There is but little information that can be given to an intending bicycler except to recommend him not to buy a machine till he has been at the school long enough to know the good and bad points of every bicycle in the market.
The prices of bicycles range from $80 to $100, according to size of wheel; the smallest being 42 inches in diameter, the largest 60 inches. The best way to get enjoyment out of the sport is to form a club of congenial spirits who will ride together. A single bicyclist is apt to attract too much attention in country places, and would often be insulted, where two or three together would meet with a hearty welcome. Moreover, company is elevating to the spirits.
For the use of bicycle clubs we subjoin the model rules of the San Francisco club, which can hardly be excelled for completeness and care. They are printed on strips of cardboard, and carried by each member of a club for reference, till he is perfectly familiar with them.
BICYCLING RULES.
Section 1.—The time named for a club excursion is the exact time of the start, which will in all cases be punctually observed. Members are therefore urgently requested to be at the spot named at least ten minutes before, that they may arrange themselves in order for the start and receive the instructions of the leader as regards signals, and any other directions that may be necessary.
Sec. 2.—At the sound of "Fall in," the members will arrange themselves side by side upon the right of the road, with bicycle facing inward, leaving a space of at least eight feet between each man. At the sound of "Mount," the machines will be turned in the direction of the proposed run, and the company will mount, beginning at the front, each man before he starts, being careful to see that the rider immediately in front of him has safely reached the saddle, and proceeded at least two revolutions.
Sec. 3.—As a general rule the company should ride two abreast; but in towns and villages; in meeting and passing vehicles (unless the road is broad); in riding up and down hills, and where the road is bad and requires picking, single file should be taken, the right-hand man always quickening, and the left-hand man dropping in behind him.
Sec. 4.—When in single-file, an interval of at least four bicycle lengths should be kept between each rider, and in double-file, eight lengths between each pair. In approaching a hill, whether up or down, the leading files should quicken and the rear files slacken, so as to allow of the company extending out to double distance, and on reaching the level they should slacken and quicken respectively, until the original interval is attained.
Sec. 5.—Dismounting should always be commenced from the rear, each man passing the word forward as he reaches the ground.