Oakland Bicycle Club
See also Oakland Wheelmen, Oakland Ramblers, Alameda County Wheelmen
Place
Emblem
"The Club uniform is dark blue, with navy cap."
Members
- J. D. Arkison
- W. J. Bowman
- Burkhalter
- F. H. Buteau
- Emile Collins
- Davis
- George F. Drake
- H. M. French
- William Channing Gibbs
- Jeo. Jacoby
- King
- L. A. Kelley
- A. L. Kelsey
- J. W. Lawler
- William H. Lowden
- R. H. Magill, Jr.
- J. R. Mauran
- A. W. Phelps
- Rabe
- Lewis Sears
- Stone
- George H. Strong
- Thompson
- Frank J. Waller
- Wedgewood
A bicycle club is to be organized by the young gentlemen of this city.
A bicycle club is to be organized by the young gentlemen of this city. - Oakland Tribune Oakland, California 10 Jun 1880, Thu • Page 2
Bicycle Club
A bicycle club of eighteen members has been organized in this city for the purpose of furthering the interest taken in the art of riding on a wheel with grace and ease.
Bicycle Club - Oakland Bicycle Club - Oakland Tribune Oakland, California 11 Aug 1880, Wed • Page 3
The Bicycle Club, which is composed of some eighteen young men of this city, will meet this evening at the corner of Fifteenth and Franklin streets. They are soon to adopt a uniform, which will prove to be distinctive and pleasing.
Oakland Bicycle Club - Oakland Tribune Oakland, California 18 Aug 1880, Wed • Page 3
A Lively Bicycle Run and Drill.
An imposing display of handsome bicycles and expert riders took place last evening which attracted the attention of all who witnessed the movements of the grand cavalcade. The excursion and parade have been in contemplation and preparation for some time, and was thoroughly carried out. There were twenty machines and riders from San Francisco, two from Berkeley and twelve from Oakland under the command of Captain George H. Strong. The orders were given by bugle signals and the movements of the riders into different ranks were creditably executed. The party went from Oakland to San Leandro, where almost the entire population turned out to receive them. They returned late in the evening in the moon. light, highly satisfied with the results of the trip. It is proposed to make other little excursions during the summer and fall.
A Lively Bicycle Run and Drill - Oakland Tribune Oakland, California 19 Aug 1880, Thu • Page 2
THE WHEELMEN.
Yesterday's Bicycle Run in City and Alameda.
Yesterday's run, under the auspices of the San Francisco Bicycle Club, was no exception to the general rule which characterizes gatherings of local patrons of this sport, and in consequence a thoroughly enjoyable affair resulted. An invitation had been extended to the Oakland wheelmen during the week, and both clubs were well represented. Reaching Alameda by the 9:30 boat, local riders were met at the landing by the invited guests, under command of Captain George H. Strong. The order mount was then given, and the rider came to Oakland, but on account of the prevailing high wind, the route previously decided upon was somewhat modified, so that Fruit Vale was not reached. After riding through the principal streets, the wheelmen headed toward Alameda, where, on arriving, they halted for twenty-five minutes, and thence proceeded to the Neptune Gardens, where lunch had been provided. The party were here met by Cables, of the San Francisco Club, and J. Sanderson, of the Olympian. An excellent lunch was served, and toward the close the following toasts were given: "The absent wheelmen,” by De Clairmont; “Our guests,” Capt. Eggers, responded to by Capt. Strong; "The Press,” responded to by J. Sanderson; "Bicycling,” Finkler; "The Park,” Hobe. On conclusion of the lunch order to remount was given, and the party, under escort of the Oakland Club, returned to the point of starting, thoroughly delighted with an excellent day's sport. The cyclometer showed the distance run to be 16 miles. The following wheelmen were present: San Francisco - Messrs. Butler, De Clairmont, Eggers, Hobe, Finkler, Golly, Martin, Cables, J. Sanderson, Warshauer; Oakland - Messrs. Strong, Louden, Burkhalter, Rabe, Davis, Wedgewood, Stone, King and Thompson.
