The record-union., 1897-12-25
CYCLERS' COLUMN.
AN ELECTION-NEW WHEEL
FRAMES-WHEEL PATHS.
OF Brakes-Map Distributions
High Frames-Heel Clips
Mud Guards.

The Capital City Wheelmen will elect
officers under the new constitution
January Sd. 1t seems to be well set
tied that c. M. Goethe. present Club
Treasurer will be chosen President and
that Captain Shaw Will be selected
unanimously for the Captaincy he now
SO ably fills. 1t goes without saying
that J. T. Sheehan will be reelected
Secretary. For the other offices there
will be a generous and good fellowship
miX-up.
A cycle invented by Mikael Petersen
is attracting considerable attention at
the national show now in progress at
the Crystal Palace, in London
The frame is constructed on the can
tilever principle, consists of twenty-one
perfect triangles, IS made entirely OF
steel and will take any sort OF wheels,
spindles or chains; if necessary the ma
chine can be arranged as cnalnleSS
.ycle A feature of the machine is the
seat-not a hard saddle, but a nam
mock" or network" seat, which can
never become hard or too wide at any
point, although il gives the rider more
space than any other seats can possibly
afford.
In Indianapolis, says the Buffalo TX
press a large stock company has been
formed, the object of which is to I'M
prove suburban paths, and through the
efforts of this league cycle path, ex-
tending from Eighth street to Broad
Ripple, a distance Of nine miles, was
last year completed, which is now pro-
nounced by competent critics to be the
finest in the world.
In its construction the old toW-path
of an abandoned canal was utilized,
and as it is some distance from any
carriage drive or highway, there IS en-
tire freedom from dust, even in the
driest weather The drainage is so per-
feet that no amount of rain ever makes
the track heavy.
On the left the White River Wlnds
lazily along, separated from the pain
only by a fringe of slender trees ana
bushes-a natural screen, which casts
shadows like delicate lace curtains
along the way-and always the breeze
comes cool and refreshing across the
water. At intervals rustic benches
form attractive resting places. Half
way out are the Golden Springs. Wnere
cups are conveniently placed for the
use of thirsty travellers. The eye IS con-
tinually charmed by some new and
lovely scene revealed at every curve of
the winding way.
The wheelway of the Capital City
Club leading from Sacramento to Fol
som is now in especially fine condition
and speedier than ever.
Cycle path construction along the
lines of country roads will be pushed
more vigorously in 1898 than ever be-
fore From the practical experience
thus far gained it is shown that the best
surface for cycle paths is composed OF
a thin dressing of crushed sandstone.
This material packs easily, forms
smooth, elastic surface, with just
enough grit to bite the tire and pre-
vent slipping, drains quickly, resists the
formation of mud and for ten months
in the year supplies an ideal wheelway.
1t is superior to the cinder surface IN
that the latter sticks to the rubber tire
and is easily picked up and loosened by
passing wheels, and in dry weather is
blown off and scattered by strong
Winds A cycle path should be not less
than five feet (better six feeD in its
narrowest part.
The Executive Committee OF the
League of American Wheelmen has ar
ranged for the purchase Of large sup
ply of maps from the Geological Sur
vey Department of the United States
Government and will dispose of these
maps among State divisions where they
can be used to facilitate touring and en-
courage the recruiting work of division
officers. These maps are of the fin
est quality, being made at great cost
from accurate Government surveys
They show all roads and streets. town
and county lines, and even the location
of houses and other buildings, and are
therefore splendidly adapted to the
wants of touring cyclists. These maps
are being mounted on muslin and folded
in convenient form for the pocket, and
viii be ready for general distribution
by February.
In the development OF bicycle acces-
sories the brake has come in recently
for a large share of attention. The
customary front wheel brake, with its
awkward lever and other drawbacks,
has been in use so long that riders gem
orally have become satisfied with IL to