CYCLING NOTES.

Evening Star, Issue 9472, 17 August 1894, Page 4

CYCLING NOTES.

[By Rover.]

{Correspondence and queries are invited, and' most be addressed to “Rover,” editor of Cycling Notes,’ office ofthis paper.] Cycling is almost at a standstill in Dunedin this week, and now Mr Paulin tells us that a cyclone is approaching. lam afraid that the “ jiggerswill have a rest on Saturday, and for a few more Saturdays to come, tpuess we experience very different weather to that which we have lately had. I now append notes promised in last week’s issue, and trust that they may be of some service to my readers. The chain is, of all parts, the one requiring most attention, and, as you neglect it, so in proportion do you increase the work of driving your machine along. It is essential that the lubricant used should be one that does not attract dust, so cycle oil is at a discount when used in the ordinary way. I have not yet heard of a bettor mode of thoroughly cleaning a chain than the following: Having removed all dirt by soaking in kerosene, wipe the chain and place it in the oven for a few moments and it will dry at once, and whilst it is still warm, if it be dipped in oil, the latter will, by the action of heat, be drawn into all the links and joints. Allow a minute or two to elapse, then wipe the chain quite dry, replace it on (he machine, and apply the following;— Add methylated spirits to powdered black lead until the mixture is of the consistency of a soft paste. By means of a small brush (an old tooth-brush will do) cover the cogs of the hub and gear wheels and the links with this paste, and, the spirit being volatile, leaves the black lead adhering to the different parts, and, black lead having no attraction for dust, keeps the chain singularly clean. By the way, it is as well when replacing the latter to move it along a link or two, for all chains stretch, and if they are always replaced at the same spot they will wear most where the up and down strokes of the pedal take place. I learn that the Caledonian Society have arranged with Mr Thomas Begg (of Allen and Begg) for the electric lighting of their grounds. The apparatus is now being fitted, and will be in readiness early in September. The ground is to be illumined by four powerful arc lights, two of fifteen amperes and two of twenty amperes, the whole giving a light equal to 14,000 candle power. The promoters intend inaugurating evening amusements, and the first cycling performance is to take place on October 5, when the cash amateurs intend holding a twenty - four hours’ contest. The large amount of £4O is to be given as first prize in this event, and the magnitude of this sum should have the effect of drawing a great many competitors into the field. Personally, I do not think that cash - amateurism will succeed here, for, outside of actual racing men, few will care to join the professional ranks, and the Caledonian Cycle Club will need a big following to be able togive prizes attractive enough to induce foreign riders to compete. However, their first meeting will be a novelty, and perhaps may result in success. In view of their meeting on the 18th inst., the D.C.C. have issued their annual report and balance-sheet. While I congratulate them on their very successful season from a racing point of view, I regret to see that on their meeting, smoke concert, and social there was in each and every case a deficit financially. According to their reports both the D.C.C. and O.C.C. have increased membership, both successful meetings as far as racing goes, unsuccessful financially, and, strange if true, both are the premiers of Dunedin on the track. These facts I place before the committeemen without prejudice to solve as they think fit. On June 22 E. Oxborough and H. H. Sansom, on a tandem, on the North road, beat the fifty - mile world’s record by Imin 55 4-ssec, doing 2h 3min 59sec, as against 2h smin 45 4-ssec by J. W. Stocks at Herne Hill last season. One hundred miles were covered in 4h 46min 17sec, as against 5h 23min 29sec, the previous world’s road record, by Messrs Fowler and Steer. The day was most favorable, and no punctures or breakdowns took place.