The Silent Steed.
Numerous changes are about to take place in the Oakland Bicycle Club; notable among them will be the holding of business meetings at the northwest corner of Eleventh street and Broadway. The effects of the club will soon be removed to the race grounds, where it is intended to hold all race meetings hereafter. This track is situated at the corner of Fourteenth and Center streets, and has five laps to the mile. The Oakland wheelmen intend cutting down the record considerably, and that at a very early day.
The Oakland Bicycle Club will have a run on Sunday and have invited the members of all coast clubs or unattached wheelman to join them. The run will be fifteen miles and will conclude with a lunch at Adams point.
Oakland Bicycle Club
At the annual meeting of the Oakland Bicycle Club on Saturday night, G. H. Strong was continued as captain, Mr. Lowden as lieutenant, and Mr. Gibbs as secretary. The club is increasing in numbers, and during the coming season many pleasant trips are contemplated. Several San Francisco bicyclists joined the Oakland wheelmen at their banquet across the bay Saturday night. W. C. Gibbs, secretary of the Oakland Bicycle Club, has imported a fine Victor rotary tricycle.
THE WHEELMEN.
A meeting of the bicycle riders of Oakland will be held this week, and the local club revived and reorganized. New officers will be selected, and it is probable that the name of the club will be changed. Several new members are expected to join. The Oakland wheelmen are all road-riders, few of them caring to go into races or tournaments.
THE WHEELMEN. Wed, Jun 17, 1885 – Page 1 · Oakland Tribune (Oakland, California) · Newspapers.com
On last Thursday evening a meeting of the Oakland Bicycle Club was largely attended. The old constitution and by-laws of the Club were abolished, and a few simple rules adopted instead. The officers now form an Executive Committee who manage the affairs of the organization. The following new officers were elected: President, Charles G. Yale; Secretary, R. H. Magill, Jr.; Captain, Wm. H. Bowman; First Lieutenant, Arthur Kelley; Second Lieutenant, J. B. Stanford. The name of the club was changed to that of the "Oakland Wheelmen," thus recognizing the tricycle men, of whom there are several in the club. There are a number of new riders in this city, many of whom will join the club now that it has been reorganized and shows signs of activity. It is already as large as any club in the State in point of numbers, and has by far the best opportunity for road riding.
THE WHEELMEN. - Oakland Tribune, 22 Jun 1885
A BICYCLE RACE.
The twenty-mile race between F. S. Rollinson and F. Merrill at Neptune Pavilion, Alameda, commenced at about 9 o'clock Saturday night. From the start Merrill stood first favorite. His riding was easier than that of Rollinson, and the six laps, or one-half mile, start he was given in the race was maintained throughout the short duration of the trial. Upon the eighth mile Merrill increased the 6 laps to about 7 1/2, which seemed to disconcert Rollinson, who discontinued his efforts to win the match by getting off his wheel. His 8 miles occupied 33 minutes and 8 seconds. Merrill continued the running and closed in 1 hour, 13 minutes and 52 seconds.
On the twentieth mile, on the fourth lap. Merrill fell heavily upon his head, but got up and finished the race.
The Oakland wheelmen had a run to Haywards, yesterday, under their new Captain, W. J. Bowman.
Several tricyclists were out at Berkeley on Sunday of last week.
A BICYCLE RACE. Mon, Jul 20, 1885 – Page 1 · Oakland Tribune (Oakland, California) · Newspapers.com
The following delegation of Oakland wheelmen took dinner at Haywards Hotel, Sunday before last: Capt. W. J. Bowman, Lieut. L. A. Kelley, Lewis Sears, J. D. Arkison, A. W. Phelps, Emile Collins, H. M. French, F. H. Buteau, J. W. Lawler, J. R. Mauran, A. L. Kelsey, R. H. Magill, Jr., Jeo. Jacoby.
CYCLING.
Mr. Gibson, of San Jose, has beaten the twenty-four-hour bicycle record by three miles, making a run of 212 miles against 208.
