It rained every day of the trip, and the soldiers had to contend with
muddy roads from start to finish.

In spite of these drawbacks the expedition was a complete success, and
it is said that it will prove of the greatest value from a military
standpoint.

The bicycle ambulance had to be abandoned on the second day out, as it
was unsuited to the heavy roads over which the troop had to travel.

The accidents to the wheels were: ten rims broken, seven tires
punctured, twenty spokes, two bearings, a handle-bar, and a pedal
broken.

Happily there were two bicycle machinists in the party and they were
able to make the necessary repairs, so that all the wheels were usable
throughout the entire trip except one, which was so badly broken that
the rider had to leave the company.

Captain Lyon, who was in command, says that it has been shown that the
bicycle can be of great service in military operations. He says that
under the very worst conditions a wheel can accomplish much more than a
horse.

He thinks that the weight carried on the machine has very little to do
with its endurance, but at the same time in future trips would recommend
that a carbine be carried instead of the musket, which he considers too
heavy and cumbersome to carry on a wheel.