The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1897-01-16
THE WHEELMEN.

4O-QdJ OSCuIS buO OASEOoS NSN4AAfo %AASNS
ever known in the history of the State.
The first blue-ribbon meet ever held mere
is to be given at the Velodrome track this
afternoon, and that it has struck popu-
lar chord is evidenced by the immense
entry list of riders and an unprecedented
advance sale of seats.
The benefit is for the North California
Division League of American WheeImen.
The National assembly OF the parent body
is 10 convene in Albany, n. Y, early next
month, and the North California division
has several requests to ask of it for the
good of the cyclists OF this State. The
board of officers realized that the only
way to get proper recognition was by send
ing a delegation there, and 1t is Tor this
purpose that the blue-rlbboD meet was ar
ranged. The treasury of the division,
while having some funds in 1t, was not
sufficiently plethoric TO admit of standing
the expense, so the mem bers, riders, deal
ers and every one interested were asked to
stand inland they have done it with
will. The track was donated by the Velo-
drome, the printing, advertising and
music were free by courtesy OF different
people, and the riders themselves agreed
to ride, and to ride their very best at that,
for blue ribbons as prizes Every thing, IN
fact, is free, except admission to the races.
mere IS 1OG q pass SAbdHts LIVELY SOI14"
petitor, official and spectator Will pay at
The gate and paper" will be nonentity.
Furthermore, the largest crowd OF the
season and the best races as well are anti
cipated. and altogether it promises TO be
great meet from every point Of view.
The track is at Fell and Baker streets,
and the races will be called at 2 O'Clock
this afternoon promptly. Up to the noon
hour seats can be had at Sherman IL
Claws; and after that time at the track.
The two professional events will be one
third mile scratch and half-mile nandi-
cap, and the two amateur events a one
third mile scratch and two-thirds mile
handicap. Then there will be the Velo-
drome Shield race between D. E. Whit
man of Los Angeles and q. E. Dow of
Seattle and other features which will
combine to make most interesting after
moons sport.
The local riders and officials are an
noyed at the lack OF support the have re-
ceived for this meet from the Garden City
Cyclers OF San Jose. AS one gentleman.
who does not wish bis name used, said :
while the meet will be an unqualified
success without their support, still We feel
that they should have sent US their riders
and done everything to help the thing
along as the benefits we expect 10 derive
from favorable legislation from the Ma
tional body will be more to the Garden
City Cyclers than to any club in the State,
as they own their own track and have
such large mem bership. They only sent
US one actual entry and two others who
wanted to star when they were not stars
themselves. [ really wonder if they ex-
pect US to help them any,"
This speaker expressed the sentiments
of many others whom [ have spoken to
regarding the meet. There was almost
unanimous support from the dealers, who
contributed toward the souvenir pro-
gramme and took quantities of seats be-
sides. The local clubs also took blocks OF
seats, and will cut an important factor in
the cheering when any of their respective
men win. The Cycle Board of Trade has
two boxes for its officers and delegates.
The prizes to be given the men are quite
artistic, and are the handiwork of the
Hancock brothers. Jules IS the secretary
of the Associated Cycling Clubs, and
Victor represents the mem bership COM
mittee OF the league. The. first prizes
will be blue ribbons, prin ted and tasseled
with gold. The ribbons for second prizes
will be red, and white will represent third
money" 1t is not for their intrinsic
value that the riders want them, there
fore, but for the prestige Of winning them
at this particular meet aud before the
immense audience that will attend il.
Charles S. Wells ana w. a. ("Bob")
Terrill have just received the prizes won
by them at Denver meet over a pear ago.
w ell2 WON 9lOU UlanOuQ anu 16TrlIl a
$75 one. The meet was not a financial
success ana they did not get their win
nings. The club was suspended from
sanction privileges by the racing board
until the prizes were paid. Such is the
protection the League of American Wheel
men affords its racing men. The men
have now received their prizes and the
club will probably be restored to good
standing.
E. II. Stoddard is making a trip through
some of the northern counties on bust
ness.
The Imperial Cycling Club will hold
mem bers meeting next Monday night.
The billiard tournament at the club is
drawing 10 close and a whist tourna-
ment is being arranged. The clubs fourth
party Will take place next Tuesday even
ing at Native Sons Hall. The party will
be a social success and the proceeds there
from will be used to defray the expenses
of building the. gymnasium recently
added to the clubhouse. The mem bers
will attend the L. A. w. races at the Velo-
drome to-day in large numbers to shout
for their clubmates.
The Bay City Wheelmen will have a
cribbage tournament in the near future
something which the members have been
wanting for long time Already MANY
a two handed practice game may be seen
around the clubrooms evenings, and one
hears more about "fifteen-two 'fiftee n-four
and one for his hat" tnan about bicycling
nowadays.
The Alameda Cyclers have little social
function planned for Friday evening, Jan.
uary 90, in the form of an entertainment
and musicale. Tie club is in a prosper
Gus condition.
George E. Dixon, the popular announcer
and tandem champion, who has Just re-
turned from Sacramento, says that the
Capital City Wbeelmen there are in q
fourishing condition. Many improve.
ments have recently been made in the
clubroooms, and the membership has in
creased materially. The club will enter q
team in the next relay in April.
The East Oakland Wheelmen's enter
tainment and dance is set for next Frid ay
evening" January %, and the cycling cir
cles of Oakland will be represented on
that occasion. An excellent programme
has been prepared. The affair will be
held at Washington Hall, Sixth avenue
and Twelfth street.
R. NJ. Thompson, the well-known
dealer OF Fresno and member of the State
racing board is in the City, partly on busi-
ness and partly to attend the league meet
at the Velodrome to-day.
c. E. Martllng, the Crimson Rim man,
arrived from Los Angeles Thursday night