The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1895-03-16
THE WHEEL.
What the Past Riders Are Doing in Sal
Jose-Short Spins, y

tested during the week in the speed trials
of Wilbur J. Edwards and the Rambler
uuadruplet, over the new speedway IN Ala
media. The riders made several trials
every day for four days in an endeavor to
reduce the worlds quarter, half and. one
mile records, but it was found that al
though wind, weather and ali other condi-
tons were IN their favor, the ground was
too soft to bear the weight OF the quad
ruplet and its four riders, as it would sink
into the ground up to the rims, while the
best time they could make for a quarter
was 50 seconds.
At first it was thought that the regular
quad team, consisting of Delmas, Smith +,
Jones and Osen, could be improved upon
by putting on a heavier team which would
be able to push the wheel over the ground
at q record breaking pace. So these men
were succeeded by Foster, Hall, Terrill and
Wells But Wells weighs 100 pounds and
TerriIl $50, and when they mounted the
third and fourth seats the rear wheel COM
menced to sink out of sight. 1t was neces-
sary for them TO dismount at once to keep
the wheel from disappearing through the
ground, figuratively. Foster and Wells
then changed place, Foster taking the
rear seat while Wells rode in front. This
distributed. the weight more evenly, but
still the time made by the team was too
slow to be of any benefit IN pacing Ed
wards, so the attempt was given up, and
Edwards, Osen, Smith, Jones and Delmas
left for San Jose, where they will try for
track records on the Garden City CycIers'
new third-of-a-mile cement track, through
which the quad cannot possibly sink.
Bald, Macdonald, Zlegler, Coulter, Har-
bottle and several other fast men are al
ready there training for the races to be
held April 10 and 20.
The focal wheelmen are ali interested in
knowing when Zimmerman, the champion
bicyclist of the world, will pass through
this CITY, 1t has been learned that he will
be married in New York in June, and as he
is billed to race in Australia in August and
September Will at once start westward on
mis- HONEYMOON trip. [ suppose we may
expect him here about the latter part OF
June.
1t is stated on good authority that Ray
Macdonald, the Eastern racer, is mem
her of the Reliance Club Wheelmen of
Oakland While this may be so, yet he
raced last wear in the East under the col
ors OF the Garden City Cyclers OF San Jose,
at the instance of his team-mate, Edwards,
and may do so this year unless he decides
to stand by his home club, the Springfield
Bicycle Club.
Eddie Bald Will not join any of the local
organizations, preferring TO race under the
colors of the Press Cycling Club OF Buffalo.
The use of toe-clips on wheels is grad
uallv becoming quite common among all
riders Time was when only racing men
used this device and when a new man had
pair put on his wheel it was accepted as
an indication that he was going in foI
track honors. But it has been found that
toe-clips force rider to use the ankle mo-
ton, which is admitted to be the best and
least tiresome way of pedaling; and be-
sides ones loot never slips when climbing
a grade if the clips are used. So that the
demand for these little articles IS now
quite universal and before long we may
expect to sas them attached to all wheels
when first turned out of the factory
Brakes are seldom used on wheels nova
DAYS, as they add somewhat TO the weight
and good rider finds that back-pedalins
answers the same purpose, while there /!
p 10 wear on the tire. The presence of {
brake Is lWays an indication OF amateur
ishness, too, which the average new rider
is very anxious to discard as early as pos
sible. Light wheels are very much IL
favor this season, it not being uncommon
to see seventeen or nineteen pound mount;
upon the roads, while last year this weight
was considered dangerously light even fo
track use. The English prophecy tina
wheels will soon be so light as 70 requir,
claiming down to prevent their flying of
into space seems to be in close proximity
A movement which is being fathered BY
nance passed permitting wheelmen the u.s.
OF sidewalks IN that city does not presen
the sentiments OF the average rider, who il
more than satisfied If given his share o
the road. Sidewalk riding is dangerous tt
both rider and pedestrian, and there are few
cyclists who would not rather take to thu
street than be compelled to ride at rat
of three miles an hour when passing an,
one on loot, as well as having to dismoun
at all curbs. OF course in outlying dis
tricts the footpaths are sometimes supe
rior to the road, and the wheelmen gener
ally use them in preference to the roat
without objection from any source.
Next month the new fiscal year of tn
League of American Wheelmen com
mences and large additions to the roll o
the California division are expected. Sew
eral prominent clubs have signified thei
intentions of joining in body III order {
derive the many benefits which accru
from membership in the organization.
Archie Reid, who made good showing
in class A last year, has just commence
training for the coming races. T. A. Grit
fiths has also begun preparatory work an,
will shine in class this year Those VIII
would like to see match race between
Jones of the Garden Citys and Byrne of tn
lmperials had best keep their eyes ais
upon Harry Terrill and Archie Reid VIII
are still in class A.
The second tryout of the CaIiforni
Cycling Club takes place tomorrow a
1850 A. NJ. over the San Leandro triang gle
the road from Fruitvale to Haywards bein
in bad condition. The race will be for tel
miles, and there are twenty-five entrants
The relay team of the CALIFORNIA; will
made up next week. The club will hold
run to witness to-morrow's race, taking tn
$3.50 A. NJ. boat.
w. II. Fowler is a recent addition to tn
roll of the Bay City Wheelmen.
Cycling is booming in jacksonville. Tn
roads whereabouts are in excellent cond
ton and all classes of people have taken
wheeling. The local club, the Pajaro Vale
Wheelmen, are active and will be hear
from prominently this season. The cln
has a good racer in Ed Mauk and anothe
in Emil Malgren.
The San Diego Cycling Club has recent
elected the following officers: President