to an hour and a quarter
before that distance is covered, and if she does not feel fresh and in
a glow when she stops, she may be certain that she has ridden too
long. Naturally there is that healthy tired feeling which any one
recognizes after athletic exercise, but it is quite different from and
never to be mistaken for the weariness which comes from too much
exertion and straining of the nerves and muscles. Very few women have
ever been injured on a bicycle who kept to this rule and limited their
riding to nominal distances."

Length of the Ride.

"This limit of distance, which is designated by the feeling of
weariness, is only a little more important than the limit of speed
which the female frame is capable of undergoing under healthy
exercising rules. Whether a man can ride at full speed for a long
distance and still retain his good health is a doubtful question. It
is certain, however, that no woman can keep up a high rate of speed
for even a generous portion of a mile and not create the beginning of
injuries. The added strength required to increase speed even a little
after a certain amount of power has been expended is out of all
proportion to the results. There is no relaxation of the muscles
between revolutions of the pedals, nor any let up on the nervous and
muscular strain while the speed lasts. The heart is far more taxed
than one realizes at the moment, and that species of tingling or
numbness in the nerves and muscles which often results is only a sign
that they have both been overtaxed."

Properly used, a wheel is certainly a promoter of health. It develops
muscles that are seldom, if ever, otherwise used. It gains for women
that ideal condition of the flesh so prized by sculptors and artists,
namely, a firm, solid tissue when the muscles are flexed, and a
softness of an infant with muscular relaxation. It develops the entire
torso and limbs, it renders one's nerves like steel and is a splendid
antidote for headaches.

An exceedingly smart and yet thoroughly practical cycling costume is
known as the "Londonderry," and is made in gray-green hopsack, a soft
fabric which lends itself admirably to the full folds of the ample
knickerbockers, which form a most important part of this costume. The
"Londonderry" coat is made with long and very full basques, which form
a kind of skirt when on the machine, and which, nevertheless, do not
interfere in the least with the rider's freedom of action. This coat