Page:Burke, W.S. - Cycling in Bengal (1898).djvu/25

 always equal to the effort of producing boiling water and chapatis, while eggs and milk are usually forthcoming. There are worse things than a good cup of tea and chapatis or an egg flip, and when there is nothing else to be got, it is wonderful how far one can travel on them. This is, of course, only for intermediate refreshment, for at least two dâk bungalows can be worked into the daily ride as a rule. Cold tea will also be found the most satisfactory drink to put in the water bottle. The sense of coolness and comfort attending the use of sun goggles when riding all day can only be appreciated by those who have travelled with and without them.

The full complement of tools and repairing gear must be carried, and, in addition, some fine copper wire, strong English twine, a little stick graphite, and a brush for the chain, a duster and a spare bottle of lubricant, for nothing but mustard, castor or cocoanut oil can be got on the road. Then the lamp with a new wick, the water bottle above alluded to, with felt cover and shoulder strap and a camera, if so disposed, a good supply of small change, and the equipment is complete. The entire kit, bags, lamp, and blanket should not weigh more than twelve or thirteen pounds. As we observed before, when railway stations occur along the route, no kit need be carried. For example, between Calcutta and Burdwan the line runs almost parallel with the road; therefore nothing beyond the water bottle and implements need be carried, luggage being booked to await arrival.