Two "Bay City” boys from San Francisco started for San Jose, and when last seen had taken four headers apiece.
Messrs. Buteau and French had a pleasant run to Centerville and back.
Four of the Oakland wheelmen made the trip to San Jose and back, but owing to Mr. Harallson's machine breaking down near Milpitas be had to take the train from Niles.
Milpitas lays claim to having the champion bicycling dog extant; he is guaranteed to stop any two-legged machine, and has already floored half a dozen wheelmen, who have now become so suspicious of his intentions that they prefer to dismount of their own accord and walk past his lair.
CYCLING. Mon, Aug 10, 1885 – Page 2 · Oakland Tribune (Oakland, California) · Newspapers.com
The past week has been comparatively dull for the cycling world.
The First and Second Lieutenants of the Oakland Wheelmen were out on their machines.
Four young men took a trip to Centerville and back through Niles, making in all over sixty miles. They were accompanied by an equestrian whose horse became badly used up.
STAID OAKLAND EMBRACES THE WHEEL.
The Oakland Club, now known as the "Oakland Wheelmen," was the second organized in the State. Mr. George H. Strong, one of the pioneer riders, was its Captain for several successive years, and did a great deal toward building it up. In its early stages the members were fond of tests of speed and skill, but it is now a conservative sort of organization, composed largely of staid married men, who use the wheel for exercise and recreation, never participating in tournaments or parades. During the season the club has frequent "runs," when all turn out together and go down to San Leandro, Haywards or thereabouts. Every Sunday at 10 A. M., members who wish to go down the road meet at the corner of Oak and Eighth streets. Stragglers and laggards fall in at Joe Deaves' [AKA Three Mile House, proper name was Joseph P. Dieves.], on the San Leandro road. Once a year the club has a run, to which all other clubs are invited, and an al fresco lunch is served somewhere in the country. Once a year they have a dinner, which is enlivened by witty papers and speeches contributed by the members. There are some sixty-eight miles of macadamized streets in Oakland, which are generally level, and, as the boys say, not "up hill both ways, as on this side of the bay." They have little chance to "coast," the Cemetery avenue, [Piedmont Avenue] Clairmont [sic] avenue and Alcatraz avenue, out of town, being the only places where "legs over" can be indulged in. There are more tricycles among the Oakland Wheelmen than elsewhere in the State, there being six of its members who ride "trikes." Mr. Bowman, the Captain, is a long-distance rider, and has several records of over 200 miles for twenty-four hour road rides.
NO CONSTITUTION OR BY-LAWS
A peculiarity of this Club is that it has no constitution or by-laws to wrangle over. Moreover, it has no "dues," as there are no expenses. Whenever there is a "run" or picnic the members "chip in" whatever they like and pay the bill. The plan works most successfully. The Club uniform is dark blue, with navy cap. The Oakland Wheelmen are officered as follows: President, Charles G. Yale; Captain, W. J. Bowman; First Lieutenant, L. A. Kelly, Jr.; Second Lieutenant, J. W. Stanford; Treasurer and Secretary, R. H. Magill, Jr. The remaining members are: Geo. H. Strong, Wm. H. Lowden, B. Callingham, C. L. Goddard, C. L. Leonard, J. H. McConnell, W. C. Gibbs, Chas. Burkhalter, Edmund O'Neill, John Rabe, Mark Requa, De Lancy Stone, W. H. Taylor, G. D. Abbott, Emile Collins, H. O. Tenney, J. R. Mauran, R. R. Fread, F. H. Berteon, W. W. Haralson, J. H. Hopkins, A. Cary, Sumner Dubois, E. W. Thompson, L. J. Field, Lewis Sears, A. H. Rachling, Charles Krytser, J. D. Arkinson, E. R. Hinkley and J. Langotroth. The Oakland Ramblers is an offshoot from the Oakland Wheelmen, started this last Summer, and is chiefly composed of younger members, who thought their seniors too old-fogyish and branched out to do more riding and racing. They have a blue knit uniform, with gray shirts.
ON THE WHEEL. - Daily Alta California, 29 November 1885
LOCAL ATHLETICS.
