The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1899-10-22
THE WHEEL


Wheeling as a popular pastime has
passed it's meridian, and is putting on
the "sere and yellow Leaf as unmis-
taxable as nature. Whether it Will
initiate nature and bloom in the spring
remains to be seen. At present the
prospect is not as cheering as could
be wished In Omaha and vicinity
wheel riding is steadily decreasing
says the Omaha Bee. Streets and high
ways which were thronged with riders
two years ago are now all but desert
ed. Riders are few and far between.
most of them SO forlorn that they ride
soberly lest the whirr of the wheel
arouse the ghosts of former days. Like
conditions prevail all over the coun-
try. The New York World says, IN
that vicinity "the finest wheeling
weather brings with it the melancholy
conviction that the bicycle is declin--
ing in public favor. That the wheel
should disappear from the crowded
streets of Manhattan was to be ex-
pected and desired Thereby is exist
ence made safer alike for those who
ride and for those who dodge the rid
ers. 1t was also to be expected that
the exclusive haunts of fashion should
quickly drop a form of exercise which
permits of no distinction between fash
ionable and questionable people. But
the real loss of popularity is not linn
tied by these conditions. The SUBURBAN
roads of Long Island and New Jersey
which witnessed the growth and glory
of wheeling are now watching its de-
cay. 1t is melancholy not merely as
an Illustration of the fickleness of the
public taste, but chiefly as an evidence
of the inability of the average Amer
lean to enjoy life
Jimmy" Michael the Welsh rider,
intends to take up cycle racing again
this winter although last spring it
was announced that in the future ne
would devote his time to horse racing.
Michael made a small fortune in cycle
racing and visions of big purses are
probably the cause of his intention to
return to this game There are, how
ever, many racing experts who say
that Michael will not have such an
easy time in gathering in purses as
when he was in such popular favor
few years ago. Several other aspirants
for the middle distance championship
honors have come to the front since
Michael's retirement and all of these
have beaten the records established by
him when he was defeating all COM
ers. Harry Elkes and E. A. McDuffie
have each made better time In middle
distance races. Michael will find it an
arduous task TO get back into form.
Most of Mchaers record rides were
trainers predict that behind motor
pace, as used at present, he will ride
a bit faster than some of the present
champions. Michael will take part in
several match races at Madison Square
Garden this winter. The American
Cycle Racing association also intends
to hold a six-days' race, complying
with the new law in every detail. There
will be two relays, each riding - hours
a day.
Few riders have failed to notice that
the most comfort is had with tires that
are trifle soft. particularly if the
road is rough. Yet the same tire rid
den on good roads will give anything
but enjoyable results. 1t will drag,
this hard running increasing in more
than due proportion the better the road
becomes 1t is interesting to take a
tire and pump it hard, and then, as
the air slowly escapes, notice the
change that takes place. 1t will be
uncomfortable riding for a few days
unless the roads are as level as asphalt.
After a little air has escaped and the
riding is done over ordinary roads the
tires become Just right" neither so
hard as to be bunny nor soft enough
to give too much in going over a cross
ing. A slightly debated tire is a dis
agreeable reminder occasionally that
the rim is very close to the ground,
and too, a slightly debated tire is not
so easily punctured by small stones
very frequently ridden over on macad-
am roads.
A novel bicycle will be exhibited at
the coming show in London, which has
a twin driving wheel-that is, in place
of the single back wheel, there are two
wheels eight inches apart on the one
hub, the chain engaging sprocket be-
tween the two wheels. 1t is not
tricycle., for although on the level the
rider is supported by both the back
wheels, in going round a corner only
the wheel on the inside of the curve
touches the ground.
Meanwhile the bicycle trust is plan
ming to save the trade" by rushing
the small fry to the wall. AS is usual