar appear- embracing a large variety of manu- facture and all styles of construction. The woman's saddle is easily distinguishable from that of the man’s, on account of its short and squatty appearance, though there are many fair riders who still cling to the regulation man’s saddle. It_may be re- Marked that this is the first year in which the saddle for the different sexes has assumed a different shape, and next year the difference in construction may be even more marked. ~ In purchasing a wheel always make it a point with the dealer to exchange the sad- dle if not satisfactory. With most dealers this is urderstood, though with some it is not, and no change of saddle will be given Without extra cost. The manufacture of saddles has been brought down to an ana- tomical basis, and select one which you think is best suited for you. A heavily built person generally requires a broad saddle, while a slender person generally gets more satisfaction out of a narrow type of sad- dle. This rule is rather general, though there are exceptions. A medium-sized per- son, of course, has to use discretion in se- lecting a saddle. Do not imagine the sad- dle is no good after a trial of one day. That is not sufficient time. If a person is new to riding any kind of saddle will hurt and make the rider stiff, and oftentimes when an experienced rider remains off the wheel for a year or so and rides again for any distance he is apt to be troubled with saddle soreness. Whether to use a hard or soft saddle is @ puzzling question for some to answer. There are some makes of saddles placed on the market which are as hard as a board, wile, again, there are others al- most as soft as a feather hed. The cush- foned and the pneumatic saddle may be classed under the latter head. Then there are saddles sold with a spring saddle post, though in the prcduct of this year there are very few spring saddie posta used. ‘They are out of date. There was a time when they stood ir good use. That was during the day of the old solid tire ma- chine, which weighed anywhere from ve to fifty-six pounds, and perhaps The spring was made with an ob- nd it fulfilled its purpose well. With the solid tire there was nothing to take up or deaden the vibration of the machine. In crossing every little rut the rider would feel the strain on the wheel, and likewise the vibration, which tired and stiffened one much more than would be imagined. The spring saddle post was used to deaden this vibration, end it partly did, though never entirely. With the advent of the pneumatic tire the spring post began to wane. The large filled with air, were found to be suffi- cient to © up all vibration, though in the early history of the pneumatic it must be adm -d that the tires were much heay- ier, more clumsy and less resilient than those of the present day. The spring of the saddle was found to be useless, and the curved post was abandoned. The straight post, which is now in general use, was adopted, and the spring, which was corstructed in the saddle post, was made @ part of the saddle. In the opinion of the writer, the spring in the saddle is much hetter than a cushion or pneumatic pad- ding of the surface of the saddle. This virtualiy implies that the hard saddle is preferable to the soft one, though, of course, the selection of the saddle lies with the person most directly interested. Saddle soreness will come, no matter what make of saddle is used, if the rider remains seated for any length of time. Some persons get saddle sore after riding fifteen or twenty miies without a dismount, while others may ride several hundred miles without feeling the effect. The cause is most likely due to a failure of the blood to circulate as freely as it ordinarily should. From practical observation, it has been found that an experienced rider will get sore much soorer on a cushioned or padded saddle than upon a hard one. This fact has been demonstrated in a number of Jong distance races, and especially at the six-day events held in this city. When the rider is satisfied with the sad- dle, and finds that after a week's use it does not chafe, the only thing to be done fs to keep it in good repair. At least a week should be given for a thorough trial, as it takes that long and sometimes longer to fully break in a saddle. as it is termed. ‘A new saddle is made soft and pliable by use, and gradually works into shape to fit the rider, and it is this shaping process that causes more or less discontent with a saddle to the new rider. A saddle which appears to fit at the very beginning is apt to be worked into a shape that causes more or less trouble in future riding. Though it seems as though only a limited number of persons are aware of the fact, most saddles can be regulated whenever desired. The continual weight of the body is very apt to