The question of costume is an important one also. Every bicyclist, especially men, should remember that, starting with a perfectly clean suit of clothing, after an hour's ride, no matter how expensive and perfect the costume may have been at the start, he is in no condition to go among other people to any extent. A bicyclist, therefore, should never attempt, especially in the city, to go into the main dining-room of a hotel in bicycle costume. An ordinary bicycle or golf suit—that is, a suit precisely like an ordinary business suit except for knickers and long stockings—may be suitable enough before one goes out bicycling for the day, but even at its best a sweater has no place in the parlor or the dining-room. Except at a regular bicycle resort, a small country inn where there are few people, or some athletic club, the bicyclist should change his costume before dining, or, in fact, entering the parlor or dining-room of any public-house.
Most of the railroads in the United States now have certain regulations regarding the carrying of bicycles. Where a certain fee is charged the bicyclist has nothing to do except to hand his wheel in to the baggage-master on the train, and to take it again when the train stops at the station where he wishes to leave it. Where no charge is made by the railroad, it is only fair and right to give the baggage-master ten cents or so for his trouble, and to be of whatever assistance to him that you can in handing in the bicycle and taking it from him. This of course applies to bicycles that are not crated.
When a machine is crated it comes under the rules of ordinary parcels, and requires no more attention than any other parcel. The average wheelman who has been riding some distance on his wheel belongs in the smoking-car. When men and women riding together enter a train they of course go into the regular cars, but they should carry themselves as they would if they were travelling like other passengers—and, strange as it may seem, that is not always the case.
A History and an Inspiration.
Here is the story of a Round Table Chapter that served well the reason for its existence. It is now "a thing of the past," as the secretary records, but it is past only in the fact that it no longer meets. Its memories and its benefits live after it, and will long continue to do so.
Dear Friends,—Of course the Knights and Ladies of our Order are interested in the various Chapters which have been formed, and the items of news from them are often very good morsels. The Lancelot Chapter, of Newtonville, Mass., No. 572, has never had very much to say to the public, but in a quiet way it has prospered. But now the Lancelot Chapter is a thing of the past. It was composed of nine girls, who for several years were to be separated. Most of them had just graduated from high-school and were going to begin a life-work, and for various reasons it seemed advisable to dissolve our Chapter.
But on such a sad occasion we did our best to enjoy ourselves and make our last meeting a memorable one. Perhaps the account of our meeting may suggest a pleasant evening for the other Chapters. Each member was given a part, and we allowed plenty of time for preparation. The Chapter invited all of its former members, and also its honorary members, and one evening in July we assembled at our secretary's home. The first thing on the programme was a welcome from one of the girls, our treasurer. Our president read the club prophecy, our secretary read the club history, and the club statistics, poem, and oration were given by three other girls. Our musical member took charge of the music, which was introduced between the papers. The club song, in which we all joined, was written by our president, and sung to the tune of "Auld Lang Syne."
Refreshments, consisting of ice-cream, and cake, made by the girls, were served in the dining-room. Our editor was toast-mistress, and she called upon each member to respond to a toast. We drank to the Round Table, to Good Will Farm, to the Lancelot Chapter, its officers and honorary members, and to our guests. The meeting was considered a grand success. The papers read were original and full of wit and humor. The cake and cream were delicious, and the Lancelot Chapter passed out of existence amid the roar of the elements, for a thunder-storm raged out-doors, and amid the laughter and jollity which prevailed in-doors.
The Chapter is dissolved, but the friendships fostered and cherished in its circle will never dissolve. The girls have learned to know each other better, and have become broader by contact. One and all we say we are glad we have been a club. Now, though we are separated, we still try to live up to our motto:
"Do all the good you can; by all the means you can; in all the ways you can; in all the places you can; at all the times you can; to all the people you can; just as long as you can."—John Wesley.
Wishing success to all our friends in other Chapters, we sign ourselves for the last time,
The Lancelot Chapter, K.L.O.R.T.
Marion Drew Bassett, Secretary, R.T.F.
Newtonville, Mass.