Page:The fastest bicycle rider in the world - 1928 - Taylor.djvu/21



As I look back over my eventful career of seventeen years bicycle racing, replete with unique experiences, thrills and hardships, and the interesting part I played in the history of the great game, after having gained all the triumphs, gold, and glory possible to obtain in that line of the sport, I find that my name is now and then mentioned among that steadily increasing list of notables, placed in the immortal cycle hall of fame, commonly known as "Old Timers." I was finally beaten fairly and squarely once at least by one who is destined eventually to trim even the best of us. I refer to the mightiest champion of them all, and one who needs no introduction—"Father Time."

During my turn as champion cyclist I out-gamed and out-sprinted him over and over again, and occasionally after handing him a very bad beating I was even conceited enough to give him the laugh, but somehow he didn't seem to mind it at all. I fancy I can see him even now just plugging along steadily, with that grim expression on his face, trying to overtake me. But alas, however, the scene is changed, the table is turned, not only has he overtaken me, but has actually passed me by, and is still gaining upon me at every revolution of the pedals, for "Time Eventually Wins."

One thing, however, he was at least decent about it, and just like the good old sport that he is, he didn't give me the laugh as he speeded past me, or stop to remind me of how I used to poke fun at him. No, "Father Time" was more considerate, he let me down easy.

I tried to take my licking gracefully however, because after all is said, done, and written, I rather consider it an honor to be defeated by him and by no means a disgrace; as a matter of choice I would much prefer defeat at his hands than by "Kid Nicotine," or flattened by that other frightful bogy—old "John Barleycorn," who has the reputation of having floored more great athletes, world-beaters, and in fact people in all walks of life than perhaps any other adversary in the world.

However, I can boast of having had at least the most "colorful" if not the most unique career of any person that ever won a World's Championship title, and now I have a wonderful message for any youth aspiring to an athletic career if he will only accept it, which is a message growing out of my many years of racing and trying experiences.