"He says that he will be a scorcher."

From the August 7, 1896 edition of the Brooklyn Daily Eagle:

“The Fat Men’s Bicycle Club, organized by Charles Schwalbach at his academy in the Hanson Place Armory, promises to afford considerable amusement. The latest to signify their intention of joining are Uncle Bill Schenck of Flatlands and John Trot of Bergen Street. Mr. Trot weighs 300 pounds, and he says that he will be a scorcher. Uncle Bill Schenck, who weighs 350 pounds, is one of the wealthiest residents of Flatlands, where he owns a large farm. His farming days are over, so he has plenty of time to devote to the wheel. He wants to be a trick rider.”