The Saint Paul globe., 1899-07-01

NEW YORK, June 3O-Charles M.
Murphy, of the Kings County Wheelmen,
rode a mile on bicycle paced by a loco
motive in 81 4-5 seconds today. His course
Was two-nile board track, on a siding
of the Long Island railroad. Murphy fol-
lowed an engine and a day coach, the
latter being provided with a hood which
acted as a wind shield for the rider.
The board track was laid near haywood,
Long Island, and extended from that sta
ton two miles east, and was as nearly
perfect to a level as skill could make it.
Fully 5000 people saw Murphy make his
daring ride.
Engineer Sam Booth had his hands on
the throttle OF engine IA when the word
was given to start ten minutes past 5.
The engine started at a rapid rate and
before 400 yards had been traversed was
running at a rate of more than fifty
miles an hour Murphy was keeping we'll
within the hood.
AS they neared the beginning ofthe
mile stretch the pace was a mile min
ute, and a cloud of dust obscured the
rider from the view of the spectators,
who lined the banks on either side. En.
tering on the space which would test his
speed, Murphy, in reply to a query shout
ed, I'm all right, send her along,' but
there was no necessity for his remarks
regarding speed, as the engineer was
sending the big steam flyer along at top
speed.
The quarter was reached in IL seconds
and the half in 2S 20. The timers for the
three-quarters were Messrs. Bieges and
Stoll, the former registering A and the
latter 49 As. At the finish two of the
watches showed 81 49, one 81 3-5, another
rs and the fifth 57%, which was held by
Sheriff Creamer. The timers agreed that
Murphy had covered the distance in 81 As
seconds.
MURPHY'S GREAT PERIL.
Those on the back platform who watch-
ed Murphy all through his wonderful
ride, stated that the riders handle bar
had knocked against the rubber buffer at
least six times, and each time the con-
cussion sent him back fully six feet, but
Murphy always had strength enough to
regain this distance.
During tho last quarter of a mile the
rider covered the ground for the greater
part fully wheels length outside Of the
hood, but as he passed the finish he was
close up. Just then two strong men on
board the train reached down and seized
the rider by either arm and lifted him
aboard the car In safety. Their action
undoubtedly saved Murphy's life because
he was then in such weak condition
that had he been allowed to remain OH
the wheel he would have been unable to
control 1t, and a serious, If not fatal
accident might have happened.
Murphy was carried to the front part
of the car and laid on a cot, where a
physician 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 Queriss as to why he fell
back so many times:
L did that so that might not come in
contact with the planks which were be-
ing torn in front Of me-"
Later on however, he did not refer to
this, but said continually:
Boys, I've always felt that I could do
this. Now that l have done II l am
satisfied and so are many Others
Before the train had reached Babylon.
Murphy had regained his normal condi-
tion.
Murphy rode a 2s-inch wheel, geared to
l2O, 612 crank hangers. and the weight Of
the machine was 2O1R pounds