The two American cyclists reach north China in 1892. Few Chinese had ever seen a Westerner, much less a bicycle

Quotes:
“Our work of preparation was principally a process of elimination.  We now had to prepare for a forced march in case of necessity.
“Handle-bars and seat-posts were shortened to save weight…

“The cutting off of buttons and extra parts of our clothing, as well as shaving of our heads and faces, was also included…”