Page:The fastest bicycle rider in the world - 1928 - Taylor.djvu/50



In the spring of 1898 war was formerly declared against the League of American Wheelmen by the cycling champions who followed the National Circuit. Fifty or more famous racing men formed an association to further and protect their interest at the same time. This meeting was held at Trenton, N. J., and was one of the most interesting events in the history of cycle racing in America.

Eddie Bald, the great Buffalo (N. Y.) rider who won three American championships in as many seasons, was among those present. Another at the meeting was Tom Cooper, also champion of America, Floyd MacFarland, Orlando Stevens, Arthur Gardiner and every other bicycle racer of note in this country.

Champion Bald was named chairman, F. Ed. Spooner, circuit correspondent, was chosen secretary. The executive committee comprised A. G. Batchelder, former New York state handicapper, F. Ed. Spooner, E. C. Bald and Arthur Gardiner. This group was appointed to meet track promoters and track owners of the country. At their sessions it was voted to organize an American Racing Cyclists Union.

While this meeting was in progress the L. A. W. officials kept the wires hot as they posted. each other on the developments at Trenton. While the new organization was deliberating a telegram was received from the L. A. W. officials imposing a ten-dollar fine on Bald, MacFarland, Stevens and all the riders who had been suspended for training on a blacklisted track in New York. The officials were instructed to permit the riders to race after the fines were paid, thus raising the suspension which had been placed upon them. The riders considered this action a backdown on the part of L. A. W. and a clean-cut victory for them. However, Bald and the other riders refused to pay their fines, but Secretary Muirhead of the L. A. W. did so for them. Next day all of the riders competed in a big bicycle meet in Trenton.

Although practically all of the star riders of the country were in favor of a change of government for the sport not all were ready to jump from the L. A. W. Fred Titus, Fred Simms, "Doc" Brown, Nat Butler, Owen Kimble, Howard Freeman, Tom Butler and several others, including myself, wished to continue to ride under the auspices of the L. A. W. until we were sure that the control of bicycle racing was to be turned over to competent men.

Due to the revolt against the L. A. W. and the formation of the