stretch the leather, and*after two or three morths’ hard riding the saddle will sag in the center. In a majority of eases the average rider does not appear to take any notice of this, and continues to ride. The result is that oftentimes the springs beneath begin to make an {m- pression through the leather, while the rbar back board is shown ‘by another impres- sion. The remedy is simple. Look beneath the saddle, and the rider will find that he can tighten the leather by either working @ screw or unloosing a nut, and throw the pommel out still further. This takes only @ shozt time, and many a rider will find comfort in using the saddle again. In regard to the position of the saddle. For general use it is best to have the sad- dle adjusted on a level; that is, have the rear end and the pommel or horn on the ame line. Though some riders prefer it, the writer does not recommend the raising of the pcmmel end of the saddle above a level of the rear end. It not only serves to chafe at certain seasons of the year, but the rider is apt to get hurt when mounting, or get caught in the saddle when dismount. jing. The scorcher and racing men seem to prefer the pommel end somewhat lower j than the rear end. This is thought to give } additional leverage in pushing the wheel, | Dracing the arms on the drop handle bars, and most likely it does. articles recovered are as follow: I SE A a Ee EE IE i aT TE Tn OS The police department has been une usually busy in looking after cases of stolen wheels, thefts uf which have been reported by the victims from time to time. The losses of bicycles have been more nu- merous this year than ever before. Ac- cording to the recent list, compiled by the police department for The Star, nearly thirty wheels and other sundries have been recovered during the fortnight. extending from July 24 te August 4. The bicycles and One Fleet Wing bicycle, No. ered and turned over to owner, C. Walling. One Searchlight lamp, recovered and turned over to owner, F. P. Davis. One Stearns tandem, recovered and turn- ed_over to W. D. Hadger. One Fowler bicycle, recovered and turned over to E. H. Shuster. One Searchlight lamp, recevered and turned over to H. J. Mock. One bicycle saddle, recovered and turned over to J. L. Smith. One Searchlight lamp, recovered and turned over to E. C. Robinson. One Psycho bicycle, recovered and held awaiting identification. One Searchlight lamp, recovered and held awaiting identification. One Crown bicycle, recovered and turned over to J. W. Goodwin. One Sparticus bicycle, recovered and turned over to W. D. Hadger. One Marvel bicycle, recovered and turned over to H. W. Higham, jr., & Co. One Senator bicycle, recovered and turn- ed over to W. D. Hadger. One Fowler bicycie, recovered and turned over to H. S. Gaither. One Searchlight lamp, recovered and turred over to W. E. Whitson. One bicycle saddle, recovered and await- ing identification. One Searchlight lamp, recovered and turned over to H. B. Culver. One bicycle saddle, recovered and await- ing identification. One Searchlight lamp, recovered and turned over to H. W. Edwards. One bicycle saddle, recovered and turned over to C. M. Smith. One Searchlight lamp, recovered and turned over to F. G. Mather. One bicycle saddle, recovered and turned over to C. S. Tainter. One bicycle saddle, recovered and await- ing identificaticn. One King of the Road lamp, recovered and turned over to R. B. Hayes. One Iroquois, recovered and turned over to J. M. Jefferies. Two Rambler _bicycl recovered and turned over to W. T. Robertson & Co. One Eclipse bicycle, recovered and turn- ed over to C. D. Shakleford. One bicycle, name unknown, recovered and held awaiting identification. THE COMING CIRCUIT MEET The entry blanks for the national cir- cult races, which will be held in this city, Friday afternoon, September 24, made their appearance during the week. A number ! of advance entry blanks were printed and Gistributed at Philadelphia during <he league meet, with very satisfactory results, several of the crack riders announcing their intention of visiting the city for the races. There are in all seven events on the program, four amateur and three profes- sional races. The most noticeable thing is the absence of a novice race. This race is regarded as very unhandy for a big race meet, and causes more trouble than all the other events combined. Then, again, he novice race is more apt to be marked by a spill, something that jars the nerves of the spectators. The total value of the prize list is $865. Of this sum $265 represents the amateur prizes, while the three professional events represent $600 in cash prizes. The largest purse {s in the two-mile handicap, in which $240 is given in fine prizes. All of the pro- fessional everts have $100 firsts. The one- mile open has a purse equaling $185, and the