To those who have never seen the two-wheeled velocipede in use, it
seems surprising that the rider can keep his equilibrium. The principle
of the thing is the same as that of the movement of a boy’s hoop. As
long as the hoop revolves rapidly, its tendency to any lateral movement
is almost suspended, and the greater the speed the less the difficulty
in maintaining the upright position.
At first sight one supposes it to be a formidable undertaking to mount
and steer the bicycle. To learn to manage it, however, requires no more
skill, courage, or patience, than to learn the art of skating; and
when the art is once acquired, it provides a means of locomotion and a
source of enjoyment as much more available than skating, as the number
of days in the year is greater than the few bright mornings when one
can find a smooth, glassy, and well-frozen skating ground.
“Velocipedestrianism” is fully the equal of skating and horseback
riding, in its invigorating and exhilarating effects. The velocipede
bears young and old, light and heavy, easily and pleasantly and with
equal facility.
In learning the velocipede, it is advisable to use a machine of only
moderate height, so that the soles of the feet can readily touch the
ground. At the best school we know, where the pupils graduate experts,
six different sizes of machines are used. The beginner is put upon one
with a guiding wheel of a diameter of only thirty-four inches, and is
promoted from one to another, according to progress.
At first start, run beside the iron horse, leading it by the hand, so
as to familiarize yourself with its movements, and to master well in
your mind the idea of the fore wheel, upon which all depends. This will
be an affair of but a few moments only. You will very readily perceive
that it will be impossible to balance upon the machine, while it is
standing still. You will also see that, without practice, it will be
an impossibility to mount the iron horse, and balance yourself upon
the seat, while it is in motion. Both these facts lead you to perceive
that motion is the first requisite. To get that, and at the same time
maintain equilibrium, you must first use your feet on the floor or
ground as a means of progression, learning, as you move, to balance
yourself by the motion of the guide wheel, to the right or left,
whichever way you may lean.
If out-of-doors, it is as well to practice on a slope; and after
mounting, let the machine move forward of its own accord, while you
occupy yourself studying the effect produced by the inclination which
you give to the balancing pole or handle. After you have practiced
enough to admit of your going some little way without touching your
feet, learn to go the same distance with your legs raised, so as
to bring the centre of gravity higher from the base. When you have
overcome this difficulty and thoroughly understand the action of the
balancing pole, place one foot on the pedal, and follow its movements,
without assisting them. Then try the other foot, and accustom yourself
to the movement of turning the wheels with your feet. Next, put both
feet upon the pedals, and work them alternately with scrupulous
regularity. Speed is attained by simply accelerating this movement.
You will be surprised to find that you can, all at once, ride your
velocipede. After a couple of hours of proper practice, you will be
able to accomplish a distance of thirty or forty yards, without running
the risk of an upset.
In learning, be careful to keep the shoulders straight and the head
back. An erect position upon the bicycle is as necessary for grace and
ease, as upon the horse. Avoid looking at the wheels, but accustom
yourself to look ahead.
Confidence in your own ability is required, without rashness. If
you practice in a public hall, pay no attention to the laughter of
spectators, and avoid self-consciousness. If you feel that no one was
ever so clumsy before, the feeling itself will be sure to increase
your awkwardness. Remember that all good riders have necessarily been
through the same experience. It is no disgrace to upset your vehicle.
Molière says: “_On peut être honnête homme et faire mal des vers._”
Take things as easy as possible. The greatest difficulty with beginners
is to restrain the unnecessary expenditure of muscular power. They
ordinarily perform ten times the amount of labor requisite. They use
all the force they can, in pressing upon the pedals, and clasp the
handle in front, as if hanging on for dear life. Do not strain the
muscles of the arms. There is no necessity for it, or for any violent
muscular effort. A good rider can obtain the greatest speed upon the
road with half the exertion used by the novice in learning the first
movements.
If the day after your first attempt you feel a little lame and sore,
remember that it is nothing more than you would feel after riding
horseback for the first time, or after taking gentle but unaccustomed
exercise in a gymnasium.
If you finish your first trial covered with dust and perspiration,
with a bumped head, jammed feet, tired arms, and sore muscles, let
your faith remain triumphant, and your determination and expectation
to master the vehicle increased. But with proper caution there is no
danger either of falls or hurt in using the velocipede in the way we
have advised. The pedal is constructed so that the foot of the rider
can at once leave it; and should the machine incline to one side, it
is only necessary to remove the foot from the same side, and place it
on the ground. One must not let the handles go; they seem to restore
and maintain the balance of the machine after the rider is off it.
In alighting, both feet should be raised from the pedal at the same
instant, which slackens the speed of the machine, and placed upon the
ground simultaneously.
If you learn in a school or rink, you will find a rough pine floor
much the best for practice. Floors that are sprinkled with sawdust, or
sanded, are apt to cause the machine to slip in turning.
In your first practice, avoid trying experiments, or doing too much;
but watch your position in the saddle, and perfect yourself in the
balance movement. After that is perfectly learned, try to ride slowly,
and practice with your feet upon the rest in front. It will of course
require much experience before you are able to dash along the paved
streets or country roads, or to try the tricks and fancy movements of
an expert. Perseverance, however, makes perfect; and if you persist,
you will be able, in due time, to ride side-saddle fashion, to pick
up your hat from the floor, to take off your coat while going at full
speed, and even to stand upon the saddle. Some learn to ride in three
hours, some in three days, and occasionally we hear of a timid and
stupid scholar, for whom three months will scarcely suffice. It depends
upon the machine, the method of going to work, and the quickness and
adaptability of the rider. The knowledge often comes suddenly. We have
seen those who have tried to learn for days without success, suddenly
mount their veloces and start around a hall, astonished at the ease
with which they maintained their balance, and looking as pleased as
if they had accomplished the object of their existence. A few hours’
practice usually makes a student quite the master of ceremonies.
As soon as you have acquired the knowledge, you will wonder how
amateurs can be so awkward, and be surprised that you found it so
difficult.
Should the velocipede upon which you learn be too high to practice in
the way we have indicated, you should have some one hold the machine
for the first trial, the hands upon the back extremity of the bar upon
which you sit, so as to in no way impede the action of the fore wheel.
To those who wish to learn, we would especially suggest the spring,
fall, and winter months. It is too warm to learn in summer, that being
the season to reap the reward of early exertion. Velocipede riding is
the easiest thing imaginable when one knows how to ride properly.