The record-union., 1896-04-13
new WHEELWAY A SUCCESS.
Nearly Two Thousand Miles Were Made
on Il Yesterday.
Suggestions for Its Care-The Exten-
sion to Folsom-Wheelmen
Will Act Tonight.

The new wheelway from Thirty-hrst
and ] streets to the railroad Junction
at brighton was opened yesterday
morning early. Before 10 O'Clock Aoo
wheels had gone over the line, ana De
fore nightfall over 500 persons passed
over the track. only a few being pedes-
trians. OF the Capital City Wheeimen
fully half the membership was OUT 10
inaugurate the wheelWay.
To say that they were pleased with M
but family expresses their oulspoheh
satisfaction. Calculations mace from
data fairly well kept on the roaosiue
showsthat nearly 1000 miles were mace
upon the track yesterday. Ih1s IS low
estimate, since it is known tnal SeVefdi
wheeling parties went two and three
timex over the course 1t would be sa1e
to saw. placing the wheels counted up
to IL a. m. as maintained through the
day. that between 400 and 50O went
over the course, which is two and one
eighth miles in length
The passage of so many wheels peat
down the soft ground speedily, ana py
noon it was hard, firm ana
smooth as planed board,
though in some places, Of course,
makers had not time on Saturday 10
complete their work. A roller Will be
passed over these spots to-day, and
thus leveling down will be effected.
AS showing the bad condition OF the
streets to Thirty-first street, good
many wheelmen walked their Wheeis
to Thirty-fi first street rather than "bop-
BILE over the cobbleS' of J, K and l.
streets.
There are three places on the wheel
way where water-holes compel riders
to turn out, but this will be remedled
in due time. At point about quarter
of a mile west of the American River
levee it was necessary to cut a Drain
way across the track. Into this three or
four careless riders pumped yesterday
A little caution, however, will prevent
any such tumbling.
In a day or so the spot will be plped
and covered There Is need also to make
a better approach to the track at the
bridge at the end of street. 1t is now
made by two sharp turns, run down
q grade and then a sharp rise. The
path there is too narrow, also. one
hours work will make the approach
perfect at this point. Most wheelmen
yesterday agreed that the wheelway
will be kept in order, hard and smooth
only by putting track wheelman upon
it to keep it in order constantly. This
sprinkling twoor three times week also,
at a mere trifling cost, the pathway
will be perfect.
1t is estimated that ten cents month
contributed by wheel users will keep
100 miles of the path in perfect order
eight months in the year. But to col
lect such small trifies is out of the
question; it would cost half of 1t to
gather it in. 1t is proposed, therefore
to raise a maintenance fund in a lump
sum. to be managed by the Capital City
Wheelmen.
The workmen will begin this morning
or the wheelway extension and expect
to reach Folsom before Saturday
night A committee went up to Fol
som yesterday to see what the people OF
that town will contribute toward the
cost In the meantime arrangements
are on foot to bridge Alder Creek and
examine the proposed route along the
highlands on the north side Of the
American River. At the same time
work on the wheelway from this city to
Stockton will begin. 1t is believed 1t
can be carried to the county line before
the close of the month.
Mr.. Davis, the foreman who is build
ing the Folsom line, has done splendid
work, and proved that he understands
what is needed. His experience In
working to Folsom will be Of first value
in the construction of the line toward
Stockton.
The Capital City Wheelmen will hold
an important meeting tonight at their
cluhrooms to consider all these propo-
sitions and to hold counsel also how to
get all wheelmen in the city to join the
club. since 1t is by organization only
that such works as the wheelway can
be accomplished and maintained.
'If one-half the wheelmen and wheel
women of the city will enroll in our
club" said one of the officers yesterday,
Eve will build two hundred miles of
wheelways, fit up first-class clubrooms,
entertain visitors and do more for Sac
ramento than anyone now dreams of.
We want the ladies, also-we want
ladies' auxiliary. There are 100
women wheel riders In the city, and
sixty Of them rode over our track yes
terday and praised the boys and kissed
their hands to US.
Now, that is all nice, you know, but
we want them IN the OTsdHiZdlloH 50
as to give more character to 1t, and to
put in their twenty-five cents month,
too. to help us carry on the good streets
agitation and long wheelway building
and care.
Those ladies thought 1t so fine to
ride yesterday on Clean smooth
track without jar or fall or wobble.
Why one said to me, It's just like sail
ing Well, that's all right; but, ladies, we
boys-and some of us are no chickens.
you know-want you to organize that
auxiliary right off, and come up and
help, and then see what we will do for
your comfort"
One of the committee in charge Of the
wheelway requests this caution to be
repeated to all riders: Pass only at a
slow pace. Do not attempt to pass a
wheelman at fast gait. The track is
wide enough If you pass slowly. Other
wise there is danger of dumping rider
into some of the barb wire fencing along
the route"
Boston Excursionfsts.
4 Raymond & Whitcomb special ex-
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