two-thirds of a mile open, a purse of 175. i In the amateur events the largest purse is the five-mile handicap, in which five prizes, worth $85, are offered. In the other amateur races the prizes for each aggregate $60 in value. The entries to the handicap races close September 18, while for the open events the entries will be received until the day of the race. The entrance fee is $2 for the first race, and $1 for each additional race for professionals; and $1 for the first and fifty cents for each additional amateur event. In the one-mile tandem race, ama- teur, the event will be declared off unless three or more teams are to start. This is done to insure a good race. No entry blank will be received unless properly filled out or accompanied by the full fee. Manager Gettinger has already received the entry of Cooper and Bald, while Kiser, Loughead and the other cracks will be Last Sunday proved to be rather uncer- tain Tor cycling. Though private conjecture as to the weather and the forecasts of the Weather bureau placed the conditions as fair, they were far from being that in the minds of a number of riders. The rain which came up shortly after 10 o'clock, and continued until about 2 o'clock, practically spoiled the sport of many riders who re- mained in the vicinity of Washington. The rain belt was not very great, however, and those who took longer runs managed to keep out of the wet, only to learn of the visit of the storm when the muddy roads in the vicinity of the city were reached. The predictions for tomorrow are for dry That means road rid- ing will not be near as pleasant as it might be. The probabilities are, however, that the heat will only extend through the mid- day hours, leaving pleasant riding for the morning and evening. The league meet is over, and the local bi- cyclists who went over to Philadelphia have returned. Things have resumed their normal condition, and there is nothing on the schedule for the near future. ‘The next race meet is still several weeks off, the Gate being placed at September 6, which will be Labor day. The event promises to bring out all of the local racers and some outside men, series of fall races. The season has nearly rolled around, and In short order watermeton runs will be in These trips planned by the cyclists are enjoyed as only cyclists know how to It is rather early melon runs to be started, but it is quite likely that within the next fortnight there will be one or two on the schedule. Hardly will the melon season have passed when the oyster roast will come in its regular turn, and the roasts will be succeeded by the smokers, which will extend through the and sultry weather. enjoy things. Century Cycle Clab. The Century Cycle Club boys will make a century trip to and from Frederick tomor- row, leaving the headquarters at 142) New York avenue at 5 a.m. While the run is not an official century, Capt. Byrnes de- sires to see a large turnout, and a coriltal {s extended to all other club members and unattached wheelmen to join Last Sunday Capt. Byrnes, with Messrs. O'Connor, Barnhartt, Dodd, Noordzy, Mc- Anally and West, took a trip over to Bal- Byrnes remained in Balti- with President b J. Reed, while Lieut. O'Connor brought the balance of the club members home via the cinder path. cinder path was found to be in a very bad state, owing to the rain which fell over a greater portion of the distance Saturday timore. Capt. more until night, Messrs. Coons and Reed rode over to Bal- timore last Saturday evening before the rain, leaving the city at 9 o'clock. They their century by going to Cooksville and back before the others ar- rived, whom they met at the Eutaw House. O'Connor, Weesner and Byrnes have been named as the handicapping committee for coming club Weesner will no doubt go back on scratch, with such fast men as Dick Posey and Barnhartt, even if he is one of the handi- Secretary Frank Hourigan has returned from his trip north, and reports that he did plenty of riding oter the excellent roads around Oswego and Syracuse. Lee West tackled his first century last roads, he claims, knocked him out. The club members say it was not the roads, powers which ceused this. Harry W. Gore, one of the popular club members, recently rode from 15th and H streets northeast to Hyattsville in twelve minutes and ten seconds, using President Coon’s racer geared to 88. The distance is four and five-eighth miles, and it will take some hustling to lower the record. Levant Wheelmen. The annual run of the Levant Wheel- on the lower Potomac, and the trip promises The riders will Sunday, and lack of staying men to Colton's, commences today, to be of unusval interest. go out in two divisions, but both will unite and reach the resort in one solid body, making as good a showing as The first division left the city at 1:30 thi