The Portland daily press., 1891-05-11
SPRING MEET OF THE wHEELMEN
stlII Uncertain whether 1t VIII Be at
Belfast or Eangor.

There Is still considerable uncertainty as
to where the spring meet Of the Maine d.
vision OF the League of American Wheelmen
on May Both will be held. Last week Ii was
thought to be definitely decided that Belfast
would have the gathering. as the wheelmen
Of that city much desired to have the meet
iLg there. and offered many inducements,
but when the division officers came to inves-
tigate the facilities for transportation 1t was
found they were inadequate. Prices for a
special steamer were too high for considera-
tion. and in case OF stormy weather the trip
would have been most uncomfortable. To
attempt to go by rail also seemed out Of the
question, as the arrangement Of trains was
far from accommodating.
While these facts were being considered
favorable proposition was received from
Bangor, and the matter of holding the meet
at that city is now under serious advisement
The last week in May is to be Merchants
week in Bangor, and the committee having
arrangements therefor in charge have very
generously suggested an appropriation of
500 for the entertainment of visiting wheel
men. They want to close their gala week
with grand procession of bicyclers, with
perhaps some races, hill climbing contest,
etc. In the matter Of transportation Bangor
has far superior advantages, and also in view
OF the inducements offered, the division offic-
ials have decided that 1t would be much more
satisfactory to meet at Bangor, but they rec
ognize that Belfast has strong claims upon
them. The boys who live on the shore Of
Penobscot Bay have been written to regard
ING the m nnatfar nd aokad fo Fow
the evident good Of the league, their mani
fest rights lin that the question had once
been supposed to be settled In their favor
for the gathering TO be hold in their city.
Their reply has not yet been received, but
on receipt thereof the matter will at once be
settled. and settled for good. II they siren
uously object to having the gathering held at
Bangor, and change of decision seems like
ly to engender hard feeling. the officials will
probably adhere to their decision to meet t
Belfast. But 1t Is expected Belfast will grace
fully surrender to the superior inducements
afforded by the Queen City. and the proba-
bilities seem strongly In favor of Bangor.
Undoubtedly large number would 60 from
this city to the latter place. but to Belfast
there would be very few indeed.
The road book to be issued shortly will be
model of its kind and represents vast
amount Of labor on the part of the secretary
treasurer Of the division. 1t will be valuable
book to anyone who contemplates a tour of
Maine either by bicycle or by carriage. More
than 160 different routes are given. The
state has been divided into three sections
and three excellent maps showing particular
ly the roads and distances between towns
have been draughted by Messrs. Norris and
West.
Mr.. Carl @. Schubarth Of North Attleboro,
Mass, was at the club house Saturday eve
ming. He rode from Providence to Ports
mouth by wheel, but took the train thence to
this city on account Of bad roads.
A dozen wheelmen dined at the Kirkwood
House, Scarboro yesterday. 1t was splen-
Id day for bicycling.