likely to be aroused, for fear induces a state of tension, and bicycling
cannot be enjoyed or prolonged if this drain of the power-supply is
allowed. Confidence will come with the knowledge that you are no longer
at the mercy of the machine, that it is in your power.
No one make of bicycle is acknowledged the best, and no one is
absolutely perfect. The selection of a bicycle, therefore, is a matter
of knowledge and nice discrimination, and its use opens a wide field of
opportunity before you--touring and cruising, and expeditions of all
kinds; travel and sight-seeing; means for study and investigation.
The possible cost of cycling may be quite appalling to consider; but in
cycling, as in other things, you may choose between the demands of
necessity and the suggestions of luxury. One--almost the
chief--fascination of the sport is its simplicity as a mode of travel;
the possibility of doing away with all impedimenta. The bicyclist soon
learns to dispense with every accessory not positively necessary and to
know every possible use of indispensable articles.
The bicycle bestows and restores health; it has its limit, though it
does so much that more seems always possible. Take the bicycle as it is,
use it intelligently, enjoy it, and become an enthusiast.
* * * * * *
Transcriber’s note:
Inconsistencies in spelling, hyphenation, etc. and unusual spelling
have been retained.
Page 162 and 163, tables: as printed in the source document, although
they obviously contain several errors.
Changes made
Illustrations have been moved out of text paragraphs.
Some minor typographical and punctuation errors have been corrected
silently.
The illustration numbers in the List of Illustrations have been added
by the transcriber.