The Wheel: Journal of Bicycling, Vol 10, No 2
Articles in this issue
- Editorial critique of the L.A.W. Racing Board's 1886 rule changes, objecting to the ban on records made on board tracks or against time, arguing that time-trial efforts demand more sustained discipline than mass-start races.
- The editor challenges the Chairman of the L.A.W. Racing Board to publicly engage with calls for a liberalised Maker's Amateur definition, criticising his dismissal of reformers who seek modification rather than abolition of the Racing Board.
- Comment on the Pennsylvania L.A.W. Division Nominating Committee's decision to drop H. S. Wood of Philadelphia, whose satirical 'Men I Have Met' column in the Bulletin made him enemies despite his acclaimed Pa. and N. J. Road Book.
- The paper endorses Burley B. Ayers as a strong candidate for L.A.W. President, crediting him with securing railroad rights for members and organising the Big Four Tours.
- Brief notice welcoming Abbot Bassett's new paper The Cycle on its first appearance, and previewing the American Wheelman road race on the 26th, listing 23 entrants including C. E. Kluge, Geo. E. Weber, and L. D. Munger.
- Boston correspondent C. S. H. covers the Racing Board's forthcoming new suspension list, Jack Prince departing for Minneapolis to train with Eck ahead of his race against Neilson, and the formation of the East Cambridge Cycling Club with H. A. Liedhard as president.
- Report on the Cleveland Bicycle Club's masquerade carnival at Le Grand Rink on 31 March, drawing 2,000 spectators; highlights include a mile safety race won by A. E. Sprackling in 3m 20s and a fancy riding exhibition by Taylor Boggis.
- Short notices on cycling trade activity: Spalding Bros. in New York taking on the Star agency with C. E. Kluge assisting, Renton & Co. reporting a brisk season for Club and Royal Mail machines, and Gormully & Jeffery overwhelmed with orders for the New Champion in Minneapolis.
- Reprint (credited to The Cycle) of the L.A.W. Racing Board's revised rules, including new class-race definitions with qualifying time tables, updated championship distances (20-mile bicycle, 2- and 5-mile tricycle), and the requirement that start and finish be judged by the front wheel.
- Miscellaneous items from across the country including Hunger's 50-mile world record at New Orleans (3h 2m 34s), Albert Schock's long-distance record on an American Champion at Minneapolis, the annual meeting of the Star Wheel Club of Cleveland, and Rich and Valentine's victories at the Seventh Regiment Armory games in New York.
- Brooklyn correspondent 'Tattler' covers Kings County Wheelmen plans for a June race meet, the arrival of the club's Home Trainer, the Brooklyn Bicycle Club's growing membership of 50, and debate over whether the N.Y. & N.J. Road Racing Association should hold its Decoration Day race in Boston.
- Letter from G. Carleton Brown, President of the Elizabeth Wheelmen, clarifying that his club entered the Team Road Racing Association as road riders rather than racers, and that they will field a team against the Kings County Wheelmen regardless of the likely outcome.
- Report on the Nashville Bicycle Club's reception at 23 North Summer Street on 30 March, featuring home-trainer races won by E. D. Fisher and an Indian club display by George H. Hammersley, Jr.
- Description of the 'Cyclone' lever-driven safety bicycle invented by Messrs. Yost and McCune of Springfield, claimed to prevent headers; the Pope Manufacturing Company has arranged to build it under royalty in a high-grade finish.