The Washington times., 1907-12-29
UBLIC AND PRIVATE PARKS FOR SPORTS BADLY NEEDED

Washington motorists invaded all the
highways and byWays or Man vland and
Virginia as well as acc complishing the
feat OF making long runs to New York
and the New England States The de-
Yelopment OF the possibilities or the
auto along the line OF making runs sole
ly for pleasure received a big boost.
largely through the publicity given this
feature In the columns of The Times.
which has become the recognized au-
thority on motoring in the District
Western Maryland was a favOrite des-
tination for those making one-day runs.
and Loudoun county Va, was close
and Baltimore is probably one of the
most frequented lOng-distance highways
in the South.
Many Long Tours.
But the most substantial departure
from the idea that the auto was good
only for business purposes and shopping
expeditions was IN the long distance
tours Of from 500 up to 2.O00 or 3t.5
miles. Almost weekly The Times auto
page recorded one or more motorists
who were of for the New England
States. The trips to New York and 10
Atlantic City were even more numerous.
A typical run was that made by two
Central Palace auto show in New York
representative Of The Times accom-
panied the party.
The one-day trips were encouraged
and promoted by The Sunday Times
auto tours taken weekly, a detailed ac-
count of which was published every
Sunday, accompanied by a map OF the
route and photographs taken on the
way. These proved invaluable 10 those
who were not so well acquainted with
the roads and possibilities for touring
in this vicinity and furnished valuable
suggestions for hundreds OF trips.
Times Starts Movement.
When the subject Of a competition
came up, II was found that Washington
the matter, and The Times again blazed
the way. The sealed bonnet run was
the result. Twenty-nine cars entered
and sixteen came out with clean scores.
result which not even the most san.
guine dared hope for. considering the
miserable weather and muddy roads
The consensus Of the dealers opinion
OF this contest was that il was the
biggest thing for the trade ever pulled
on in Washington and that IL was OF
| far-reaching benefit 10 the automobile
interests in general
The substantial progress made in the
matter Of sales alone is attested by the
numerous makes which nave acquired
agencies IN this city since last January.
have developed just as rapidly for five
new garages have opened their doors
this year. and are now doing a capacity
business.
Motor Cycling Growing.
A review Of motoring would hardly be
complete without some mention Of the
motorcycle branch. II possible the
cycles have taken even more rapid
strides than the auto because the bust
ness Is younger.
Short runs were taken weekly all
summer b. the Columbia motorcycle
club. From ten 10 thirty motorcyciists
were wont TO make the Sunday runs
under the auspices Of the club, and
nearly as many more made independent
trips 20 out OF the way places not easily
accessible with an automobile and TOO
far 20 be reached on a bicycle.
The motorcycliSts had planned 70 hold
road race OF their own on the day
OF The Times run. The weather pre-
postponed until the following Saturday.
when the roads were even worse and
the scheme was laid on the shelf for
, the winter.
Roaa Races.
Rad races to Baltimore between mo
torcycles were frequent, and there
seems to ne some dispute over the hold
er Of the title for speed between the
two cities. Hostiliues nave been called
of until spring. when a free-for-an
race IS planned the winner Of which
viii be the undisputed record holder for
the fastest time between the two sister
cities.
The Capital City has forced itself in
TO public notice as an automobile city
In no undecided manner, and its place
on the automobile map is permanently
assured.