Waterbury evening Democrat., 1889-10-05
TOM ROE. THE uERALD,s CHAMPION.

TOM ROE, THE UERALD'S CHAMPION. has been claimed that Stevens traveled many miles of his journey on cars. To pre- vent the record which Roe will make being questioned tab will be kept on him from the moment the word ''go" Is given.
 ItEis so arranged that in the event of illness or accident help can reach him in very little while. Tho Santa Fe railroad officials have taken deep interest in the young mans endeavor, and have instructed their agents along the entire system to afford him every facility for helping him to make fast time. Tom has studied the terri tory through which ho must pass, and opines that he will be enabled to ride the distance in fifty days, barring any serious trifle over fifty miles a day. The distance over the route Roe has selected is 2,573 miles. He is strong and able bodied fel- low, very determined, and skillful as we'll as rapid wheelman. Recently he rode from Indianapolis to- Cincinnati over rough roads, a distance of 40 miles, inside of sixteen hours. He is to ride between daylight and dark during his projected trip.
 ROE STARTS.
 SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 21.-Sitting astride his fifty -sixSinch light champion wheel and surrounded by a large crowd of enthusiastic admirers, handsome Tom Roe, first ieuten. ant of the Chicago Bicycle Club, awaited in the court of the Palace Hotel to-day the sig nal to begin his long and perilous journey on a bicycle across the continent to Chica- go. He was an object of admiration. Not the slightest sign of excitement was visible in his demeanor. So far as appearances went, one might imagine he was starting for spin throuS Sh the Golden Gate Park. He was dressed in dark jersey trunks, black stockings, neat. fitting woolen shirt, bearing in clear, attractive letters across the breast the name of the Chicago Herald. Over this hung loosely @ light coat. A jaunty hat con- pleted his costume. From the handle of his machine floated the Chicago Bicycle Clubs colors of blue and old gold, upon which the words 'sThe Chicago Herald" were worked in silk Behind stalwart Roe were several members of the Bay City Bicycle Club with wheels, among whom were F. w. Leadbetter, T. s. Golden. l.. c. Powell, Dr. Curragh and others, while a delegation numbering over 500 without machines stood by to give the daring rider g rousing send A few moments before the start the crowd was so great that it took dozen po- ncemen to keep the passageway leading from the court clear so that the rider might not be impeded at the start. While the bicyclist was seated on his wheel waiting
 
 Just as the hands of the electric clock came together at the figure twelve the word go was given by the sporting editor of the Chronicle, and amid enthusiastic cheers the wheelman rode gracefully out of the court and down Market street to the ferry, Tom waving good-by with his hand high in the air. About seventy Bay City boys accom- panied the champion ten or twelve miles down the road, and, after wishing him god speed, returned to the city. The gallant wheelman was repeatedly cheered, along the road leading out of the city. Roe was in fine form, full of confidence and carried with him the best wishes of all San Fran cisco wheelmen.
 Roe's baggage weighs only twenty pounds and consists of a pair of stockings, shirt, some tools and a few provisions. He says if he reaches Chicago in safety and the roads are good he will probably con- tinue on to New York and Boston, and may possibly make 0 trip around the world next year.
 London (Eng.) Pastime says: "An American runner who has been competing | this season under the name of J. w. Rich was suspended by the Midland Counties A. A. A. for suspicious running at Leicester sports. This association may take still ! further action in the matter, as there is an ! idea prevailing that the man has imperson. ated Manhattan sprinter of good ability" The Athletics have released old John Coleman, who failed as a fielder and went back to pitching, and reinstated Ed Seward, the disciplined pitcher. Young Pitcher McMahon, of the Ath- letics, is great find. He came from one | of tho Ponnsv1vauia 0tata Tan ono cI,,h