THRILLS AND SPILLS

Dominion, Volume 20, Issue 19, 18 October 1926, Page 3

THRILLS AND SPILLS

i MOTOR-CYCLE HILL CLIJ.IB SKILFUL RIDING Thrills a-plenty were provided for those who went to Karon, on Saturday afternoon to witness the first motor-cycle lull-climbing contest (American style) held in Wellington. Motor-cyclists were there in strong force, but the novelty of the affair also attracted a large number of uon-motorists, and the gate receipts showed that about 700 persons were present. They enjoyed an excellent afternoon's sport, which, to many, must have been a revelation of what a motor-cycle in the hands of a skilled rider can accomplish. The course is on Mr. E. Lewer’s property near to Karori Park, and cannot be seen from the main road. It is in all respects admirably suited to the purpose of testing both men and # machines. There is no .chance of rushing the hill through sheer speed and weight. There is a short level approach to the course, but even this approach is on a curve. Prom the timekeeper’s table the course rises steeply, curving this way and that to avoid the more prominent Hummocks on the grassy hillside. Very little has been doue to smooth the way—that would rob the course of its sporting character. The gradient is fairly regular for the greater part of the jouney, but as the top is approached an exceptionally steep pinch has to be negotiated. Once past the flag at the top, the machines are ridden round a knoll and back to the foot of the hill down a comparatively gentle slope. Some remarkably skilful riding was done. Good judgment on the rider’s part was more important than the ’’tune” of bis engine, essential as that was. It was fearsome to see how the machines leaped clear into the air when they struck a bump as they roared up the hill, and a marvel to understand how a man could keep his seat with his mount apparently possessed with a

frenzy to throw him off. Several were thrown off, but ready assistance was forthcoming, and nobody was hurt; One rider, who displayed a superb mastery over his machine, was bounced clean out of the saddle when he got into the specially “rough stuff” at the side of the course near the top, but, retaining his grip of the handle-bars, came down on his' feet, ran a few steps besides his machine, and vaulted aboard again to complete the climb amid cheers. The most spectacular climbs were made by some professional riders, who got to work at the end of the afternoon. One took his machine up at such a terrific pace that when it struck a bump near the top the cycle shot up vertically and turned a complete somersault backwards The rider coolly 'slipped off- the saddle on to his feet and dodged the falling machine, which was speedily righted, and ridden down the return course. Apparently encouraged by the success of this exploit, be charged up the hill a few minutes later at even greater speed This time he thrilled the crowd in another way. The machine struck a bump, reared straight up on end with the rider clinging to his handle bars and in that extraordinary attitude he actually climbed ten or fif teen feet on one wheel until he got the forepart down again and finished the course amid great applause. Another trade rider gave a most finished exhibition of how to leave a machine that refuses to climb further. He was about three-quarters of the way nn when his front wheel left the ground The machine appeared certain to fall hackwards and pin him beneath it, but he cave a twitch of the handlebars, the cycle fell sidewavs and he was seen standing beside it unhurt. Altogether it was a most successful leathering and the Wellington Motor Cycle and Sporty Club and its officials have every reason to be proud of their first apnearance before the public. Each competitor was allowed three attempts in each class The fastest time was put against his name. Results were as follow: —

Under 350 c.c.. Amateur.—P. S. Palmer (2?-h.p. B.S.A!) 24 l-ssec., I; E. Woodcock (2J-h.p. Dunelt), 25 3-ssec., 2 Also competed: A. Radcliffe. 29 3-ssec. Under 800 c.c. Amateur.—E. W. Mills (4-h.p. Douglas), 17 2-ssec., 1; F. Riwsell (4-h.p. Norton). 19 l-ssec.. 2 Also competed: W. Woodcock* TL Barrett, A. c. McKenzie. ' _ Unlimited Class, Amateur.—E. W. Mills, Klsec., 1: A. McKimzte, 21see., 2 Also started: H. D. T. Ellis. E. HemmUnder’ 350 c.c.. Professional.—T. Morgan (23-h.p. Harley-Davidson). 1G 2-sscc , 1: W. Viggars (23-h.p. Harley-Davidson). 17 2-ssec., 2 Unlimited Class, Professional—T. Morgan Kiser.. 1: L. Southward (10-12-h.p Indian). 17 3-ssec., 2. Fastest ’rime of the Day.— J. Morgan and E W Mills Dfisec.). tied. The following officials controlled events :—Timekepers Mows. J. O Still’ van A- West and D Todd: ground stew nrd' Mr. G Foothead; meenphonist. Mr ■T. Bright: chib contain. Mr. E. A. Rod gers; secretary Mr. F. Brandis. Mam hers of the Port Nicholson Cvclimr Flub assisted to control the course proper.