The morning call., 1895-03-04
George Faulkner OF the Acme Club Wheel
From a photograph

George Faulkner of the Acme Club Wheel
men two years ago.
The course over which this race is an
nually run was not in as good condition
this year as formerly on account of the
heavy rains this winter. The riders also
had strong north wind to contend with,
which must have retarded their speed
somewhat. But the improvements made
in bicycles the past two years and the
strenuous efforts made by each of the
riders in the race to bring the honors home
to his club doubtless account for the fact
that all but one of those who finished
the race rode within the record made by
Faulkner in 1898 of hour 19 min. sec.
The associated clubs hold three great
road races every year, open only to riders
who are members of clubs belonging to the
organization. In February the 25-mile
race is run, the 100-mile relay around the
bay in April and 10-mile race in October.
1t was the first of these that was held yes
terday, it having been postponed since
Washington's birthday on account of the
rain.
The start had been advertised to be
promptly at 10 A. M, but 1t was thirty live
minutes after that hour before all the
spectators, contestants and officials as
sembled at point some 300 yards east OF
San Leandro on the Haywards road, and
De Witt Van Court, the starter, gave the
word to go to the two limit men, who
had ten minutes handicap. In rapid sue
cession, with intervals OF minute and
less, twenty-seven other riders followed
them, the five men who rode from scratch
getting away at 10:45. They We're; Henry
Smith and G. l.. Davis, G. G. c.; E. Ul-
BRIGHT, B. G. W.; NJ. f. Rose, A. C. W.,
and w. F. Foster, o. G. w.
OF course the greatest interest was CEN
tered in the efforts of these men, especially
as to Ulbricht, Rose and Foster between
whom considerable rivalry exists. Ul-
BRIGHT had the advantage, having been
STAYING in San Leandro the past week
training over the course. But the others
had not neglected themselves and Fosters
victory easily shows he is not yet 'back
number, as many seem TO think.
The San Leandro triangle is about eight
and third miles around, so it was neces-
sary for the riders to circle it three times
to complete the required twenty-five miles,
the finish being on the San Lorenzo road
but block or two east of San Leandro.
The first time the riders passed this point
there was little change noticeable in their
positions. Ready, Goddard and Delmas
had gained trif1e in time, but the limit
men were still a considerable distance
ahead. The scratch men went by in a
cloud of dust, Ulbricht leading, with the
others Tapped on behind as closely as pos
sible. The pace was swift, the time for
the first eight and third miles being %
min. 27 Assoc.
The next time the riders hove in sight
the same trio as before were in the lead
Schwall, Egeberg and Thomas. Langton
had lost some seconds. Ready and God
dard came past riding strong, and one by
one the others few by until again the
scratch men came into view, minus Davis,
whose wheel had failed him. 1t was seen
haf TT1hrinbf MO ctiII ha
with Smith, Rose and Foster in that order
close behind. Thus far sixteen and two
third miles had been covered, the time be-
ing AZ min 06 4-5 sec. from scratch.
1t was now very apparent that big piece
would be chipped off the former record
and many were the rash statements as to
who would do 1t. 1t was generally con-
ceded that the time prize lay between
Ulbricht and Foster, and rival Bay Citys
and Olympics glared at each other in ST.
lence as they breathlessly awaited the an
nouncements from their lookouts, perched
in surrounding tree tops, that their men
were again in sight. But the Olympics
knew Foster could beat Ulbricht in the
final squirt if the latter's terrific pace
throughout the race had not completely
tired their champion, so they exhibited
some confidence when speaking of the
possible result to bystanders
AT last bright red racing suit flashed
around the turn mile away and Schwall
whose handicap was eight minutes, came
tearing down the road, just beating Ege-
berg, whose time allowance was the same
Then came Moody, four-minute man,
closely followed by bunch of five riders,
all striving for better place at the finish.
1t was now evident that the scratch men
had been overhandicapped, but not much
for yell from those in the treetops told
they were in sight, and down they came,
Foster in the lead and bearing out the pre-