afternoon, from the clubhouse, 641 Penn. sylvania avenue southeast. inson was in command, reach Mechanic: Capt. Hutch- and expects to le before nightfall. second division will leave the clubhouse at 5:30 in the afternoon, and is scheduled to reach Charlotte Hall by 9 p.m. After a night's rest, they will push on and join heard from. The events and prizes are as follows: One-mile open, invitation (amateur) — Three prizes valued at $35, $15 and $10. Five-mile handicap (amateur)—Five prizes valued at $35, $20, $15, $10 and $5. Two-third mile handicap (amateur) — Three prizes valued at $35, $15 and $10. One-mile tandem (amateur)—Two prizes valued at $20 to each man of first team, $10 to each man of second team. One-mile open (professional)—Cash, first, $100: second, $50; third, $25; fourth, $10. Two-mile handicap (professional)—Cash, first, $100; second, $60; third, $40; fourth, $25; fifth, $15. Two-third mile, open (professional)—Cash, first, $100; second, $50; third, $25. the first division, which will await their ar- Jeaving Mechanicsville. All hands will take breakfast, and then the ride will be continued to Colton’s without The club quartet will aceompany the first division, entertaining the natives en_route with some of their popular songs. Capt. Hutchinson has picked the twelve men who will constitute the club team to ride in the L. A. W. century to Frederick, September 12. Charles Montgomery, spending a pleasant two weeks’ vacation May and Atlantic City, has re- rival before There !s a match race of one mile on hand between Capt. Ed. Hutchinson and Lee Herrell on a tandem, and Horace Fryer, on a single wheel. According to the rangement, the tandem is to beat the single by a quarter of a mile. This- race is the outcome of a little scorch last Sun- day morning, and the result will be await- ed with considerable interest by the mem- Capital Bi. Club. Last Saturday a second touring party left the clubhouse for a trip of one week through the Shenandoah valley. The party was made up of a number of the club members, among whom were Dr. J. Bart Hills, McCoy and Boteler. A fine trip through the valley was mapped out, cover- ing several hundred miles, taking in the best views, and at the same time giving from the Anglers’ clubhouse into the city was a great relief. Very little has been heard of the At- lanta riders. The latest information was received early in the week from Briatol, Tenn., in the shape of several newspaper clippings, the tenor of which seemed to indicate that the people along the line of the ride regarded the cyclists as heroes. They were given a good reception. Rain was reported as having made some of the roads almost impassable, which will delay the ride somewhat. The newest informa- tion received indicates that the plan is to take a ‘steamer for New York upon ar- rival at Atlanta, and ride home from New York on the wheels, : Miles Cycle Infantry. The Miles Cycle Infantry, instead of tak- ing a practice march last Saturday, em- ployed the time in drilling, it being the first drjli of the warm weather. While not definitely decided upon, it is quite likely that a practice march will be made this evening to Fort Russey, near Brightwood, and the time employed in signaling. Lieut. R. D. Weaver, who was in com- mand of the company, left for New York city on a business trip. During his ab- sence Lieut. T. R J. Campbell will be in command. The company has been stirred up consid- erably over a court-martial which was held last week. Eight members were hauled be- fcre the court to answer to charges of be- ing absent from practice marches and drills. Capt. Tomlinson of Company A was the court, aud his decision in the cases has not as yet been promulgated. ‘The de- cision is awaited with more or less anxtety. Washington Road Club. Affairs in the Washington Road Club are extremely quiet just.at present. Very lit- tle is being’ doae, and very few members can be found at the club house. This con- dition will ptobably continue until cooler weather arrives. The acting captain, Rudolph Jose, is away on his vacation.. He attended the league meet at Philadelphia, and has now gone for a short rest. No run has been cailed for tomorrow. : The handsome’ McDonald trophy, won by the club tea’n recently at Frederick, is now on exhibitio'at the Gormully & Jeffery <bramch house, 3125 14th street. William Jose, the popular club member, returned to the city early in the week from Philadelpha. Eastern Athletic Club, The annual excurson of the club will be held August 19, and will be to River View. The members expect to make it the best ever held. Among the attractions at the river resort will be a match game of ball between the club team and a team rep- resenting Congress Heights. Howard Rhine is scheduled to give an exhibition of trick and fancy riding in the evening, on an