Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1897-12-25
so ME CYCLE CHAT

| While it may not be generally known, the
| scheme which originated in this city two
years ago, is being doomed by a western
| cycle paper on an enlarged scale. The
scheme which originated in this place was
| the intercity race series, which was so sue
cessfully carried out one year ago with
an overwhelming victory for the local
men, but which was somewhat of a fizzle
last season. when only one race was run,
! the score standing Is to in favor of the
local riders
The scheme suggested by the western
paper is for the organization of racing
teams in different cities and the holding OF
| intercty events for the national champion
ship. The plan is good deal on the order
Of the national league in base ball circles,
only in the cycling world the circuit of
cities would be much larger than in the
base ball world. This is probably good
idea. though each city in the circuit should
be represented by at least two good teams
one composed solely of amateurs and the
ether of professional riders. In the for
mer list this city would stand an excellent
show of winning the amateur pennant for
cycle races. but in the professional ranks
there would be very little show. unless the
racing rules be revised to permit the en-
ployment of outside men to uphold the
reputation and honor of the capital city.
There is hardly any likelihood of this being
done at any period in time for the races OF
next season, but possibly the year after the
project will bear fruit. AS it is now this
city could not possibly have a professional,
team representing it that would stand any
chances with teams representing Philadel-
phia, New York, Boston or Chicago and q
number of other leading cities.
There is an impression prevailing, which
originated some time ago, that 1T is only
a question of a short time when the League
n roll in.
quish its hold on bicycle racing and allow
the control of the sport to pass into the
hands of some others. Viewing from the
present outlook 1t seems somewhat proba-
Bile that whenever this occurs the control
will hardly pass into the hands of any 9TH
er disinterested organization of riders. The
National Cycle Track Association will
most likely fall heir to the control of the
sport and govern 1t about on the same lines
that the national league governs base ball
playing. and drafts rules for the success
ful and clean working of the game The
track owners are the people who are most
~ interested In the success of racing and
10 tnem most properly should descend the
relns or power governing cycle racing. I'm.
ilke other helds, an Enclosure for cycle rae
Ing can only be used for the one class O
sport, and the men who have placed their
money In such an enterprise are anxious to
realize something on the investment Thav
can best do this with the absolute control
Of cycle racing.
That the organization is rapidly coming
10 the front is evidenced by the conces-
sions granted at conference between the
organization and the league officials The
track owners will have their special grand
circuit. while the league will have fts sen
arate national circuit. both of which cir
cults will have to be run off on almost tn.
same tracks. This. coupled with the fact
mat the track owners pay no fee for their
grand circuit dates. this is stated on good
authority shows that the power of the or
ganization is fully recognized. and that
peace and harmony between the two organ
lzat1ons is absolutely essential for success
IuI cycle racing. The track owners are
stand taken 'iie
Looked at in another light the comnact
which has been duly signed by the two
organizations. makes things exceedingly in.
terestlng for the racing men, of profess
loiai ana amateur status. No more in the
east Will the leading racers receive n bonus
TOT appearing on certain occasions at ccr
! tam tracks. NO more can they jump off the
circuit at any point ana go On d pot nui,t-
ing expedition to rake in more cash Once
entered in any Of the meets on the grand
circuit 1t will be case of going through
10 the fnish, under penalty of being barred
rom riding on either the grand or national
circuits in subsequent events. The entry
blanks are made out for the whole of the
grand circuit, and entering one race n
equivalent to entering the whole series.
This agreement will undoubtedly have a
tendency to boom racing in the eastern
section of the country. 1t yet remains to
be seen what steps the western people will
take. They will most likely enter into the
new agreement, and make the track own
ers' association all the more powerful
Though the league will undoubtedly lose
control Of racing, the time is yet several
years off. The secession movements which
have been originated, the talk over Sunday
races and all other breaks are only the
precursors Of what is to happen. The
league was originally intended to secure
good roads, and at the present time its
reputation has been secured largely
through It's efforts In controlling cycle rae
ing. The organization is now getting q
membership over the 100000 mark. This
membership has not been secured through
it's control of racing. but more to help along
the ca lse of good roads, a movement for
which all riders are heartily in favor. 1t
Is safe to predict that had as much atten-
ton been paid to the cause of good roads
cation would have been much larger than
at present. 1t is now high time to actively
begin a vigorous crusade for the improve
ment of the highways. With its present
men in it's ranks. the organization ought to
be able to accomplish much good in this
direction. Sooner later It will have 10
relnQuish control of cycle racing. and 1t
Is about time the weaving process was be-
gun.
Among track owners and others there
has always been a sort of feeling against
Of the league. It might be added that dur
ing the past year or SO this feeling has in
creased intensely. II an individual invests
$4,000 or $4,000 In a first-class track he
is most directly interested in the outcome
OF the venture. However. he has very little
say in the matter. The league, which has
no interests NJ all in the track smphatical-