of accomplishing the total mileage (2,000 miles) in fourteen days, and would have done so but for the bad roads in Russia.
In comparing these rides with any other performance of a similar nature undertaken with the aid of later inventions, such as motor cycles, motor-cars, and aeroplanes, it must be remembered that the cyclists were often alone, that they had in some cases literally to carry their machines over precipitous hills, stony paths, and other almost impassable places. It not only speaks well for their grit and determination that they completed their tasks, but speaks volumes for the bicycles they bestrode that they ever finished the journey as complete units. In fact, the bicycles of the Fraser party, and I think Jefferson's Rover, shed many parts en route which had to be replaced when spares were obtainable, or were otherwise patched up to enable the journey to be completed.