up- right machine, while the Old Dominion Club will participate in a cake walk. The run of the club last Sunday was scheduled for River View, leaving the club house, 423 8th street southeast, at 10 o'clock in the forenoon. The threatening weather kept a good many riders away. The Women’s Cycling Club. The Women’s Cycling Club was organ- ized during the week. For some time past there has been more or less agitation to- ward crganizing such a club, and the agi- tation culminated in a preliminary meeting which was held Tuesday evening. The meeting resulted in the formation of a per- manent organization, and officers were elected to serve for the ensuing year. The objects of the club were written down to promote cycling and the diffusion of knowl- edge pertaining to cycling. The club also arranged for a five-minute symposium at each meeting, every member to be heard on some topic pertaining to cycling. After ths organization had settled down to business the president carried out the regular order, and called upon each mem- ber to say something. It being the first meeting, there were very few who allow- ed the opportunity to go by, though most of the members were inclined to make uggections regarding the management and Welfare of the young organization. B—, a charming young lady, favor “of boycotting the men. They were too mean to be permitted to come into their organization, and now that the girls had one of their own, they should not Jet @ man _in under any circumstances. The speaker was willing to go even furth- er, and suggested the passage of resolu- tions prohibiting any males from attending any of the runs of the club. She placed her suggestion in the form of a motion, which was seconded: by another young lady with an aquiline nose, who sat over in one cor- ner of the room. The motion met with an outburst of dis- approval. ““We want the men,” said Mrs. C—, dashing widow, “because they are useful adjuncts to have along on any trip. You can make them do almost. anything you Want, and it ts convenient to have them of- fer you soda water and ice cream. They're ® great convenience, and I am in favor of letting them ‘accompany us.” “I want thd’then, also,” safd a young lady of seventeen, whose ie (Miss C—) made her quite a favorite with a number of young men, on accot i of hef. prospects in a finan- cial way. 'y-afford protection and keep highwaymen away.” ,, These ovin{s Seemed to meet with the approval of ajority of the members of the club, and the motion was voted down by @ 30 to 2 majority. | Did you sze Mins X=— out on the Conduit road last Sanhey, mgrning?’ asked Miss H—. a young lady of about twenty, wno is Gn expert and enfbuslastic rider. “I de- clare, she lodked too. horrible for anything the way she was dressed.” ‘Awfully horrible,” echoed two or three young ladies. who wéfe with Miss H— at the time. . ila “How was ‘she 7” inquired if the members sa = ea ee “Too conspicuous anything,” replied the young lady, excitedly. “Oh! she was dreadful. And the men just stood still and aoe at her. em in the least. She looked brazen, really she did, and I felt disgusted at such an ex- hibition.” “What did she have on?” interrupted rey- eral of the women who: were getting deeply |. interested in the matter. “Really, 1f my life depe on tT THE CHAINLESS BICYCLE By many it is predicted that the bicycle of the future will be a radical departure from the wheel of today. As near perfect as the wheel of today may be, it is not so perfect that improvements cannot be made in it. This has been the invariable rule of mechanics, and the bicycle prove an exception. Stimulated by the de- mend of the public for something better, the manufacturers will endeavor to put an article on the market to meet the popular taste. As It seems at present, there is no need for any improvement, yet there are are demanding something unique and novel in the line of bicycle con- struction, and the manufacturers find {t a lvcrative investment to gratify the whims of this class, The diamond frame has been recognized as the strongest combination that could be made fog bicycle construction. It nas stood the test well, but now the demand is for Accordingly, the tri- apgle or pyramid, frame wheel has made It may be several years ahead of its day, as popular fancy has not taken te that style of construction as yet. This is cnly one of the most prominent de- partuies from the present style of bicycle There are innumerable designs en the market, but they are either lacking in some qualities, or else do not equal yle in weight. and are therefore objectionable to riders. No cyclist is gomg back to a thirty-pound whee) after having pushed a twenty-pound or pound wheel for several years. be a foolish move, indeed. Within the past three or four years there have been no improvements in the general design