CYCLING

Dominion, Volume 22, Issue 261, 31 July 1929, Page 8

CYCLING

By

"VELOS"

Taking advantage of the bright sunshine which prevailed on Sunday, a good number of Port Nicholson Club riders were to be found out on the road, some riding hard, others takiug things easy, the popular end in view' being, no doubt, the provincial “fifty.” The main bunch left Lambton Station at about 9.30 a.m. and proceeded to Upper Hutt, where refreshments were obtained. S. Webber, the long-distance specialist, returning from a ride over the Moonshine Valley road, passed through here near midday, having been an early riser. P. Sutherland and F. Hoare rode the Kaitoke Hill, while several others did the trip to Waikanae. ■ Cyclists, attired generally in riding breeches and sweaters, sleeves rolled to above elbows, form striking contrasts to the scores of motorists who, well wrapped up behind heavy mufflers and rugs, speed over the open roads during the week-ends; Who is really the mote fortunate? The motorist who remains more or less cramped iu u closed c»r doing forty miles per hour ! for hours ou end, or the healthy cyclist 1 pi-rched ou top of twenty-eight pounds of steel doing a modest fifteen miles average but who is enjoying every mile of bis ride? The happy', care-free faces of the wheelmen aglow from the healthy exertion and the sharpness of the wind, tell their own 'a!«This state of physical fitness, which is Hie racing cyclist’s heritage,’is the result of a little attention being given, to ones living, and leaving the rest to the bicycle. Th® New Secretary.

Owing to the late lion, secretary, Mr. F. Erskine, being compelled to return for business reasons to Wanganui, it was necessary for a new officer to be elected at the general meeting which was held on Thursday evening last. The new secretary appointed Is Mr. P. Sutherland, who has the honour ot’ being the youngest, by many years that the Port Nicholson Club has secured Mr. Sutherland Is conversant with cycling topics and can be relied upon to prove a worthy and capable successor to Mr. Erskine. The latter intends competing in the Wangauui Club's races and at the time of leaving Wellington bad particular designs on the Palmerston North to Wanganui road race. We wish luni every success. Port Nicholson'll Club’s 20-Mile Event. H. J. Morris signalled his return to the fine torn), usually maintained by bnuselt. prior -to his unfortunate accident of last rear, bv winning the 20-mile race conducted by the Port Nicholson Club on baturdnv afternoon. The event, as usual, started* and finished at the Ceiitral lire Station. and the 27 riders who lett the mark provided some keen competition in the various sprints. Morris, P. Sutherland, and A. Campbell, were handicapped on to the Si-minute mark, and from outset their chance* of victory appeared rather rosv, Through the failure of riders to compete, J, Foote and L, J, Pearce were left alone on their respective marks, but the handicapper, exercising hie authority, placed Foote on scratch, and thue provided

added interest to the race. These two set a willing pace, and on the form shown by Foote the handicapper would be justified in giving him a further chance on the mark of honour. A big group of riders rode Into sight from the Post Office Square, snd with 220 yards to go, racing began in real earnest. Morris showed out first, and Improved his lead to cross the line a winner by two lengths from P. Sutherland (3i min.), and A. White (4i_min.). The second sprint was won bv C. Ericsson from L. Matton. and then tfie scratch men put in their appearance, leading a fast bunch of competitors. Pearce commenced a long sprint to defeat Foote by two-fifths of a second for fastest time. Evans Brothers Unlucky.

For the -first time in the 1929 season of road racing, casualty, attended by untorlunate result, occurred. The cyclist. K. Evans, whilst riding with the leading group, tipped a wheel when about two miles this side of Petone on the homeward run. and crashed, bringing down one other, L. Everett. Evans suffered a broken forearm, and be was conveyed to the public hospital by the Free Ambulance. for treatment. Everett escaped with a bruise or two. The Evens brothers, Roy and Doug., are two ot the finest ,club sports to be found i« Wellington, but are also the most unlucky. Doug., in the 192 S road season, crashed no fewer than three times, and prior to that was in A bad track riding spill. The lastnamed is the speedier of the two, having won two races recently. Roy is consistent, but has been overtaken by bad luck whenever tin with the leading groups. Comments. If hard work and fast pacing go to winning a race, tlitn A. Campbell should have returned an easy winner on Saturday. Campbell lapped faster than any handicap rider in the rce. and was beaten by wits rather than speed. P. Sutherland, who was placed second to Morris, rode a great race, and bls success was well merited. Q. Ericsson is riding off an awkward handicap at the present time, bat It is expected that be should go very well in the louger races to be held shortly. Conspicuous by their absence ou the various marks were E. F. Bellman. F. Hoare, C. Flett. W. Bray, and S. Wright. As these riders were seen to be training"on Sunday, it is hard to understand their failure to contest the "twenty." Onee again L. Pearce lived up to his reputation and secured the fastest time honours. Here is one rider who can "plug" for miles upon miles, and finish with a burst of speed that is truly remarkable. The performance ot Pearce in the provincial “fifty" will be watched with interest by bis many supporters.