AMATEUR CYCLING

Manawatu Times, Volume LIII, Issue 6766, 21 November 1928, Page 5

AMATEUR CYCLING

A FEW USEFUL HINTS. (.By ‘ Sprinter’). 1 With tlie glorious summer sunshine increasing every 'day, cycling in its various forms again asserts itself as one of young New Zealand’s greatest health-giving and popular hobbies. During these fresh and sunny mornings what is better than to hike along to your nearest cycle track or on some stretch of road and leave a few miles behind, then a shower, a rub down and homo to breakfast? There arc also the amateurs who, whon properly coached, make their hobby as profitable as it is enjoyable. These would gain much more inside knowledge were they to identify themselves with an amateur cycling club, where they would come into contact with more experienced riders. Mount Equipment. Seeing that there are numerous training points to be probed, I will deal only with fundamental points and generalities for the present. As speed is the great object aimed at, it m imperative that the bicycle should be in good running order, that it bo free of grit, well oiled, that the bearings are properly adjusted. Tyres with ‘ ‘ dead rubber ’ ‘ do not make for speed. Procure tyres with real live rubber. In short, see that your gear generally Is in food order and ready to respond to your exertions. To be really successful as a track rider it is essential to acquire the allimportant art of pedalling —a point that is sadly neglected by hundreds of riders who will never i-each championship class. The use of a very small gear in your initial training is perhaps the finest means to this end. Ride with the small gear whon on business or when touring and never attempt fast or exhausting work. That will come in good time when the constitution can stand it. Correct Position.

The handle bars should bo about the width of the shoulders apart and at an easy natural height for road racing, but a little lower for fast track racing. To locate your saddle height sit on your cycle with your leg extended straight down and with the corresponding pedal resting at its lowest point. When th,o heel of the leg touches the pedal, you should accept that as your riding length, and you should never alter it. When in riding position, your knees should have a slight bend when extended. Have the saddle one ond a half inches behind the bracket. Your great aim should be to secure the position that offers the greatest leverage. Early Training.

As regards training methods, I venture the opinion that riders should not bind themselves to hard and fast rules but rather that they should merely select a few points from past champions and observe such rules that will suit their temperament best, and in n-.y next article I will endeavour to give the ideas of training followed by prank Grose, Now Zealand amateur champion 1927-28. CYCLE HANDICAPS. The following cycle handicaps have been declared by Mr. J. A. Cooksley for the two races to he hold under the auspices of the IVfanawatu Amateur Athletic Club at the Sportsground to-

pedestrian events: —. 100 yards: H. Piercey 3yds, A. Weston 51, H. McDolahy 74, W. Kelly 74, L. Cowling 10, W. Morgan 11, J. Weston 11. ' „ T , One mile: H. McDonald 30, H. Johnson 30, L. Cowling 100, O. Coles 100, AV. Kelly 160, N. Topee 160, J. Downing 130.

night: — 1 lap 2 miles M. Donald .. . 10 90 C. Casey .. .. .. 5 90 ,T. Casey .. .. .. 20 130 J. Powell .. .. .. 30 130 11. Spiers .. . . .. . 30 ISO A. Grier .. .. , .. . 50 170 W. Collins .. 130 A. York .... 180 C. Brill .... 130 E. Pedersen .. .. 40 160 G. King .. .. 190 O. Prouso .. .... 60 225 W. Pedley .. 230 J. Taylor .. .. .. 50 190 0. Eaton .. 225 G. Bloomfield .... 50 223 C. Olsen .. ., ,. 60 190 0. Larson .. 230 B. McKay . • ... 75 230 Following are the handicaps for the