Formation of the California Associated Cycling Clubs - The San Francisco Call - 31 Jul 1892

FEDERATION OF WHEELMEN.

Combination of the Bicycle Clubs of California.

In response to a call issued by a committee of the San Francisco Bicycle Club, the oldest association of wheelmen in the State, a largely attended meeting was held last night at the rooms of that organization on Golden Gate avenue. The following clubs were represented, either by the three delegates to which each was entitled or by proxies: Bay City Wheelmen, Alameda Bicycle and Athletic Club, Olympic Club Bicycle Annex, San Francisco Bicycle Club, Capital City Cycle Club of Sacramento, Fresno Wheelmen, San Jose Road Club, California Cycle Club, Pacific Road Club, Alameda County Wheelmen, Oriental Cyclers and Monterey Bicycle Club. After considerable preliminary conversation the meeting was called to order, and T. R. Knox, president of the San Francisco Bicycle Club responded to a unanimous call to act as temporary chairman, M. S. Lavenson of Sacramento being chosen as temporary secretary. After remarks by Mr. Knox and R. Welch explanatory of the objects for which the meeting was called, a draft of the proposed by-laws was read in order to invite discussion.

Brief but spirited and pertinent addresses were then wade by Messre. Dunnigan, Mastick, Lavenson, Wynne and Cobden. President Wynne of the California Club was especially happy in his remarks, touching lightly on recent club conflicts, which were more imaginary than real, and strongly urging all the organizations to act as unit in future. Thomas S. Cobden spoke in his usual humorous vein, but dealt largely in facts and closed by pointing out the necessity of all the clubs joining the League of American Wheelmen.

Harry Greene of Monterey, one of the veterans of the league on this coast, explained the advantages of membership in such powerful organization. A. H. Greeley of Fresno pledged the support of the San Joaquin Valley to the scheme of a federation of clubs.

Telegrams and letters were received from several far distant clubs regretting their inability to be represented at the convention, but heartily approving of the idea.

The sentiment of the meeting was unanimously in favor of forming an organization to be known as the California Associated Cycling Clubs. Secretary Lavenson stated that it would be impossible for him to act further than on this occasion, and H. T. Wynne was chosen in his stead. After considerable desultory discussion, which revealed a pleasant spirit of harmony, the meeting adjourned, to meet next Saturday night at the Bay City clubhouse on Van Ness avenue.

The evident success of the recently proposed scheme for a closer federation of the wheelmen of California marks the beginning of a new and more progressive era in the annals of cycling op the Pacific Coast.