of the bicycle. that have been made are mostly in the line though in this direction some wonderful strides have been made. number of changes in this direction are too many to mention here. The weight of the wheel has been reduced to a point un- dreamed of four or five years ago, until fectly white costume for road riding. had on a white shirt front with a high standing collar and white bow. Then she had on a white jacket. Her skirt was abso- lutely out of place. white sateen, I think, and there were a whole lot of frills on it near the bottom. It only reached just below the knee, and she wore white silk stockings, with that open-work design. She just wanted to show It was short and similar ejaculations were heard ali around and on top of all that, Miss H—, in the same breath, white slippers, with a very high heel. not only that—she wore a white Leghorn with big white feathers in it. had a new wheel, too, and she wanted to show off everything.” Even the young lady who made the mo- tion to exclude men from the club became an interested spectator, and she added her opinions to the chorus which swept cver the Glub members. “I think she might have shown a little said Mrs. C—, the dasniag “If there is anything that is dis- gusting to look upon it is a woman who dresses so outlandishly while on a bicycle. They ought to have better sense.” Her remarks caused a good many meri- bers to smile, as it was a well-known fact that her ideas of dressing for cycling were away ahead of all of the other members of many who something different. its appearance. better taste, iss X—— was thinking about joining tee tice 7% the club,” interposed Miss pretty young lady, whose age had passed “She asked me to hand “Indeed, if she was a member of this club I would resign immediately,” Mrs. M—,, the only married member of the organization. ‘P—, a rather the twentieth mark. in her application. The improvements echoed several other mem- don’t see why you should object “Her father has plenty of money, and she is not at all bad-looking. She 1s lively and full of fun, and kuow: ary number of young men. “That's the very reason why I object,” said Miss C—, in a rather jealous tone. “She rides a High Kite wheel, trimmings on the handle bars. cost about $150, and I know she paid for it herself,” continued Miss P—, not to be downed by what the others said. know she Is a good rider, and her wheel is sisted Miss P—. exclaimed a number, “190 gear?” an 9) gear,” ‘How foolish it was of me replied the young lady. to make such a mistake.” Wy, Fonly ride a 63 gear,” replied Mis# * exclaimed the widow. The Friction Cha! B—, in a rather contemptuous tone. I do not find any trouble in pusning that,” “Next year I will ride a 78 or today the factor of safety is the smallest known in mechanical construction. The tires have been wonderfully improved upon, and the matter of repair brought into the bands of ail riders. The tread has heen brought down to a scientific basis. The bearings have been made as near perfect as is possible, though it is admitted by all bicycle experts there is plenty of room for improvement yet. The bearings have also been made as near dust proof as possible, while arrangements for the chain adjustment have been pat- ented by a number of people. and sprockets have been brought down to a scientific basis also, and other smaller details have been loo! ter, all tending to produce the bicycle of today. If one make of wheel had all the improvements on it we would have a model bicycle, but as it is the improvements are scattered over a number of different makes and as a result no particular wheel is per- The attention of the club was now turned to matters of gear, and the subject of Miss X— was left untouched. Miss P—, seeing the trend of the conversation, deemed it unwise to make any further comment on the subject and permitted the matter to D. hh! E never told you about the nice young man I met out on the Anacosti the other day, did I?” inquired Miss H—, in enraptured tones. Of course no one had, and lady proceeded to tell her story. “He was just too nice for anything,” continued she, in a gushing tone. know I went out the ather afternoon by myself for a ride over the Anacostia road. Between the Anacostia and Pennsylvania avenue bridges I ran over a horrid stone and it punctured my tire. you know,” said she in bland tones, ‘ay of a side remark. ‘I didn’t know what to do, and as I stood there looking at the wheel, the sweetest young man imaginable came along. saw the trouble at a glance, and the dear boy tipped his golf cap so aicely and in- quired, ‘Can I be of any service to you, Of course he could, the dear creat- ure, and I told him the trouble, though he could see without me telling him. And I told him that I thought I would have to walk into Washington, such a long dis- tance, as