This Department is conducted in the interest of Bicyclers, and the Editor will be pleased to answer any question on the subject. Our maps and tours contain much valuable data kindly supplied from the official maps and road-books of the League of American Wheelmen. Recognizing the value of the work being done by the L. A. W., the Editor will be pleased to furnish subscribers with membership blanks and information so far as possible.
Copyright, 1896, by Harper & Brothers.
Leaving Powers' Hotel at Rochester, proceed westward across the bridge over asphalt pavement, and taking the turn to the right at the fork of the road cross two railroads. After crossing the second, or rather on crossing the second, turn to the right, and keeping then to the left, pass through the toll-gate and follow the turnpike to Gates Centre. The route from Gates Centre, past Coldwater, to North Chili, and thence to Churchville is direct and unmistakable. Churchville is fifteen miles from Rochester, and the road is a good one most of the way. If you stop at the Cottage Hotel you will find good rooms and excellent meals served at sixty cents.
For an experienced rider it may be safe enough to take the cinder path from Churchville between the two tracks of the railway, and ride thence to Bergen, three miles further on, since of these three miles two miles on the road are practically unrideable on account of the sand; but for any one who is not an experienced rider—and, to be honest, for any one at all—to do this is a great risk, and you are advised, therefore, to walk or ride in a wagon these two miles of sand. From Bergen a turn should be made to the right, the track crossed about a mile out from town, and a direct run made to Byron through West Bergen. Thence proceed due west, following the track for about a mile, where a sharp turn to the left is made, and this road is held until Batavia is reached, ten miles further on. The road, as will be seen upon the map, is somewhat irregular, but is very easy to follow. The road itself is in good condition, though it is somewhat uphill as you run in towards Batavia.
It is possible to take the fair bicycle route marked on the map, running direct from Bergen to Batavia, to the south of West Bergen and South Byron; but, everything considered, it is better to follow the best route. This stage of the journey to Buffalo—from Rochester to Batavia—is one of the most difficult, as much of the road is sandy and, at best, aggravating riding. A good deal of care should be taken of the wheel during this run. In the first place, sand roads often give the rider a throw which wrenches his bicycle; and in the second place, the sand itself is apt to get into the bearings of the wheel, and if considerable care is not taken in cleaning it at night evil results may develop.
Phil May, of Punch, seldom lets slip a chance to play a practical joke. Not long ago he needed a policeman for a model. He went out into the street and accosted the first one he met, saying who he was and what he wanted. "Come to my house at noon to-morrow," said Phil May, and he gave the man his address. Then he walked on a couple of blocks further until he met another bobby. This one was also willing to pose, and he was likewise told to apply at noon of the following day. The artist wandered about London for several hours making appointments with policemen. The next day at noon there was an entire platoon of police in front of Phil May's residence. A crowd collected, and the reason for such an array was freely discussed. Some asserted that a den of anarchists had been discovered and was about to be raided; others insisted that a swell gambling-place was about to be seized; others hinted at a murder or at some other mystery. A few minutes after twelve o'clock Phil May came to the door and invited all the policemen into his garden. There he lined them up and inspected them. He picked out the man most suitable for his purposes, then handed to each of the others an envelope containing the regulation fee for a sitting, and dismissed them.