The Bicycling World, Vol 13, No 1
Articles in this issue
- The editors reaffirm their backing of the L.A.W. as the only national cycling organization, urging all American cyclists to unite behind it despite occasional editorial disagreements.
- A humorous recipe for manufacturing spring cycling poetry is offered, poking fun at the flowery, formulaic verse that fills the cycling press each season.
- A brief note reports that the Overman vs. Pope Manufacturing suit over the Bown patent is postponed, with racing at Hampden Park being arranged for the upcoming season.
- At the annual meeting of the Ames Manufacturing Company in Boston, two tickets competed: one sympathetic to Overman (the victors, comprising Aretas Blood, Isaac Sweetser, Wm. Sewall, Bradford, and Gaylord) and an anti-Overman ticket presented by A.C. Woodward that included A.A. Pope; the Overman-aligned ticket won.
- A.M. Hill and party departed New Orleans on 25 April for the 1,500-mile tour to Boston, with the party reduced to three riders including C.M. Fairchild of the New Orleans Bicycle Club on a Rudge light roadster and H.W. Fairfax, with the New Orleans Picayune reporting great crowds seeing them off.
- A column reports that Jack Prince rides fastest to Yankee Doodle; Woodside got himself disliked by winning his last race; Weber and Kluge feel their 50-mile record will stand; Phil Hammel of Chicago is willing to race Schock; and much fun is expected at the League business meeting over the amateur question.
- A satirical poem provides a recipe for creating a makers' amateur from a cycling fiend, calling for bluster, a drop of Ducker, rich aunts, a suspicion of speed, essence of Prince mixed with Furnivall, tincture of Johnny L. Sullivan, and a trusting-to-luck that the League will be lenient.
- Details and enthusiasm for the L.A.W. annual meet to be held in Boston, noting that arrangements are complete and visitors can expect a full program of events.
- The editors discuss the ongoing controversy over the League's Racing Board and candidates for the L.A.W. presidency, including comments on Mr. Ducker's nomination.
- Suburban innkeepers are increasingly welcoming cyclists as a source of revenue, and the editors hope the growth of wheelmen patronage will spur more roadside accommodation.
- A trade reporter visits Harry Corey at Stoddard, Lovering and Co. — showing the first Rudge Light Roadster ever brought to America, now 7,000 miles old but looking like 7 — then the Pope Manufacturing Company, where new safety and two-track ladies' machines are promised in two weeks and a mystery racer is hinted at.
- A long article argues the Sociable is the superior vehicle for ladies over the Tandem, praising its accurate steering, complete stability on the fastest coasts, freedom from capsizes, and comfortable pace, while conceding the Tandem's speed and noting that a hill a Sociable cannot surmount is better not essayed by a lady rider at all.
- Results from British meetings include the half-mile tricycle Ranelagh Silver Challenge Cup (50 guineas), won by H.A. Speechly of Ranelagh Harriers by a head over Percy Furnival in a brilliant finish at 41 minutes 44 seconds, Speechly having won it twice before it now becomes his property; also the Prince-Woodside race at Minneapolis, won by Woodside.
- A round-up of news from cycling clubs across New England, including the Massachusetts Bicycle Club's position opposing a brass band in the League Meet parade.
- A supplement reports that England's National Cyclists' Union, which had suspended suspected makers' amateurs, rescinded the suspensions after only about three weeks, surprising American cyclists who had expected vigorous action; the editors note this back-down will influence the American amateur question.