1. Insure your life and limbs. The former will benefit your relations,
the latter yourself.
2. Learn on a hired machine. The best plan is to borrow a machine from a
friend. It saves hiring. Should the tyre become punctured, the brake be
broken, the bell cracked, the lamp missing, and the gear out of gear,
you will return it as soon as possible, advising your friend to provide
himself with a stronger one next time.
3. Practise on some soft and smooth ground. For example, on a lawn; the
one next door for choice. A muddy road, although sufficiently soft, is
not recommended--the drawbacks are obvious.
4. Choose a secluded place for practising. It may at first sight appear
somewhat selfish to deprive your neighbours of a gratuitous performance
which would be certain to amuse them. Nevertheless, be firm.
5. Get someone to hold you on. Engage a friend in an interesting
conversation while you mount your bicycle. Do you remember _Mr.
Winkle's_ dialogue with _Sam Weller_ when he attempted skating? You can
model your conversation on this idea. Friend will support you while you
ride and talk. Keep him at it. It will be excellent exercise for _him_,
physically and morally. Also economical for _you_; as, otherwise, you
would have to pay a runner.