The Ride of Cowan and Birdsall, July 1892

"The following account of the flying trip made by Cromwell and Birdsall, will prove of interest to wheelmen:

San Diego, Cal., July 9, 1892.

Sporting Editor Herald: I will give you a few notes on our ride. We arrived at Pomona in good time and made Riverside in 5 hours and 9 minutes. Cowan paced us from Old Riverside to Perris, down a fine road and with a stiff twenty-mile wind driving us from behind. We made the thirty-five miles in 1 hour and 43 minutes, thanks to the wind. We beat the Santa Fe passenger train from Alesandro to Perris, ten miles. We arrived in Temecula in good condition and had supper. We started for Escondido and got lost in the Temecula mountains, the roughest and hottest hills on earth. We got off the road and ended up at Fallbrook twenty-seven miles out of the way. Rode back to Temecula and found a Mexican who paced us (on foot) for nine miles for $1, and put us on the road to Pala. Finished 186 miles at Pala, at 10:30 p.m. We were advised not to attempt to pass over the Pala grade that night, and after thinking the matter over, decided to sleep. Stayed at Pala 10 hours and 30 minutes. Left Pala feeling first class. Walked 12 miles over Smith mountain, through wild grapes, maples and a few pines - a most romantic trip, but an awful hard one. The road was terrible. Reached the summit, 12 miles, in three hours - pretty good walking up hill. Started down grade and made 11 miles in 28 minutes - fast time. Reached Escondido at 12:28 p.m. and enjoyed dinner,. Started for San Diego. Cromwell's knee gave out, caused by a bad fall on the Pala grade. We made the last thirty-five miles in 3 hours and 6 minutes. Cromwell punctured his tire three miles from town, causing forty-five minutes delay. The trip was a hard one, but we feel pretty good and will take in some of San Diego's back country tomorrow in a long club run. San Diego has struck Cromwell. He has secured a good job and will remain here. We have certificates from postmasters in every town we passed through, giving our arrival, time of departure and number of miles from our last stopping place. Cromwell punctured twice. Delivered your letter to Union at 5:54 p.m. Friday.

Yours, A. W. Birdsall"

As you already know, Perhaps because you read it here, the Los Angeles Herald organized a relay race between Los Angeles and San Diego which took place at the end of July 1892. While there is no evidence for, or against, the idea one has to wonder if this ride, taking place just weeks before the race, was a reconnaissance. While Cowan would return for the race, neither Cromwell nor Birdsall did. (While the identity of the Cowan who paced Cromwell and Birdsall is not known, both Cowan brothers competed at month's end). Did the two wish to "get a jump on the feat?" Remember that the delivery of a letter from one newspaper to another was part of the relay as well. Or was it simply coincidence? 

Members of the San Diego Wheelmen outside the shop owned by A. W. Birdsall and W. A. Galbraith in 1891. Note the emblem of the League of American Wheelmen hanging above the doorway.