The record-union., 1898-12-24

built three years ago is twenty-five
miles in length. The Sacramento Coun- |
ty Supervisors We're the first to act un-
der the new law, and several paths have
been constructed by the side of roads
leading from the city. Not only that,
but the city authorities nearly two
years ago set apart sideWay on
principal street running from one end
Of the city to the other, a distance of
more than two miles, for the use Of
wheelmen, and provided the money for
building it. The wheelmen of San
Jose possess one of the best bicycle rae
ing tracks in the United States, but it
will be seen that in the matter of BIZ
cycle paths in the country, for ease
and convenience in recreation or busi
ness trips, they are far behind the
wheelmen of Sacramento County.
=
The Belgian Touring Club compels in
its own rules all its members to use a
brake
The latest thing in gears is the hy-
draulic cycle gear. The power is trans
mitted through q pneumatic tube
from the crank, which acts as a force
pump, on the principle of the hydraulic
press, to a geared hub. The inventor
says that a six-pound pressure on the
pedals will transmit a power of 14O
pounds.
An enthusiast on cycling recently de-
clared that every Improvement notice
able in the cycling world was to be at
ri ld fn ho INF Of o
described how the feminine regard for
daintiness had improved the general at
tractiveness of the machines. to say
nothing Of the appearance of the wheel
men who accompanied them on their
rides.
Major" Taylor, the colored rider,
who has done so we'll on the cycle track
this year, promises to enjoy to the fill
the coming holidays. Taylor's records
have been approved by Chairman Mott
of the Racing Board of the League Of
American WheeImen, and even the
carping foreign critic will hesitate to
discredit them. The records are as fol-
lows: One-quarter mile, against time,
paced, on November 5, 1898, time,
0:22 20; one-third mile, November
18th, time, 0:29 As; one-half mile, No
vember 18th, time, 0:45 4-5; three
fourths mile, November 10th, time,
1:0S %; one mile, November 9th, time,
3:133-5.
While discussing the bicycle in con-
nection with military affairs the discus
sion generally turns to a tire which Will
not puncture A Dresden expert has
invented a tire which is said to be made
with an ordinary outer cover, which in
closes a tire made as to its lower half
of soft spongy rubber, springy and re-
silent, while that half nearest the rim
is made Of solid segments of cork, which
are severed transversely at places, and
act as buffers, receiving the conclusion
of the tire nearest the ground. The tire
may be fitted to a rim, or can be ce-
mented thereto.
The Capital City Wheelmen will elect
officers for the new year very soon
Nominations are in order Monday even
ing. Common prudence should move
the membership to retain President
Goethe. despite his declination. The
experience Of one term peculiarly fits
him for a second, and it is therefore Tor
club interest that he should be chosen
again Illness prevented his active
service for some months the past year,
but his business spirit and foresight
We're executed, just the same. He owes
it to the club, which Is such a valuable
agency for good in the community, 10
serve another term. He has energy
youth, business grasp and caution on
his side-qualities necessary for the OF
flee. Let the membership hold fast TO
him as President another year.
The bearings Of a safety which re-
uuire oiling most frequently are those
of the bottom bracket and back-Wheel
hub, and don't altogether forget the
front wheel.
The Philadelphia Cycle Board of
Trade has finally fixed its show for the
week of February 18th to 25th. 1t will
be held in the Second Regiment Arnory,
Broad and Diamond streets.
The recent census of cyclists in
France. which has been made for pur-
poses of taxation, shows that there are
300, ,649 owners of machines.
The name of Thomas Stevens will be
remembered by many cyclists as that OF
the man who first rode a bicycle around
the world. This feat was accomplished
more than twelve years ago. Stevens
rode a f1fty-inch bicycle, and it took
him nearly three years to accomplish
his task. He does not cycle now at all,
but is connected with the theatrical pro-
fession He was acting manager Of the
Royalty Theater in London during the
run of 1.-THE Chile Widow" and married
sister Of Miss Violet Vanbrugh, the
actress.