The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1899-04-24
THE WHEEL
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS


In spite of the present disarranged
state of cycle racing affairs, with two
great bodies warning for the control of
the sport, this season promises more
real sport and keen competition than
did the cycle racing season of 1898.
This interest is already alive and being
manifested in number of ways. Meets
are being scheduled all over the coun
try, racing men are entering into train
ing with zest, new race promoting as
socia tons are being formed, new tracks
are being constructed in cities hitherto
cold in the cycle racing game, aband-
oned tracks are being reopened, old
timers are again taking lively inter
est in the sport and the two organiza-
tions which control the sport are each
finding difficulty in making places for
the numerous meets scheduled on the
respective circuits.
Larger prizes are being offered more
teams are being employed than last
year and racing in general is to be
confined to a more limited area than
formerly, guaranteeing a larger follow
ing. The Introduction of motorcycle
pace for middle-distance races places
in the field many good riders who will
make their mark at that class of sport
and at the same time clears the way for
a number of riders formerly employed
on the large pacing teams who will now
follow circuit.
The circuit party will be increased,
owing to a determination which has
been reached generally by the pro-
moters to bring about a more equal
division of the money through the in
PRODUCTION of class races and of handi-
caps, in which large purses will be
given The sweepstakes contest will
be popular, and as every racing man is
always willing to take a chance, these
races for large entry fees will prove
popular alike with the riders and the
public.
Is the bicycle cap disappearing?
Judging from the small percentage of
wheelmen who wear the little round
things of cloth with their tiny peaks,
the answer seems to be in the affirma-
tive. 1t was only few years ago when
it was regarded as outrag eouS to go out
on wheel with anything else on the
head than the funny little cap that
makes every one look boyish and undig-
nified. Now it is different. The popu-
larity of the caps is waning rapidly.
Fedora hats are being substituted for
the caps, but while the brims on them
offer protection they are heavy and OPP
pressiVe on a hot day. The ordinary
"knockabout' hats of light weight and
the cavalry style are also worn con-
seems to be room for the development
of something new that is neat and
dresy, while at the same time service
able and COOL
Governor Roosevelt has signed the bill
of Assemblyman Collins prohibiting
siX-day bicycle and other races. The
provisions of the bill are: In a bicycle
race or other contest of skill. speed or
sons shall be a contestant or contest
ants. it shall be unlawful for any con-
| testant to continue in such race or con-
| test for a longer time than - hours
| during any "a" The bill was aimed
| particularly at siX-day continuous BIZ
cycle races and was introduced in the
legislature at Albany at the solicitation
of the League of American Wheelmen.
| Colorado has beaten New York in the
| legal recognition of the bicycle as a
vehicle of utility and the Legislature has
| enacted the following terse but sutfi-
cient law: THE following property,
when owned by any citizen of the state
of Colorado, in addition to the property
now exempt by law. shall be exempt
| from levy and sale upon any execution
or writ of attachment or distress for
rent, and shall continue so exempt, to-
| wit: One bicycle and one sewing ma
| chine rr
A. G. Spalding, one of the leaders in
the prospective bicycle combine, cor
reefs several reports of the combines
| intentions in a note to the Wheel He
says: 1T is not the intention of the
new company to crush anybody, but it
is the hope that with such a combina-
ton many Of the evils that now beset
the bicycle trade can be diminished and
an improved condition all around OBJ
| tanned Knowing as I do the general
intentions of those identified with this
movement, I feel safe in assuring the
bicycle trade generally that the policy
that this new company will adopt will
tend to improve present conditions. be
better for the manufacturers, better for
the agents, better for the parts-makers,
better for the riders and in fact better
for everybody identified with the trade.
MATTERS in connection with the ALL