The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1896-03-29


VAN n II asi Is considered, ana
w. A. is clear that such an
~fztSSEs-sg enterprise would be a
great advantage 20 Richmond irom
business standpoint.
Besides bringing the professional Wheel-
men and their numerous following mere
during the training season. IL would be
great advertisement for Richmond as
winter resort.
The matter was again discussed yester-
day at an adjourned meeting Of the tx
ecutive Committee Of the Richmond
League Of Wheelmen.
TWO PLANS.
The two plans most prominently con-
sherod are the placing of the track at the
Exposition Grounds and FOR the Richmond
wheelmen themselves TO establish such an
enterprise IN some convenient suburban
locality.
A one-third mile concrete track and
comfortable quarters for the men would
be the CHIEF expense. and II is thought
the whole project can be carried out for
$500.
The discussion of the matter has arous-
cd deep interest with the street-car men
and other outside parties. who see the
possibilities OF such a scheme, and a gen.
tleman who is trying TO lease the EXpOsi-
ton Grounds will. 1t is said, either es-
tablish such quarters there or cooperate
with the wheclmen in doing so.
The league yesterday appointed COM
mittce. composed of Me ssrs. w. G. Lefeb-
vre, J. L. Hil. T.. T. ID. Myers Jr.. and
james l.. Anderson. TO actively push the
matter.
Mr.. Hines received q telegram from
Jacksonville, Fla, saying
I'VE will do anything Richmond will
10 and % RfehpauF IN. hotter -
II Jacksonville wins it will be after
hard fight.
OK THE BOULEVARD.
The Boulevard presented gay scene
yesterday, with the numerous bicyclists
spinning up and down its smooth and level
surface.
The quick response OF the pleasure
seekers 20 the first appearance OF warm
and sunny day is sign Of the great
number of bicyclists that viii be seen as
soon as the season Is fully open. Ii is
safe TO say that there will be no diminu-
ton in the interest exhibited last year.
and IL looks as If the popularity OF the
wheel Will be greater than ever.
THE MISSiNG-LINK.
The cindcrs on the missing.link track
have been partially rolled down, and the
wheclmen showed their appreciation Of
IL yesterday by nockng 10 IL, although
only partially finished. Dividing staunch--
ions just placed at either end OF the
track suggest that riders must keep TO the
right.
A bicycle track from Boston TO Rich
mond Is one OF the suggestions for the
future. Sidney Stevens. OF Winthrop.
Maine, interestingly discusses the idea In
the New York Herald
Bicycling has come 10 be one of the fix
ed institutions Of civilzation-that is sure
and 10 has assumed an importance and
dignity which would not have been be-
lieved once.
Would il not be a profitable investment
for capitalists to construct level course
for bicyclists connecting the great At
lantic ciues-a covered way five or sis
hundred miles lOng-say from Boston
through some OF the larger New England
towns, TO New York. thence 10y bridge
across the Hudson. and on through New
Jersey. through Princeton, Philadelphia
Baltimore. Washington. and piercing the
thickly settled part OF Virginia, til II
comes to a terminus at Richmondg
This. perhaps. would cost SlO0OOOOO0 tC
construct, but 10 would pay big money
for there are at present 100000 people
living near enough TO be accommodates
by such a course daily, and OF course IN,
population is steadily increasing. My idea
81 TO have a lightly constructed covered
course In which riders going one way
keep 10 one side, and returning on Ia,
other side the track to be constructed a.
level as possible. and elevated most of In,
way. to avoid drifting snow. road cross
ings &c. Speed could be made equal I,
or faster than on the best racing tracks
and cyclists of all classes would flock I,
enjoy the advantages OF such course
Travel between cities would be made easy
for the deNotccs OF the wheel and bust
ness thus could be combined with pleas
are.
1T WOULD PAY.
What an impetus II would give TO tn,
sport, IL would elevate it at once to
position among the great institutions O
the world. The course would becom.
world-famous for It's novelty and IN
pleasure which could be derived from ox
cursions awhecl where twenty TO shirt,
miles an hour could be made and so /.
would become like some OF the boulevard
OF Paris. a common ground for all ma
tionalitcs. Fees could be charged thos,
who witnessed the panorama from certain
vantage points. as well as those who rode
and altogether, unless my reckoning II
far amiss. 1t would be an Investment 70
those who wished TO invest that wou,'
pay good dividends, and more and NOR
as time goes on.
Immediately accommodated, ana the res
Of the world on occasion. one huncrc'
thousand people a day would avail them
selves OF the track at twenty-five cent
each. This would bring about eight mil
tlon dollars year. and money earned b.
letting bicycles and from spectators woul
probably pay running expenses whicl
would not be- very heavy. SO. from thi
rather conservative reckoning, IL woul'
pay good interest.
What boom 1t would give TO bicycl
clubs and TO the l.. A. W. Great pa
rades could be INDUCED in. tours could b
made into tho country from points al
along the great course. and the rang
OF territory 10 be explored by cnterpris
ing and inquisitive riders could be ex
tended indefinitely.
For instance. a man living In New Yorl
could dash to Richmond In few hours
and take "A little run out through oil
VIRGINIA for twenty or thirty miles. an
6ssh home again. ali Of quiet Sunday
r. Y he vas devotlonsily inclined awe