none of the railroads would take the bicycle. “You may be sure I was glad to find cut that he rode the same make of tire as I did, and that he had the repair kit with him, though he stated it was only by acci- dent that he had it, He looked up and smiled at me so sweetly that I felt ‘ike hugging and kissing him to jeath, he was so charming. The puncture went through both sides, of the inner tube, and he put a very short time. When he fixed up the tire and told me it was all right I was sorry; he did it entirely too quickly. I thanked him as nice as I knew how, and he smiled, showing a beau- tiful set of teeth. He asked me my name, but, of course, you know I didn’t give it, though if he had insisted I certainly would have told him. The dear boy was too sweet for anything, and I do hope that I He had such pleas- id was dressed so nicely, The cranks innumerable I ride a double fect. The latest trend for improvement is in the matter of the chain. The idea in view is to abolish the chain. Two years or per- haps three years ago a chainless wheel made its appearance on the market, but it on two patches in did not meet with popular approval. chainless consisted of two cog wheels, con- nected by a rod, whick took the place of the chain. It remained one season, but did not give perfectly satisfactory results, and as a result has not been seen in this city for some time. The movement for a chain- less bicycle is now stronger than ever, and many predict that the chainless wheel will be the bicycle of the future. This may be It is understood that one of the largest bicycle manufacturing concerns on the market is making arrangements to turn out a chainless wheel for next season. If such a wheel does make its appearance the chances are that the price of bicycles will revert to nearly their original price, and the general public’pay for the novelty in construction. The first year or so of the chairless bicycle, if it does appear, will be more in the nature of an experiment will meet him agai ant manners a! “What a charming young man,” chorused mbers. ‘I do declare,” exclaimed Mrs. M—, who yawning during Miss H-—’ 11 o’clcck, and I promised my husband, when I left the baby in his care, that I would return home by 10 o'clock.” The other memters of the club thought it was late, too, a motion was made and carried to that Rialto Cycle Club. The Rialto Cycle Club took a pleasant rum Wednesday evening to Cabin John bridge, starting from the residence of Miss Frech, 1424 Rhode Island avenue, o'clock. There were fifteen members who went out on the run, and dancing was en- jJoyed in the new pavilion at the bridge. The club gave a very pleasant trolley party last evening, going to Chevy Chase. A good crowd attended, and a very pleas- -ant evening was spent! The next run of the The illustrations show two new designs of chainiess bicycles. One is propulsion by means of a cog arrangement, and the other it. club will be to Con- , starting from the residence This is the status of affairs at present, and the coming race will make things all the more exciting and interesting. The Quill Club Wheelmen, who hold a@ two days’ circuit meet September 4 and Manhattan Beach Track, N. Y. have offered the largest purse or known for a single race. The club has put up a purse of ©) for a two-mile professional handicap race, the trials of which will be run on the first day of the me and the semi-finals and finals the second 4 Al- together the club offers $2,400 in prizes, the largest sum that has been given at a race meet this season. To give the $2.00 handi- cap it was necessary to get special per- mission from the chairman of the racing board, ‘al conditions will govern the ra the sec a the fourth $50. The entrance fee is $10. The balance of the big purse, $000, is to be distributed in the trials and semi-finals, The nners of the trial heats will not re- ceive less than $25, while the winners of the semi-finals will get nothing less than $0. A special prize of $50 will be given to the scratch rider who wins a heat in bet- ter than the existing two-mile handicap rd on te date of the race. After the close of the first day's races the men w be rehandicapped for the finals, so as to m.ake the sport more close and exciting on the second day of the race. The entries to the race close August 21, and already a number of cracks have entered. Several fo 's will come over and enter in bopes of carrying away some of the cash. ‘The other events of the meet consist of five amateur races and three professionals. On the first day the amateur races will consist of a one-mile values guaranteed of $35, mile handicap, with prize value: so and $19; team pursuit race between greater New York and New Jersey, teams to be selected, for special prizes. On the second Gay the amateur events will consist of a rter-mile