WONDER CYCLIST

Hokitika Guardian, 2 December 1929, Page 7

WONDER CYCLIST

MELBOURXE-SYDNE Y K EOOKD. OPPERMAN’S GREAT RIDE. SYDNEY, November 11. When Hu pert Opperman, Australia’s champion cyclist, clipped eight hours off the cycling record between Sydney and Melbourne he performed one of the greatest feats that stands to the credit of any Australian athlete. It was a remarkable feat of endurance, for the distance lie covered in 39 hours 42 minutes was 5621 miles. The best time before was 47 hours 46 minutes, fcto the credit of George McLeod, also a Victorian.

When Opperman arrived in Victoria shortly after mid-day on Saturday—he left Sydney on the previous Thursday night—lie was overwhelmed by enthusiastic adniitersj and several policemen had to escort , him to his proud wife. She embraced him and congratulated hiitV warmly. Opperman was overcome, 'great athlete though lie may be, he broke down, and it was some time* before he recovered. Then his mentor (Mr Bruce Small) kissed “Oppy” on the right cheek, and he said: “You have again shown the world what.aywonder cyclist you are.” The demonstration by the crowd was unprecedented in the history of Australian cycling. Police officials who

mat Opperman 25 miles out estimated the crowd that thronged the road approaching the finishing mark at between 50,1.00 «iiid 60,001). There was a procession of cyclists and motor vehicles more than thrce-mi.e j long, tipperman’s stoppages lor refreshments and baths along the route amounted to 2 hours 32 minutes 15 seconds, so that his actual riding time was 37 hours 9 minutes 15 seconds—a truly remarkable performance. The ri..c was not without incident. Opperman remained on his’bicycle all through two nights, and at times, such as when going down hills, he developed incredible speed and endangered bis own life. On tiie Friday lie was very fatigued, and at one time he completely lost bis sight. During the journey his eye shades disappeared and the constant sighting of the sunlit, roads was too much for his eyes. He had to rest for half an hour before be could see.

During part of the journey the heat was intense, and lie suffered greatly from sunburnt arms and face. Once his progress as interrupted by a huge snake which lay across the road. This lurd to he killed before he could proceed. Opperman found the roads in Victoria better, and the weather more invigorating after he had’crossed the border into Victoria, and his progress through the Southern State was iemarkable, causing surprise even among Opperman’s most enthusiastic admirers. At Albury, the border town, he was greeted by about 5000 people, whs

had been able to follow his progress by the broadcasted news of it. He bad one 1 heavy fall when his bicycle skidded on some rough metal, hut he quickly mounted the machine and continued on his way, demonstrating his tremendous pluck. During his rides through the night he had great difficulty in keeping awake, but his wonderful condition told in the end. and he was able to make a record that must Purely stand for years 1o come. It will surely add to his reputation abroad.