The sun., 1898-03-09
CYCLING.

The announcement made by bicycle
dealers that this season will be one OF
the biggest in the history Of the pastime
is not exaggerated. The vast army that
took advantage OF really the first ideal
cycling day Of the year on Sunday last
proves the truth OF their assertions. For
furl her proof it is only necessary to visit
the headquarters and agents stores of
the different manufacturers, where every
thing is hustle and hustle. The poet
looking for the first signs Of Spring has
only to watch the crowds that gather in
front OF every cycle store window and
critically survey the wheels and parts
thereof.
Dealers are unanimous in the belief
that the popularity which the wheel will
attain this season has been caused by
the reduction Of the prices. The popu-
lar priced wheel has especially appealed
to the great many people heretofore op-
posed to the burying Of 500 in the pur-
chase OF a twO.wheeled machine, which
they thought was not worthy OF it. Then
too, the argument has also been ad-
vanced by the non.ridcrs that there was
nothing but work in the propelling OF a
bicycle and the pleasure said to be de-
rived was only the thoughts Of an i'm
aglmtivc mind. Very few such argu-
ments are heard this year, the supposi-
ton being that life without bicycle is
without much pleasure.
Tom Cooper will 60 to Hot Springs,
Ark, this week tu begin training for
the coming season. After two weeks
work there he will 60 to Chester Park,
Cincinnati, to put on the finishing
touches on the cement track at that
place. His trainer informs us that
Cooper is in better form than at any
time since 'M when he was the undis-
putcd champion.
There is possibility that former
Champion "Jim' CorMtt will desert
his theatrical enterprises and put his de-
sire for Bob Fitzsimmon's scalp aside,
for ime in order to become champion
racing cyclist. lie has not tipped his
friends off to that effect as yet, but he
has secured racing suit and a real rae
ing wheel with drop handle bars, which
speaks volumes.
Edward Taylore, the French middle
distance champion, and lIarcy Elkes, of
q ems Falls n. V. will meet some time
late in March in a tiftceli-mile paced race
in Jacksonville, Florida. for purse.
Owing to the lack of paccmakers in Flor
ida each man will be allowed only ten
men as pace, each having five tandem
teams.
On March Il Charles W. Miller, win
ner of the six-day r,ce, will try for the
lOO-milc paced American record.
Edward S. Edwards, the young man
of New York, who is cndcavoring to
ride one hundred miles each day during
the present year, and who went to Wash
. ington in order to get the benefit Of the
good roads system there and the mild
climate, is keeping up his task, regard
less of the weather conditions. 50 far
, Edwards has ridden sixty seven cen
. turics, or 600 miles, a good seasons
record for The great majority Of mileage
. ficnds.
Bcllcair, Fla, has been deserted by all
the racing men, and st. Augu-tine sub
T sticnrd rs the training quarters, which
, place will now be- the center oI attrac-
: ton.
1t is reported that q. ;. l'tlnnc!l will
manage Joe Nrnirr the coming season
| and his frs, move vii! br to send him
, against Starbuck in a mjddlr-di-tanr'
| race,