The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1885-1921, 1895-07-12


all the talk about 5000 bets for any
distance was simply the product of a
vivid imagination. Instead Of the
formidable mountain of muscle which,
from accounts given by several well
known wheelmen of this city, the
representative of this paper expected
to find, he saw a quiet, reserved young
Ohioan with no special ardor for the
excitement of q bicycle race, but per-
fectly willing to enter the sport for
the mere love of the thing If he could
find sufficient time to train.
Mr.. Barnes has made some good
records in the States and holds an en-
viable position among the long dis
lance riders of America. Although
he has raced short distances, his best
efforts are in long distance riding.
"The men aboard ship" said Mr..
Barnes, ''are very anxious to have me
race, because they feel confident L
can defeat any rider here. They
think I can do better, but they forget
that the kind of q track makes all the
difference in the world.
al am in no condition to ride, not
having been in training for several
months. An attempt to get into
shape during a very short space Of
time would be folly, especially since
you have a number of good riders.
'I shall look at the track here and
then give the matter earnest consider
alton. / will have no trouble in find
ing backing, for my shipmates are
ready to see me through"
Mr.. Barnes was asked for some of
his long distance rides, and related the
following:
son October %, '94, 1 started from
Toledo, Ohio, passed through Indiana
and Illinois to Chicago, where spent
a few days seeing the sights; from
there / went to st. Louis, using the
railroad tracks and pixies to Cairo
thence to Memphis, Tenn, and from
there to Jackson, Miss, and New
extremely hard Journey, during the
latter part of which / struck the
louisiana 'swamps; made a wide de-
tour of 135 miles to get better roads;
from Houston, went to Galveston,
Texas, and then back to Houston,
passing on to San Antonio; struck
across country and followed the
Southern Pacific railroad through
plains and deserts, striking Yuma;
from Yuma to Beaumont the riding
was miserable; the coarse sand, blown
by a strong wind, cut my hands, max
ing it very uncomfortable riding; at
RimlOn struck a sandstorm, which
was certainly one of the most uncom-
Portable experiences / ever encoun-
tered; pushing along, reached the
orange district of Southern California,
which was a most welcome change
from the territory just passed through;
followed along the coast to Los
Angeles and San Francisco; had in
tended to go back along the Northern
Pacific, but was prevailed upon to
take a pleasure trip on the Il. 2.
Rithet, working anyway and seeing one
of the most beautiful spots on earth.
Will leave the islands for America"
At the time of Mr.. Barnes trip,
just described, papers in the United
States related his experience through
the rough countries where no
other wheelman had ventured.
Accounts of his travels were pub
Iished in New York, Chicago and San
Francisco papers. At every little viii
lage or hamlet Mr.. Barnes obtained
testimonials; these Were written in a
little book shown the reporter yester-
day. Many railroad office stamps
were also recorded. He was treated
with great courtesy and kindness
throughout the trip, especially by
wheelmen who knew what he had
undertaken and who were on the look
out for him.
Although Mr.. Barnes is of a rather
retiring and quiet nature, he is not
afraid to meet wheelmen of this city
If he can only get into proper condi-
ton.