The Oakland wheelmen announced a moonlight run for last Friday night, but the fog spoiled the moonlight part of the programme. Half a dozen of the boys took their ride, nevertheless.
The first annual championship games of the Pacific Coast Amateur Athletic Association will be held on Wednesday, September 9th, at the old grounds of the Olympic Club, corner of Fourteenth and Center streets, Oakland. The association is composed of the following clubs: Olympic, Athletic, Merion Cricket Club, Bay City Wheelman and Nemean Athletic Club, of San Francisco; and the Acme and Brooklyn Clubs, of Oakland. An excellent programme has been prepared and scores of athletes are in training for the competition.
Cook, the Captain of the Bay Citys, is hard at work training at Springfield, Illinois. The races come off next month.
The Oakland wheelmen had a run yesterday to Haywards and back.
The roads down to San Leandro and Haywards are in a rough condition compared with what they were a month or so ago.
Cook is the smallest man of the notable riders at Springfield, but he hopes to capture at least one prize.
The Oakland wheelmen will have a run next month, to which they intend inviting the city clubs. The date is not yet set.
Twelve of the Oakland wheelmen had a spin down to Haywards and back, yesterday.
Moonlight riding is becoming more popular of late among the cyclists, and on one occasion last week half a dozen of these "moonshiners" turned out.
Mr. Garter, the young man who came down from Red Bluff in four days on his bicycle, was out riding a short while ago with Cook, the champion of the coast. Garter put on an extra spurt, which, owing to a loose tire, resulted in a catastrophe.
One header was taken yesterday, at least there was only one officially reported.
LOCAL ATHLETICS, part 1 Mon, Aug 24, 1885 – Page 2 · Oakland Tribune (Oakland, California) · Newspapers.com LOCAL ATHLETICS, part 2 Mon, Aug 24, 1885 – Page 2 · Oakland Tribune (Oakland, California) · Newspapers.com
A delegation of the Oakland Wheelmen will have a race to-morrow morning, starting from the plaza at eight o'clock. The course will be along Haywards avenue to Llewelling's avenue, to San Lorenzo, and return to San Leandro on San Lorenzo avenue. The distance is 8 5/8 miles.
ALL AROUND NOTES.
Hill and several amateur athletes are practicing at the Oakland grounds daily.
The Oakland Ramblers have moved from their old quarters in the Wilcox block, and have rented a store on Webster street. It will be fitted up in fine style presently.
A number of Oakland wheelmen will join the League of American Wheelmen annual race, to meet on the 2d, 3d, and 4th of July at Santa Cruz.
There is a movement on foot among some of the old riders to reorganize the old Oakland Wheelmen.
A paper devoted to wheeling will be published about the middle of June by R. H. Magill Jr., C. J. Kryster, and B. Tisdale.
As the roads are now in a rather dusty condition, a slight shower of rain would make a vast improvement for wheeling pleasures.
Several riders on this and the other side of the bay are practicing daily for the Century run.
Tisdale has purchased Kryster's "star." He thinks that an "ordinary" is good enough for him.
The managers of the Fourteenth and Center street grounds in Oakland have recently improved the track, and it is now in splendid form for bicycling.
ALL AROUND NOTES. Mon, Apr 4, 1887 – Page 3 · Oakland Tribune (Oakland, California) · Newspapers.com
The Wheel.
The wheelmen have won their fight in New York and the bill permitting the use of bicycles and tricycles on all highways is a law. Wheelmen may now use their vehicles - for they are now vehicles by law - in Central Park. They have declared their purpose to consult the Park Commissioners and be governed by any reasonable rules.
It is very evident that the bicycle, or its varied forms, has "come to stay” in this and other countries. The number of wheelmen is increasing everywhere. It behooves people with timid horses to teach them not to fear the bicycle, and to remember that highway legislation is not to be governed by the fears or nervousness of young or imperfectly broken horses. The bicycle riders have rights as well as the horsemen.
