Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1897-10-26
NE" BICYCLE TRACK.
1t Will BE Built at Brirbtwooa
Park,


Ever since the bicycle became prominent
IN TINS city talk has been heard of a new
track Beginning back in the early 9Us
the only track in the District that could
be used for bicycle racing was that of the
1ouhs Mems Christian Association, at 18th
and L streets, where Schade made his
hrst appearance as racer in the meet
of the Victor Cycle Club, of which he was
then member. He succeeded in winning
the club championship There was a track
PRIOR to that time on Analostan Island
where the championship races We're held
during the league meet. The tracks at
Benning and at Ivy City were also in ex-
istence, but hardly ever used for cycle rae
ing.
The next track to appear in the field was
that of the Columbia Athletic Club at Co
lumbia Field, corner of 18th and C streets
This was used for several years until Mr.
W: D Mexican appeared in the local cycling
held, and through his instrumentality the
track at the international Athletic Park
was constructed. For two seasons this
track has almost been exclusively used for
cycling events, because of its good width
and fine banking. Since this track has been
IN operation number of schemes have
been brought to light looking toward the
construction of an additional track One
or two fell through, because of a failure to
secure land suitably located for a track
which could be secured at a reasonable
price.
A movement is now on foot for the con-
struction of a track at the Brightwood
Driving Park. The management has started
IN the project in earnest, and promises
10 10 nave the new course ready for racing
by next spring. AS is well known, there is
a half-mile trotting track at the place
which is used for speeding the horses OF
the local owners. A number of trotting
hay hEa h,lI
ing good crowds. and it is on this calcula-
ton that it is supposed cycle track would
be a good paying Investment.
Inc park is now in the management of
MI John Hayes, who is secretary of the
club He is the prime mover in the new
scheme. and has behind him a good amount
OF capital TO be invested in the new enter
prise The contract for the construction OF
the track has been practically given to AL
bert Gleason & Co., who have agreed to
construct course that will be as fast as
any In the country. The firm have had con-
Siderable experience in this direction. and
express great confidence in their ability to
make good course.
The plans for the new track have not as
yet been fully made out. and a special meet
ing of those interested will be held neyt
week to complete details. The track will
be one-third of mile in length. While 1t
is quite likely that 1t will be dirt track.
something after the order of the course of
the International Athletic Park IL NAV he
that a cement surface will be placed
though the cost of the latter will be treble
or quadruple the cost of dirt surface The
width of the track. while not definitely de-
cided. Will most likely be equal to that OF
the International. the only alteration being
decrease in the width of the homestretch
The site of the new track will be the in
field of the present trotting track, making
two courses on the same grounds. The lay
of the land is such that the track can be
easily located in the infield and there Is
plenty of dirt at hand, requiring very little
hauling or moving.
A combination trotting and bicycle track
will be novelty in the city. In other
cities such tracks exist. but this will be
the first for Washington. The advantage
of a track at this place Is that 1t is much
nearer the heart of the city, and the 14th
street road Is as good as the Conduit road
for riding. in addition to having plenty OF
shade. For bicyclsts and persons attending
the meet in vehicles the site Is an ideal one.
For the general public, who are obliged to
use the cars, a station will be located at
Brightwood and a line of buses will be
run to the park, giving O free ride to
patrons.
The improvements at the park will con-
sist in the grading of the present infield
and the fencing In of the entire property
which extends back to Rock Creek Park
A new grand stand will be erected, capable
OF seating between 1900 and 1900 persons.