dash, with prize values one-mile handicap, with prize values of $35, $20 and $10, mile metropolitan championship, t ican Wheelman $20) trophy, to the club whose representative finishes first, and gcld, silver and bronze medals, value $35, $20 and $10, to the first three men. The trophy has been won twice by Walter C. Rcome, New Jersey Athletic Clul and must be won three times to become the property of the club. To be eligible for this race, riders must reside within fifty miles of New York city hall. The profes- sional events for Saturday alone include the big handicap trial heats and third mile di with cash prizes of $100, $5), and $10. For Monday, the second day, there will be a one-mile handicap, with purses of $150, $100, $50 and $25. half. handicap, with cash prizes of & > and $10. The finals of the big handicap will then be run. Manager William Gettinger, who has charge of the coming circuit meet in this city, for September 24, went over to Phila- delptia last week to secure the attendance of some of the crack riders for the occa- sicn. Tom Cooper filled out an entry blank while Bald, Kiser and a number of the other cracks announced the attending the races. Side A. W. Sutermeister and Jobn G. Lor Tiffin, Ohio, are the inventors of a th tire and saddle made entirely from sork, To test the qualities of this latest product rg rvngge — they will ride from Tif- a 10, to Nashville, Tenn., er cl Wantinbten, Shee ‘em then back to p of le Rolla C. Carpenter, the professor of ex- Perimental enginecring at Cornell Uni sity, whose knowledge as a mechani: pert is well known, and who can be ed &s trustworthy, makes the sta that no better power conveyer ¢. found than the chain which is to: use on the bicycle. This is interesting, ¢s- pecially in view of the fact that indica‘ions point toward the introduction of a chain- less wheel for next season. Prof. Cur- penter, in a communication to a newspayy in the town wherein the university is jo- cated, makes the following statements “Our investigations are not entirely ¢om: pleted at the present time, but it seems safe to announce that all of the tests indi- cate that no form of gearing can possibly equal the best chain for efficiency and du- rability. Some of the results of the test may be interesting, and it may be brictly stated that the friction with the best chain varied from one-half to three-quarters of 1 per cent, and this result was not only ob- tained with a new chain, but was also ob- tained with a chain which had been in use on a wheel that had been ridden for more than 2,000 miles by a rider weighing nea ly 200 pounds. This would si ¢ to show that high-grade chains can be and are made which do not change their form by wear an amount sufficient to aff the friction. Tests were made on a large num- ber of other chains, and the friction was found to vary from 2 to 5 per cent, depend- ing upon the condition of the chain, its method of construction and details of 4 sign. The highest friction we have fou even in the case of an old chain which did not fit the sprocket properly, did not ex- ceed 10 per cent, although I am willing to concede that a considerably higher friciion might in some instances be found. “Regarding the use of gears, extensive investigations have been made from time to time which show the amount of power lost in friction. The very best recorded rm sults with spur gearing are very nearly equal to those obtained with the ordinary chain when the gearing is in the best con- dition and working accurately in line and position. The best kind of bevel or spiral gears, a form which must be used in bi- cycle work, show about three times the friction of the spur gears, and since two pairs must be used on each Bicycle, bout four times as much friction as the ordinary chain will be developed and six to eight times the friction of the very best chains. “There is another serious objection to the use of gears, arising from the fact that the ceding discussion. This indicates that the gearing is essentially unfitted for a frame which must from the very nature of its use possess great elasticity and flexibility. “The chainiess wheel also developed one extremely bad feature, and as this is in- [ The location of the saddle is enother thing that should be considered. In buying @ wheel it is best to get a T-shaped sadcle instead of an L-shaped o: t ) post | former directly t ' | ih d i ‘ aL > 0 ed aealities “URGED alia ua ot eit a a ec et a re i oe cee ee ee eee ee ear ec ee ee acer eee ee cee ee tec ee eee ee eee eee eee aan arancamn aap at tmeptamasanmaeceaes over the pedals, which is claimed to be the ited - con- Jail. [oe tbe nage Treg Id bring oyiaws govern = sadiio ce oe a bers, hen the 1 : a <2 a laced’ on ‘the wit : — of the post, giving more satis- entirely in white, Pgs in of 1 A per- a het unit the frat