The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1897-08-10
THE MEET.
Yesterdays Runs Prevented by Rain-Pro-
granme OF Races for Today-A Eete In
Honor of the Wheelwomeno of the League

|
Yesterdays Runs Prevented by Rain-Pro-
gramme OF Races for Today-A Fete in
Honor Of the Wheelwomaeno of the League
Philadelphia, August 5.-The hustle
and excitement which a prevailed at
the national headquarters OF the
League of American Wheelmen since
threatening clouds and occasional
showers. League members continued
to arrive in large numbers.
During last night there were a num-
Der of heavy downpours Of rain and at
7:45 O'Clock this morning, the time
scheduled for the all-day run to his
toric Valley Forge, there was another
fall of rain which compelled a post
ponement until 8 O'Clock. AT that hour
the eather was SO threatening that it
was decided to abandon the run. The
other scheduled run, starting at 3
o'clock up the Wisshackon valley
through Paramount park, got away on
time, with a large number of riders,
considering the weather.
While the scheduled arrangements
were somewhat interfered with by the
weather, the spirits of the visitors
were in no wise dampened. Between
the showers, which grew lighter as the
day advanced, short runS were taken
in every direction through the city and
suburbs, and refreshments and indoor
amusements were provided in every
bicycle club house in the city.
When the time came for the after
| noon runs through West Fairmount
| park and to the Quaker City club,
along the upper Delaware, the clouds
had disappeared and the sun was shin
ing brightly.
The clear weather continued for the
rest of the day and by midnight there
| was every prospects Of perfect weather
for the trial heats tomorrow morning
and the finals in the afternoon. The
former will begin at 9 o'clock a. M,
and the latter at 3 o'clock. The track
| which is of wood and was built espe-
cially for this years meet, is reported
by the CRACKS who a been riding
on it for the past few days, to be in
| perfect condition. There are three laps
to the mile. The track is tw~enty-four
feet wide and forty feet in the home
stretch. The foundations are six feet
| apart and are Of yellow pine. The
curves have a radius of fOrty-one feet
and there is an elevation Of seven feet,
nine inches. Arrangements have been
completed to have every finish in trials
n finals photographed so as to avoid
disputes.
The list of races for tomorrow with
prizes trials to be run in the morning,
is as follows.
One mile championship (amateur)
men medals.
Two mile handicap (amateur), six
prizes, valued at $35, $25, 500, SIS, $40
and S..
One-third mile scratch (amateur),
four prizes, valued at $35, $25, SIS, $40.
One mile championship profession
aD, regulation League Of American
Wheelmen medals.
One-quarter mile championship (pro-
fessiOnaD, regulation League of Amer
lean Wheelmen medals.
Two mile handicap professionally,
cash, first $3.50, second s75, third $50,
fourth $50, fifth $40, sixth SO.
One mile, 2:O5 class professional,
cash, first 800, second $50, third $35,
fourth 500.
Johnny Johnson, who was injured
yesterday by training at the Willow
Grove track, was about today, but if
the stiffness does not leave him he will
be unable to enter the races.
The second section of the Associated
Cycling Clubs of New York city, which
left Jersey City at $50 o'clock this
morning, arrived here between Z and 8
o'clock tonight. There were forty-eight
starters and all but a few finished.
Among the survivors was Mrs. j. H.
Patenall, of Easton, Pa.
The League of American Wheelmen
ladies auxiliary committee tonight
conducted a fete at Belmont mansion
in Paramount park in honor of the
WheelwOmen from other cities.
Tonight the visiting wheelmen at
tended an all night smoker at the ma
tiOnal headquarters at which a large
and selected programme was rendered.