Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1899-07-01
MILE, 81 As SEC.
Wonderful Feat of Charles NJ.
Murphy, the Bicyc|ist.
Paced by Train He Wheels a
Mile in 81 AS Seconds.
Bumps Into Car Several Times-tast Quarter
in 10 As Sec.

New York, June 30-CharleS NJ. Muir
ply of the Kings County Wheelmen,
rode mile on a bicycle, paced by Il
locomotive, in ~ - seconds, today.
His course was 2-mile board track
on siding of the Long Island Rail
road Murphy followed an engine ana
a coach. the latter being provided with
hood which acted as wind shed for
the rider. The board track was laid
near haywood Long Island, extended
from that station two miles east and
was as level as skill could make ii.
Fully 5000 persons saw Murphy make
his daring ride.
Engineer Sam Booth had his hand on
the throttle of Engine a when the word
was given to start at 80. The engine
started At a rapid rate ana before 400
yards had been traversed was running
al the rate of more than 30 miles an
hour. Murphy was keeping will within
the hood.
As they neared the beginning of the
marked mile stretch, the pace was
mile a minute. ana d cloud Of dust OBJ
secured the rider from the view Of the
spectators who lined the banks on
either side Entering Oh the space
which would test his speed. Murphy in
reply to a query shouted: I'm all
right, send her along" but there was
no necessity for his remarks regard
ing speed: as the engineer was send
ing the big steam flyer along. at top
speed.
The quarter was reached in l. sec
onds and the half in % 2-5. The timers
for the three quarters ,wera Dieges and
Stoll. the former registering A and the
latter IS 4-5 At the finish two Of the
watches showed 81 40. one ~ BID ard
another IS and the fifth 81 %, which
was held by Sheriff Dreamer. The
timers agreed that Murphy mad coy
cred the distance in - a. seconds.
Those on the back platform who
watched Murphy all through his Won
lerful ride stated that the riders han
die bars had knocked against the rub
Der buffer at least six times and each
time the concession sent him back full
six feet. but Murphy always mad
strength enough to regain the distance
During the last quarter Of mile the
rider covered the ground for the great
or part fully a wheels length outside Of
he hood. but as H. passed the finish
he was close w.
lust then TWO strong men on the
train reached down ana seized the
rider by either arm and lifted him
aboard the car in safety. Their action
undoubtedly saved Murphy's life, be-
cause he was in such a weak condition
that had he been allowed t. remain on
the wheel he would never have been
able to control it and serious. if not
fatal accident might have happened.
Murphy was carried to the front part
Of the car ana laid on a cot, where Dr.
Holly administered to him and in less
than five minutes the cyclist was able
to converse with those around him.
Murphy seemed dazed at first and
said in answer to queries as To why
he fell back 50 many times. Il did that
so that | might not come in contact
with the 'planks which We're being torn
up in front Of me-
Later. however. he did not refer to
this. but said: Boys. I've always felt
that l could do this. Now that | have
done it, l am satisfied and SO are many
others"
Before the train had reached Baby
lon. Murphy had regaincd his normal
condition.
Murphy rode a 2S-inch wheel. geared
to 100, six and half crank hanger. and
the weight of the machine was 20 l.
pounds.