CYCLING.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 11644, 4 May 1901, Page 7

CYCLING.

The manner in which tho idea of cye.e paperchases ha 3 been taken up since its innovation last Saturday, when upwar.is of SO cyclists took part in the one organised ly Messrs. Skoates and Bockaert, speaks well for tho chances of the novel form of sport becoming a periodical fixture, which will bo eagerly looked forward to by enthusiasts. Last Saturday's initial run to Otahuhu, Itsides being intensely enjoyed, had its inevitable accompaniment of humourous incidents, such as the stranding of more than half the pursuers of tho " haras" at totally wrong destinations. One brought up at Matigero, another at Avondale, and others again at AH. Eden. In fact, the different points of the compass were all touched. The run taught its own lessons, which promoters of future ones will doubtless benefit by. In laying tho scent, for example, whilst full .-.dvanttigo will be taken of tho latitude allowed in "breaks" and false tracks, care will bo taken to prevent a follower of the false scent coming upon the right course too easily ly means of it. 1 learn that tho -■ycls trade have combined, with tho idea of i.rganising papereha.se.*- at regular intervale— every fortnight—and several prizes !».vo been promised. A committee of management will in all likelihood be shortly formed. Signatures to the Cycle Board* Bill petitions are rapidly coining in, and tho Auckland Cycle Roads League in ten.l Burning them on almost immediately. The work of the League authorities continues to create intense interest, and they are now wellknown from Auckland to the bluff. It is evident from the expressions of option that havo reached them from many of our legislators that their work is favourab'.v looked upon by those in power, and the gone id impression is that they need have no fear as to the result of their labours. 'l'l e different cycle agents are lacking their efforts right loyally both in money and work, Messrs. Skeates and Boekaort's papcrohase of .Saturday last bringing in a welcome sum <o | the funds. I E. Thomas, the Auckland cyclist, who | went South some months back, returned during the week, and will again settle down here, i It is worthy of noiice thai the three Australasian championshipsthe one, five, avid l.vi miles have been annexed by American I riders, Ivor Lawson securing the shortest ! distance, and VVm. Martin tho remaining j two. ! The German Emperor is greatly interested in the motor industry. He has just donated £2000 as prize money for a motor race from Paris to Berlin. Arrangements for the contest are now being made. Tho Auckland Amateur Athletic and Cycle Club intend holding tho annual road race on May 24. ,1. (been, the English cyclist, loft Australia for 'the United States last week. It is his ! intention to spend some months in lie i American racing circuit. Green bvoke his ! arm through a fall sustained whilst nnvog i on the St. Kilda track last Novoral t-r. This ' second visit of the English rid«j ha: col ' been such a financial success as 1 is first, when he won close upon £500 in drakes. Yet another branch of industry in ?onii>ction will) the cycle trade is announced in the fact that it is the intention of the Dunlcp

... i lyre Company to establish largo rubber mi.ls near Melbourne. This should be wwcoaie . news to the trade, who recognise the on, ] advantages derivable from having tyre ana other rubber goo-Is manufactured •ircordT.g to Australian requirements. Vehicle soiio. j rubber tyres is one item that the big tyre company intends pushing. Several manufacturers of motor bicyoes I are seeking not only the best me.hodot attaching the motor itself to the frame, nut also a satisfactory way of removing it a.id transforming the machine into an crdmary bicycle, at the will of the rider. As may be supposed, the weight of the machine is ucreased materially by the addition of tlic motor, reselling from 65ib to 80lb and over. Supposing this object were attained, it '3 «rfc to sav i! at the frame and wheels would have to be greatly strengthened to withstand I the additional strain, and although the re- j moval of the motor mechanism would reduce the weight to a very groat extent, the ordinary j machine would still be the lighter by many pounds.