When bicycles first came into use in Oakland, nearly all the horses were frightened more or less. Now they are so common it is only young or very spirited horses that show fear, and are apt to cause accidents. As this fear can be overcome, the owner should take the first opportunity to educate his animal properly.
It is only boys or very green and new wheelmen who will not alight when they see a nervous horse. All the old riders are as anxious to avoid accidents as those persons who are riding or driving can be. People whose horses do “cut up," instead of abusing the wheelmen should remember that it is more their fault in not properly teaching the horse that the object is harmless. It is very little trouble to do this. If a horse is once led up to a bicycle so he can examine it and satisfy himself on the subject, he will no longer fear it. The writer has seen this proven many times. But it should be done in a quiet manner, without any whipping of or shouting at the animal.
Oakland is now a wheeling center, as the roads leading from the city are favorite places for riders in the summer. And it is very seldom we hear of accidents caused by bicycles. The Oakland wheelmen and the visitors here are, as a general thing, careful when on the road, and when a skittish horse is met they avoid him as much as possible, or alight and lay the bicycle down. There must be mutual forbearance between riders and drivers. There is plenty of room on the roads for both.
THE BIKERS.
How Local the Cyclers Are Spending Their Time.
Among the Oaklanders who were seen in line in the parade at Stockton on the 4th of July were: Ralph Coxhead, Carl Allen, Lewis Sears, Fred Clift, J. L. Tisdale, Fassett Titus, Arthur Field, H. S. Gage, L. Hewes, and C. Bowman. The Alameda Searchers turned out their entire strength. Five riders and two tandems were represented by the Alameda contingent. In the parade there were over 150 wheelmen in line.
The one quarter mile dash at Stockton brought out Allen of Los Angeles as a flyer. He made the goal in 40 1-5 against Fred Cook's champion coast record of 37 1/2 seconds. Allen beat the coast record for a half mile dash, making the distance in 1:22, against the coast record of 1:27 2-5. Elwell beat all previous records in the mile dash, making the distance in 2:48 1/2. Many of the racers who took part at Stockton will enter the races at the Center street park on Admission Day.
Charles Wheaton of Alameda surprised his many friends by making a great record in the one mile handicap at Stockton.
Messrs. Mohrig and Houseworth are making a lively canvass for Chief Consul. The Oakland wheelmen are supporting Mohrig.
Les Hewes broke the rear wheel on the fifty-six inch Columbia Expert bicycle. It broke when he was within sixteen miles of Stockton on his return trip of a two weeks' run to Yosemite and return.
Fassett Titus left Stockton last Thursday morning on his wheel for Lodi, where he will spend a few days.
Polo is getting to be a regular game in Sears & Co's academy. Charles Kryster is becoming an expert.
The new California road book is just out. It is very complete, containing information of every road in the State.
Frank Baker will go to Modesto for a week. The trip will be made on his wheel.
Mr. Arlett is going to spend four days at Napa and Calistoga. He will take his wheel with him.
Harry Hatch returned a few days ago from a two days' trip over this county.
Frank Blinn, A. D. Rosborough, and Mr. Churchill will leave to-day for Stockton. They will go on the boat to that place, and thence by wheel to Yosemite, They expect to be gone three weeks.
A Wheeling Party.
A number of Oakland wheelmen will go to Haywards next Sunday on an outing and will spend the day. A party will also depart from San Francisco to make the same trip. The start from Oakland will be made at 10 A. M.
A Wheeling Party. Fri, Oct 5, 1888 – Page 6 · Oakland Tribune (Oakland, California) · Newspapers.com
Bikers on the Road.
Wheeling is enjoying a new life this year. The roads are in better condition than ever before at this season of the year. The San Francisco clubs continue to make their Sunday runs on new routes, while the home wheelmen are content to take the easy ride to Haywards, San Leandro, etc.
The bikers of this city are waiting for some one to establish a new record from this city to San Jose. A. A. Bouton may soon attempt the feat.
