BICYCLING.

Hawke's Bay Herald, Volume XX, Issue 3899, 16 April 1877, Page 2

BICYCLING.

Bell's Life in London gives an account oi the match between Keen and Sparrow* 25 miles for £10. ' The Engßsh champion, J. Keen, late of Surbitbn, but now, dr Olapham Junction, undertook to ride 25 miles in December last, against Mr Thomas Sparrow, of Knightsbridge, also a maker of the two-wheeled machine^ and give him 30 minutes start in that distance. A start of half an hour in 25 miles requires some making up, and many judges were doubtful if Keen, with all his wonderful turn of speed, could make up the difference ; but Mr Sparrow was confident enough to lay £60 to £50, which was duly staked in out hands, despite his having completed his fifty-third year, which, singular to say, was just at the moment he had elected to start, viz., 2 p.m. His wishes in this respect were indulged, and at 2 p.m. he Was despatched by the referee, Mr Ji Vandy 4 of JBell's Life, and his first mile was accomplished in 4 mm. 34 sec. , . the next id 4 mm. 40 sec, the third in 4 mm. 36 sec, the fourth in 4 mm. 27 sec, the fifth in 4 mm. 32 sec, the sixth in 4 mm. 35 sec, and when at the exact half hour the signal was given for Keen to start, Sparrow had just clone six miles 1010 yards in 30 minutes. The champion's rattling pace when he did go was in marked contrast' to his opponent's, and a mile in 3 mm." "17 sec, to begin with, showed a "red light" to the backers of Sparrow. The .second and third were covered in 3. mm. 14 sec., each, then came 3 mm. 20 sec, and 3 min. 39 sec ; but in the sixth mile the pace was put on, and 19 mm. 49 sec. was not bad time for that distance, as opposed to the six miles 1010 yards quoted above. With wonderful regularity Keen kept on his way, and the rush of liis wheel when he passed the judge's table was sufficient indication to his whereabouts, the tabled! his miles showing a steady rate of going, ranging from 3 mm. 14 sees. , to 3 mm. 20 sees. , up to the nineteenth, which occupied the champion 3 mm. 24 sees. ; but prior to this was the great event, which eclipses all previous performances, of 18 miles being fairly ridden by Keen in 59 mm. 5 ! sees., but the wind at this time had lulled a bit, and from motives of curiosity his ! hour's ride was taken, and found to be eighteen miles and one third (lessl.oo yards) 1 which is the fastest performance on record (!) and deserves a note of admiration ' from those who delight in big "events. _.?JTo show the difference in speed, and how steadily Keen was overhauling his'antagonist, it may be noticed that Sparrow's • time for the same distance was Ih. 22 mm. 27 sec. , and he was evidently laboring to keep up the pace, 4 mm. 38 sees., -.for • the nineteenth mile, and 4 : mm.- 47 sec. l for the twentieth mile', telling their tale. : From this point the race was over ; and '< when they were both in the second lap of • the twenty-third mile, Keen passed his ! antagonist, coming into the straight to • finish the circuit ; and Mr Sparrow on • being made aware of the fact, wisely retired, opposite the dressing-room after having ridden 22 miles, two laps in 1 h. 44 mm. 33sec Keen finished his twentyi third mile, when he Avas told that he need ' not continue.