Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1898-04-23
SOME CYClE G H A I

OF late considerable complaint has been
made against the actions of a crazy man
en- the Bowen road, near the first toll gate.
This road is generally used by wheelmen
in making a trip to Marlboro. The man
is not violent, and what he does he thinks
is for the fun of the thing. The victims.
however in most cases, cannot see the
funny end of the matter, and a bruise or SO
bears out his theory Of the case.
The man in question Is about six feet tall
and very lanky He is undoubtedly resi-
dent Of the locality. A growth OF rather
ragged whiskers covers his face, and when
ever met by bicyclists he carries walking
staff He is considered harmless by the
people of that section of the country other-
wise he would not be permitted to roam
at large.
He has a fancy for striking bicycle riders
as they pass by. Standing on one side OF
the road, he sweeps his stan around ana
the blow is not gentle one one or TWO
riders have been swept from their wheels,
while others have escaped with the blow
On one occasion the staff had fastened TO
the end a door knob, and the ball part was
used to strike a rider. When he hits
wheelman the imbecle laughs loudly, evil
IDENTIFY enjoying it immensely.
Last Sunday some local wheelmen on
their way to Marlboro met the man. 1t
was not the first encounter with him That
neared the toll gate a small boy sitting on
a fence warned the riders to look out for
the man. AS they reached the spot where
the imbecile stood he made sweep with
the staff that would have crippled any per.
son, had the full force of the blow been
received. AS 1t was, the riders succeeded
i'll getting away without being hit, though
pursued short distance by the man. At
Marlboro complaint was made to the town
authorities. and the riders hope that some
action will be taken. The man was not
met on the return trip.
1t is regretted by many that the order
which was recently issued destroyed that
portion of the National Guard of the Dis
trict to which the bicycle company was at
tached as a signal corps. 1t is hoped that
the order will be rescinded. or that au-
thority will be granted TO organize pure
ly bicycle company, to demonstrate the
value Of the wheel in a war. The Miles
Cycle Corps. as 1t was termed had reached
good degree of expertness In the signal
line and general field work. In telegraph
work there were some members of the
corps who are practical experts. Since the
command was changed from a cycle in
fantry to signal corps the members have
drilled quite hard in their new work. Last
season 1t was a common occurrence to take
practice marches Saturday evenings and
remain out In camp over night, returning
the next afternoon. These marches and
drills were of a practical nature, and at
forded the experience Of active campaign
work. For courier duty the command was
also good.
War no war, the dual meet will come
off on May at the campus of Georgetown
University. and the first bicycle races of
the season will be run off. 1t is understood
that there will be a one-mile race and per-
haps five-mile affair. with two or three
mile race as an intermediate event. This
meet will bring out Moran Schade. Danne-
miller and one or two other good local men.
who will don the racing costume for their
first competition event of the year. While
the course may not be any of the best for
bicycle racing, the cycle races will be
watched with interest. While there Is q
good deal of rivalry between Schade and
Moran, Dannemiller is apt to come again to
the fore, as he did last fall. beating out
both of the above-named riders In q race.