ADVICE TO THE BEGINNER.
To those who have never seen the two-wheeled velocipede in use, it seems surprising that the rider can keep his equilibrium. The principle of the thing is the same as that of the movement of a boy’s hoop. As long as the hoop revolves rapidly, its tendency to any lateral movement is almost suspended, and the greater the speed the less the difficulty in maintaining the upright position.
At first sight one supposes it to be a formidable undertaking to mount and steer the bicycle. To learn to manage it, however, requires no more skill, courage, or patience, than to learn the art of skating; and when the art is once acquired, it provides a means of locomotion and a source of enjoyment as much more available than skating, as the number of days in the year is greater than the few bright mornings when one can find a smooth, glassy, and well-frozen skating ground.
“Velocipedestrianism” is fully the equal of skating and horseback riding, in its invigorating and exhilarating effects. The velocipede bears young and old, light and heavy, easily and pleasantly and with equal facility.
In learning the velocipede, it is advisable to use a machine of only moderate height, so that the soles of the feet can readily touch the ground. At the best school we know, where the pupils graduate experts, six different sizes of machines are used. The beginner is put upon one with a guiding wheel of a diameter of only thirty-four inches, and is promoted from one to another, according to progress.
At first start, run beside the iron horse, leading it by the hand, so as to familiarize yourself with its movements, and to master well in your mind the idea of the fore wheel, upon which all depends. This will be an affair of but a few moments only. You will very readily perceive that it will be impossible to balance upon the machine, while it is standing still. You will also see that, without practice, it will be an impossibility to mount the iron horse, and balance yourself upon the seat, while it is in motion. Both these facts lead you to perceive that motion is the first requisite. To get that, and at the same time maintain equilibrium, you must first use your feet on the floor or ground as a means of progression, learning, as you move, to balance yourself by the motion of the guide wheel, to the right or left, whichever way you may lean.
If out-of-doors, it is as well to practice on a slope; and after mounting, let the machine move forward of its own accord, while you occupy yourself studying the effect produced by the inclination which you give to the balancing pole or handle. After you have practiced enough to admit of your going some little way without touching your feet, learn to go the same distance with your legs raised, so as to bring the centre of gravity higher from the base. When you have overcome this difficulty and thoroughly understand the action of the balancing pole, place one foot on the pedal, and follow its movements, without assisting them. Then try the other foot, and accustom yourself to the movement of turning the wheels with your feet. Next, put both feet upon the pedals, and work them alternately with scrupulous regularity. Speed is attained by simply accelerating this movement. You will be surprised to find that you can, all at once, ride your velocipede. After a couple of hours of proper practice, you will be able to accomplish a distance of thirty or forty yards, without running the risk of an upset.
In learning, be careful to keep the shoulders straight and the head back. An erect position upon the bicycle is as necessary for grace and ease, as upon the horse. Avoid looking at the wheels, but accustom yourself to look ahead.
Confidence in your own ability is required, without rashness. If you practice in a public hall, pay no attention to the laughter of spectators, and avoid self-consciousness. If you feel that no one was ever so clumsy before, the feeling itself will be sure to increase your awkwardness. Remember that all good riders have necessarily been through the same experience. It is no disgrace to upset your vehicle. Molière says: “On peut être honnête homme et faire mal des vers.”
Take things as easy as possible. The greatest difficulty with beginners is to restrain the unnecessary expenditure of muscular power. They ordinarily perform ten times the amount of labor requisite. They use all the force they can, in pressing upon the pedals, and clasp the handle in front, as if hanging on for dear life. Do not strain the muscles of the arms. There is no necessity for it, or for any violent muscular effort. A good rider can obtain the greatest speed upon the road with half the exertion used by the novice in learning the first movements.