The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1899-05-23
LEE RICHARDSON
HAS BEEN SECURED
He VIII be Leading Attraction of
the Bicycle Races.
SOMETHING OF HIS HISTORY
Great Preparations Being Mode for the
Opening OF the Coliseum Events
Pursuit Race Will be One
of the Novelties
SOMETHING OF HIS HISTORY

Lee Richardson is to appear at the Coli
scum track bicycle races Thursday and Fri
day nights in his wonderful exhibitions of
trick and fancy riding. A wire from him
to his manager, w. H. Perkins, yesterday
afternoon conveyed the information that no
had succeeded in canceling his engagement
in Terre Haute. Ind, for next Friday, and
the only obstacle that threatened to pre-
vent his coming to Birmingham was re-
moved.
Young Richardson is the son of L. M.
Richardson the Chicago millionaire cycle
manufacturer, and is undoubtedly at the
head of the trick riders of both continents,
having repeatedly defeated the best of them
in contests. His prolonged engagement at
Hamrnerste'n's Olympia theatre in New
York and atthe Empire in London created
somewhat of a sensation in the show world
4 as fancy cyclists were not thought to pos
sess a sufficient amount of magnetism to
entertain an audience week after week.
Richardson's point of superiority over the
rest of the aspirants seems to be in his abil-
ity to blend grace and hard work with the
finish of an artist. The lad is slim and
wiry and puts on more tricks of agility than
are far more elaborate than the majority
of the wardrobes of stars of the stage, and
his repertoire of tricks is practically mex
haustabie His every movement is the en-
bodiment of grace. He never wears tho
same costume the second time in the same
city, and he can give dozen exhibitions
without repeating any of his tricks pre-
viously used. Aside from his professional
ability he is a thorough gentleman,
graduate of the University of Chicago and
a modest, unassumlng young fellow, devoid
of the customary swelled head that usually
accompanies such a success as he has
scored. Manager John Snider. of the Rae
ing association, has secured his appearance
at q figure that necessitates a crowded
grand stand, but with the appreciative pop
ulation Birmingham boasts of, the promo
tiers need hardly feel uneasy over the finan-
cial outcome. Mr.. Richardson will give two
exhibitions each night. He arrives tomor-
row afternoon on the Louisville and Nash
vile from Chicago, and will be quartered
at the Morris. the guest of Mr.. Snider.
b. A game of basket ball will be put on In
the arena, which will be brilliantly ilumi-
mated, between races, between the Birming
ham Athletic club teams. There will be
three amateur races each night and a pur-
suit race will be put on as a special attrac-
tion Friday night.
This style of a race will be distinct nov
city In this. section, two riders starting from
opposite sides of the track and will continue
to ride until one overtakes the other.
The entry list is swelling each day, and
from present indications extra heats will
have to be added to allow all the contest
ants to compete with safety. Races will be-
gin promptly at S:15, as the program is an
exceedingly long one. Memolis band will
furnish music A street parade will be given
each evening of the races at 6:15.