The Oakland wheelmen have decided to hold a race meet a the Center street park on Washington's birthday. The track is now being put in condition, and the riders can train on it at any time. The events decided upon are as follows:
1. One mile novice.
2. Two mile safety handicap.
3. One mile handicap.
4. Two mile handicap.
5. Three mile handicap.
6. One mile professional, for a purse of $40.The entries for the race must close with Sears & Co., 907 Broadway, on the 19th inst.
Wheel Whirls.
Oakland now has a League Hotel and a live local consul, who may be expected to be heard from by his successes in increasing the membership league.
California is ninth on the list of membership of the League of American Wheelmen, and on March 31st had 413 members, being an increase of twenty over last year. The total membership of the entire league is 12,703. The annual dues of $1 are now payable, the league rear dating from April 1st.
The Elwell party will start for Europe June 7th. Nearly all of the participants are definitely known. None hail from this State.
The Lawrence brothers of East Oakland are using a wheel in a business way.
The veteran George H. Strong is seldom seen on the roads now, though he still keeps up his interest in wheeling matters.
The threatening weather of Sunday kept most of the wheelmen indoors.
Bouton has been experimenting with the seat on the "Eagle," and has improved it very much.
The Claremont coast has been very popular with Oakland wheelmen lately, and several riders were enthusiastic enough to make three trips out and back from Oakland one evening last week.
Wheelmen, in crossing the Twelfth Street dam, have been compelled to take to the sidewalk, on account of the extensive road repairs, and the moving of the car-track to the middle of the street.
Willie Sharp has joined the ranks of the wheelmen. and he will be heard from, no doubt, as a first-class all around rider.
Wheel Whirls. Thu, Apr 10, 1890 – Page 7 · Oakland Tribune (Oakland, California) · Newspapers.com
WHEEL WHIRLS.
The Bikers Will Leave Oakland for San Jose Next Thursday.
Captain George F. Drake has sent the following order to the members of the Oakland Bicycle Club: "The first division for San Jose will start from the corner of Twelfth street and Broadway, at 4:30 o'clock Thursday afternoon, under charge of Lieutenant A. C. Lasson, stopping one hour at Centerville for Supper. The second division will start from the same place, at 7 P. M., riding direct to San Jose, under charge of Albert Clark, arriving there at about 12 o'clock."
The programme of events for the tournament at San Jose on July 4th is as follows:
1 - One mile novice.
2 - One-quarter mile dash.
3 - One mile safety State championship
4 - One mile district championship.
5 - Three mile handicap.
6 - One-half mile State championship.
7 - One mile tandem - safety scratch.
8 - Five mile district championship.
9 - One mile handicap.
10 - Two mile safety handicap.
Among those who took a run to Haywards last Sunday were Percy Garvey, C. K. Sturtevant, Mr. Beacom, Mr. Thornton, Bert. Clark, H. J. Gage, John Cunningham, A. B. Fately and Fred. Titus.
Messrs. Seaver, Pollard and Selby are seen frequently together, enjoying runs on their safeties to places of interest.
The league meet to be held at San Jose on the Fourth promises to be a grand one.
Messrs. Bowman, Lamrey and Reynolds participated in a run to Lake Chabot on Sunday last.
The road to San Jose, via San Francisco, is reported in poor condition.
The Bicycle Tournament.
The attraction for Oakland wheelmen yesterday was the tournament given at San Jose by the California Division of the League of American Wheelmen, and not a few riders irom this section carried off honors. In the quarter mile dash C. E. Townsend of Berkeley took second prize.
In the mile safety State championship race J. F. Ives of Alameda won over four competitors in 3 minutes, 18 3-5 seconds. Ives also won the two mile safety handicap dash in 6:44 1-5. Several other races were entered by Oakland and Alameda wheelmen, but the boys were so fatigued by their long ride to the garden city that not a very good showing was made.
Among the wheelmen entered in the events were C. F. Townsend. J. F. Ives, O. L. Peckard, George F. Drake and Sam Small.
Oakland wheelmen suggest that a portion of the new boulevard be devoted exclusively to their use. The suggestion is a good one, and should be carried into effect. - Berkeley Dispatch
