FROM LAND’S END TO JOHN O’ GROATS

Dominion, Volume 33, Issue 87, 6 January 1940, Page 20

FROM LAND’S END TO JOHN O’ GROATS

Amazing Cycle Ride By English Girl FINISHED IN BLACK-OUT Land's End to John o' Groats (SIU miles) in 2 days 22 hours, 52 minutes, and 1000 miles in 3 days 11 hours 44 minutes —more than 22 hours ahead of the previous world record held by Mrs. Lillian Dredge. That was the astounding ride put up in England a tew weeks ago by Miss Marguerite Wilson, the 21-year-old Bournemouth endurance girl cyclist. There are few cyclists in the world — much less women —who would care or dare to tackle a ride from Land's End to John o’ Groats, and then continue till 1000 miles had ben. covered. Opperman achieved that great feat a few years ago. and held the figures till they were wrested from him by that great English rider, Sid. Ferris, more than 12 months ago. Though man) - may doubt the wisdom of a young woman in tackling such, a tremendous task, the effort of_ Miss I) ilson is one that deserves the highest commendation for her tenacity in going through with a task v that iwould make most males hestitate, and then declare that “It’s a bit too stiff.” ■Standing 5 feet 5 inches. Miss Wilson had a thorough preparation, which stood to her, as for the greater part of the journey she is reported to have ridden against a head wind.

Only 31 Hours' Sleep. Ju 12 hours she covered 193 miles, and 364 miles in 24 hours, and during her ride she had only about 31 hours’ sleep. She never dismounted to walk a hill, and had only one puncture. Her bill of fare included cream buns, bananas, chops, sandwiches, eggs and chocolate, and her drinks were milk, tea, cream, soda and coffee. A humorous touch was given to her ride as the flaxen-haired eyelist dashed through Gretna Green with several motor-ears following her. Many thought it was a runaway marriage. Having completed her ride to John o’ Groats, Miss Filson had to be persuaded to have a well-earned rest and refreshments 'before going on to complete her 1000 miles. Rode In Black-out.-There was a grimness to the termination of her ride, because during her ride from Land's End war had been declared on Germany, and there was the compulsory blaek-put. It was with great difficulty that she finished her long trip in complete darkness. For the moment it was feared that soldiers'Would prevent her finishing. How ever, chivalry prevailed, and she was allowed to achieve her ambition of breaking a record under eerie conditions.