Page 209 - The Story of My Lif

since I have let nearly a week pass without answering your letter in regard to the

kind of wheel I should like. But really, I have been so constantly occupied with
my studies since we returned from New York, that I have not had time even to
think of the fun it would be to have a bicycle! You see, I am anxious to
accomplish as much as possible before the long summer vacation begins. I am
glad, though, that it is nearly time to put away my books; for the sunshine and
flowers, and the lovely lake in front of our house are doing their best to tempt
me away from my Greek and Mathematics, especially from the latter! I am sure
the daisies and buttercups have as little use for the science of Geometry as I, in
spite of the fact that they so beautifully illustrate its principles.

But bless me, I mustn’t forget the tandem! The truth is, I know very little about
bicycles. I have only ridden a “sociable,”

which is very different from the ordinary tandem. The “sociable”

is safer, perhaps, than the tandem; but it is very heavy and awkward, and has a
way of taking up the greater part of the road.

Besides, I have been told that “sociables” cost more than other kinds of bicycles.
My teacher and other friends think I could ride a Columbia tandem in the
country with perfect safety. They also think your suggestion about a fixed
handlebar a good one. I ride with a divided skirt, and so does my teacher; but it
would be easier for her to mount a man’s wheel than for me; so, if it could be
arranged to have the ladies’ seat behind, I think it would be better….

TO MISS CAROLINE DERBY

Wrentham, September 11, 1898.

…I am out of doors all the time, rowing, swimming, riding and doing a
multitude of other pleasant things. This morning I rode over twelve miles on my

tandem! I rode on a rough road, and fell off three or four times, and am now
awfully lame! But the weather and the scenery were so beautiful, and it was such
fun to go scooting over the smoother part of the road, I didn’t mind the mishaps
in the least.