MOTOR-CYCLING.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19762, 8 October 1927, Page 12 (Supplement)

MOTOR-CYCLING.

I SPORTS CLUB STEEPLECHASE Tho fixture of the Sports Motor-Cyclf Club last week-end proved a gruelling test for tho riders, and tho strain im posed by five miles of strenuous rougf riding was apparent as tho riders finished The course was over a circuit, flaggec over rough scrub-covered country, a few swampy crossings adding to the difficulties. Twelve riders faced tho starter, and for safety they wore despatched it pairs in two minute intervals. On some of the narrow defiles if a leading ridea got into trouble or stalled those following had no choice but to wait as in these cases the surrounding scrub was toe dense to ride through. s The heavy rain which fell overnight filled the low-lying areas with water which wet the steep banks and caused considerable skidding. A few ■ willing helpers assisted on the steepest grades where back wheels spun helplessly. A noticeable feature was tho failure of competitors to provide traction for their back wheels. N. Person, who won tho event by a margin of four minutes, wound thick rope round the back tyre and thus enabling him to make ascents which the others could not negotiate without help. This lack of

loretnougnt is always apparent, at sports Dlub fixtures, especially hill climbs, and it is surprising that some enterprising rider has not before this constructed a set of light chains which would clear the rear forks and driving chain. Without exception competitors adopted the ordinary spring saddle which on the very rough ground caused a certain amount of lack of control. Among the earlier competitions of the Sports Club, and before its inception, the Auckland MotorCycle Club (now the Auckland Motor Racing Club), fixed saddles were almost universally 'adopted. These gave a much lower: riding-position, gave more control on rough, steep grades, and offered facilities for lifting machines over obstacles without wasting time in dismounting, and prevented bouncing. The location of the course could bo improved for a future event fpr the nature of the country prevented the spectators from seeing much of the race. The following riders started: —G. Goldberg (2.' f Velocette), C. Cashmore B.S.A.), N. Person (23 Indian), K. Yates (2J Rex Acme), C. Yates (2j Chater-Lea), I. Spense (3£ 0.E.C.), T?. Graham (2f Chater-Lea), 11. Ratcliffe (13 Sun), L. Coulthard (3A- Triumph), A. McLaren (2J O.E.C.'), K. McLaren (2f Harley-Davidson), S. Brooks (lg* Francis .Baraett). The prize-winners were:— N. Person (2J Indian), '2sm. 50s. .. 1 K. McLaren (2| Harley-Davidson), 36m. 45s * . . .. 2 A. McLaren ' (2|- 0.E.C.), 38m. 15s. . . 3 K. Yatc-s (2J Rex Acme), 41m. 555. . . 4 INTERNATIONAL SIX DAYS TRIAL. This year's trial was noticeable for the improvement in the silencing of machines this feature applying equally to British and foreign makes. Almost all the engines were standard productions and the manner .in which they stood up to the gruelling test was ample confirmation of the statement that the modern motorcycle is the world's cheapest and most efficient form of transport. NOTES. During a 450-mile run on roller skates a man—at times —averaged from 20 to 35 m.p.h. During June 135 motor-cycles were imported into Canada from the U.S.A. and only seven from Great Britain. After a condemnation of pillion riding by an Irish judge, the jury gave it as their opinion that the practice was not dangerous. "... In the motor-cars our experts are now ahead of our imports, and in motorcycles we have pretty well conquered the whole field."—Leading article in a London daily paper. A If 'h.p. McEvoy-Blackburne has created a new record by averaging a speed of 49.6 m.p.h. for six consecutive hours. For the first four hours the speed was 50.8 m.p.h. J. H. Blackburn, riding a Velocette, has won .the Leinster " Hundred." The fastest time was made by T. Bullus (New Hudson) who beat Graham Walker (Sunbeam) by one second.

Throughout South Africa motor-cyclists —as well as car drivers—must undergo oral and practical tests prior to driving I licences being granted. Licences cost 10s to cover motor-cycles and 20s for cars and are permanent. Machine licences are renewable annually. Tliß minimum age was raised to 17 on July 1. The first motor-cycle body to be organised in Jamaica has recently sprung into being. It is known as the Jamaica MotorCycle Association, and the objects are primarily to develop and foster the sporting side of motor-cycling and to increase that method of transport in the island.. Previously motor-cycles were mainly used for business purposes. The most coveted road record in South Africa is the Durban-Johannesburg stretch of 410 miles. First achieved in 1913, the time has been reduced by 10 men while there have been numerous unsuccessful attempts. The" last high-powered record was made by T. Nicholl (7 h.p. Indian) in 1922, in 10 hours 31 minutes. Recently E. Gibson attempted the feat on a 2% h.p. Chater-Lea and in spite of a broken throttle wire which caused a delay of 45 minutes, he created a new record for the 350 c..c. class.