The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1896-04-12
BIDS FOB THE PATH
CONTRACTS WILL BE LET FoR
wHEELwAy PATH NEXT WEEK.
directors Well Pleased with Progress.
OF Work ON subscription List
More Money Needed.

To-day the Journal presents a completes
map of the route TO be followed by the
Wheelway League path The map was made
by Thomas VI. Palmer. draughtsman, who
knows the route. and is correct In every
particular.
At meeting Of the directors of the
Wheelway League last Friday afternoon in
the Office OF Judge r. w. Mcbride it was
decided that the time had come to begin
work on the path, and the secretary was
Instructed to advertise for bids for building
the path from Twenty-second street along
the towpath TO Broad Ripple The BIDS
will be received Monday, April %. The con-
tract will be let in three parts. Section one
win be from the south end to the Michigan
road. section two from the Michigan road
to the Illinois-street bridge, and the third
section from that point to the bridge over
the canal in Broad Ripple. Subscriptions
have come in sufficiently well to warrant
beginning the work on the path. There are
yet some obstacles in the way of securing
the right of way along the river between
Broad Ripple and Dawson's bridge. so the
contract for that part cannot be let now.
II is expected that this much Of the
path will be opened to the riders
by the middle of May. Subscrip-
tons are coming in rapidly and promise
much better for the next two or three
weeks. There are yet large number of
people who ride wheels who have not taken
stock, but are able to do so, and willing
but have not had the opportunity. For the
benefit OF those the Journal to-day prints
copy OF the subscription blank Those wish
ing TO take stock may I'LL it out as indicated
by the blanks. and mail it to w. c. Brazing-
ton. secretary Of the league, ingalls, Block.
The money may be paid in installments or
sent with the subscription to Mr. Brazington.
who will receipt for all money or blanks
received.
Many OF the new riders Of the city have
not yet had opportunity to feel the ex-
harating effects of trip into the coun-
try on warm summer night. and there
fore cannot appreciate the project to build
a bicycle path. 1t is the unanimous opin-
ion of all old riders that a bicycle would
lose three-fourths Of its charms If its use
were confined to the streets of a city and
the occasional country trip left out of the
programme. 1t is also their opinion that an
ordinary dusty country road. although
great Improvement over the heat of a city.
is not as pleasant as it might be. The pro-
posed path viii do away with both the
heat and dust Three-fourths OF it will be
shaded most OF the day and the other a
part Of the time
The map shows the beginning of the path,
at Indiana avenue and Fall creek. but that
will not be where the work on 1t will be-
GIN The first effort will be to place the
towpath in good condition and open II to the
public 1t win be reached by going out
Meridian or Illinois street TO Twenty-second
ar,1
ter of a mile north of the Twenty-second-
street bridge over the canal is the spot
where the path VIII ascend gentle slope
and strike the towpath. 1t is about three
miles to follow the windings of the path
from Indiana avenue to where it strikes
the towpath. This will probably be the last
part built. for it can be left out and not in
terfere with the use of the path.
The course along the towpath is well
known to old riders and needs no description
for their benefit. but there are many who
know nothing about it. The first spot passed
after the path takes the course of the canal
IS a place dear to the hearts of all the
young people who were school children ten
or fifteen years ago. Many pleasant hours
were then spent by them at Golden hill,
one o. the old picnic grounds. which is
just north OF Armstrong Park. There many
OF the schoolboys and girls made their first
effort at love-making, while 1t was there
that many Of the boys stole their first kiss
from some shy little ladyiove whom they
had been too timid to approach before. Such
memories Turk in many hearts which have
since been entwined for life with one they
knew not at that time.
The Country Club is just little further
up the canal. and IL the talk of some OF
its members materializes, will soon become
favorite spot for those members who are
permitted to enjoy its comforts and pleas
ures. There is now talk of building bridge
across the canal at that point. and many Of
the members think a bridge will be built be-
fore the summer is over.
All are familiar with Fa.rview Park and
its hills. It is believed that sufficient infiu-
rule that bicyclers cannot cross the bridge
with their wheels. and throw the park open
to these passing along the wheel path. Such
an effort will be made, at least.
From Fairview Park to Broad Ripple the
path will not follow the route usually fol-
lowed by wheelmen.- but will follow the west
bank OF the canal the entire distance. Here
tofore wheelmen have crossed the canal at
Illinois street.
From Broad Ripple the path will follow the
public road north until 1t crosses the river
Then comes the prettiest part OF the route.
The path will follow the bank OF the river.
making the big curve 10 the south. and fol-
lowing along within sight OF the park on the
opposite side Of the river. The views OBJ
tanned from points along the river bank IN
this bend are the finest to be had in its en-
tire length. A rugged country Is traversed
for four or five miles. following the windings
OF the river. with a good view Of the water.
For two or three miles there is fine boating.
and at Broad Ripple there is bath house
that is a great attraction during the summer
months.
When Dawson's bridge, above Broad Rip
pie. is crossed the natural scenery OF the
river bottom passes away and its place is
taken by views of broad fields with their
seas OF grain waving TO the breeze The