Thomas Flyer Stuck in a Ditch during the Pathfinder Tour Prior to the 1909 New York to Seattle Automobile Race

The famous Thomas Flyer -- winner of the 1908 New York to Paris race -- was chosen as the pathfinder for the 1909 New York to Seattle race. As the pathfinder, the Flyer laid out the route that race participants would follow a few months later. The Flyer found the western U. S. terrain difficult to travel -- much like it had the previous year.