Fast Digs: Racing in Pomona Windows, 1922

Long before anyone dreamed of the idea of virtual indoor racing using computers to connect people all around the world, with sensors to measure cadence and energy output and what not determining relative positions among riders within the "race," there was Racing in Windows, using a stopwatch and those old-time wheel-mounted speed-o-meters. 

I don't know how widespread or popular such competitions ever became, but I have noticed that, during the Spring of 1922, they were quite common in the city of Pomona, with events taking place at both Hunsaker's Cyclery (429 South Second), and at the shop of "the Bike Man," Chas. A. Johnston (418 West Second). The first races took place at the store of H. P. Hunsaker (which the newspaper account refers to as Hunsaker's Cyclery, although it was a general sporting goods, and outdoors store), on the afternoon of Wednesday the 12th of April. The competitions were a win for everyone involved, with prizes on offer to the racers, potential sales for Hunsaker's with passers-by being drawn into the store for the "free show," and potential sales for the manufacturer of the rollers being used in the races.

Run under the stern direction of veteran bicycle racer and magazine publisher, Charles Fuller Gates, the first race attracted sixteen boys aged eleven to eighteen competing in quarter mile and half mile events. James Thompson set the fastest time for both distances, riding the quarter mile in seventeen and one-fifth seconds, and the half mile in forty-three and one-fifth seconds. Thompson received a "handsome baseball mitt" for his sixty seconds of effort. Everett Gillete, set the best time for boys under fifteen years of age, riding the quarter mile in twenty and four-fifth seconds, for which he won a "real big-league baseball."

Gates, though "well pleased with the ability of the Pomona bicycle riders," also noted that the riders had their work cut out for them if they wanted to beat the thirteen second quarter mile record, set by a rider in San Diego.

Perhaps not wanting to be left out of the action, Charles Johnston, the Bike Man, held his own "big bike race" in the front window of his store, and in celebration of Davis Day, 22 April 1922. Johnston represented the Davis Sewing Machine company which was also, at the time, the world's largest manufacturer of bicycles, hence the Davis Day celebration. While the company would award a silver loving cup to the dealer hosting the "best celebration," Johnston offered up "a handsome sweater jersey" to the contestant "reeling off the largest number of miles in a certain stipulated time." In addition, and the likely reason sixty-five riders entered the contest, all contestants were given a "souvenir racing cap." Johnston was an old-time bicycle racer and held the southern California competition record for the quarter mile three years running. Charles Fuller Gates again had charge of the contest. Whether the rules changed, of whether the newspaper stated it wrong in their preview, the contest was run off the same as they were at Hunsaker's - entrants attempting to set the quickest time at a certain distance, rather than the other way around. What ever the case, young mister Thompson once again set the quickest time, riding one mile in one-minute forty-two and one-fifth seconds. Finishing 2nd was Allen Robinson (1:42 2/5) and 3rd came Everett Gillette (1:42 4/5).

These races and MORE to be found soon in Fast Digs Volume 2. Remember, Fast Digs Volume 1 is available for purchase, at a very reasonable price, from my Blurb bookstore.

the racing in windows set-up, a Dayton Racing Bicycle
on Appeal Rollers (note the gauge on the rear stand)