MOTOR-CYCLE HILL CLIMB.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19781, 31 October 1927, Page 13

MOTOR-CYCLE HILL CLIMB.

CONTEST AT MANGERE. HONOURS FOR LIGHT-WEIGHTS. The first motor-cycle hill climb of the season was held on Saturday afternoon on Mr. G. Henning's property at Mangere, about 500 people witnessing th* sport. Departing from custom, the course was laid over a course witn curves and good riding, mdgment and control played a larger part than on the former straight climbs which primarily revealed the periormanc of the machines. The lighter mounts, particularly the 22 horse-power overhead valv models, showed to advantage on the bends and rough surfaces, the higher-powered machines not being able to -make the most of their superior speed. The fastest time was established by K. McLaren on a 2| h.p Har-ley-Davidson. Thit rider also won in every entry except the open c'nss in which he "spilled" when within 10 yards of the finishing post. Following are the results:— 250 c.c. Class.—N Person, 2} 8.5.A., 28 1-ss. 1; S. Carter. 2i Matchless. 31s, 2: W. Wadhnm, 21 8.5.A., 3.BThere were six starters. Most of the competitors waited too long before chang'ng gear on the last stpep pinch. Person's machine was never extended. 350 c.c. Class (side-vai.ro engines).—K. McLaren. 2J A.J.S. 325, 1: S Person, 2! A.J.S., 245. 2: N. Person, 2$ Indian, 245, 3. There were 10 starters McLaren'-- ride being outstanding The two brothers Person tied for second place and on the rideoff again tied. The secqni. awardiwas given to 8. Person as his first climb was considered the better 350 c.c. Class (overhead valve engines).— X. McLaren, 2? Harley-Davidson. 22 l-ss. 1; P. Bowler, 2J Yelocjt' . 22 4-ss, 2: A. McLaren, 2J 0.E.C., 23 .-ss. 3. Twenty-one starters keenly contested *his event, and McLaren received an ovation when the result was announced. II Eatcliffe, the winner of last year's Mount Boskill climb, made five attempts, but oversbo* the course on each trial McLaren's win was due to superior iudgment (500 c.c. Class.—-L Crosby, 34 Norton, 23 l-ss. J; J. Cnr'cJ. 3i Ar-el. 23 4-ss, 2; C. Walker, 3J O.E.C. 21s, 3 Again there wns keen competition with 74 starters, but many riders were unable to negotiate the lest bend, a drizzle having made the grass slightly greasy. Open Class.—D Goldberg, 2} Velocette, 235. 1; P. Bowler, 2J Velocetfe;' 23 l-ss. 2: H. Ratcliffe. 2f Velocefte, 23 2-ss, 3. There was keen competition among the '29 starters and five riders had covered the distance m 23 l-ss. when Goldberg, one of the last despatched, topped the rise n 23s followed by McLaren, who seemed to have time in hand when ho skidded in the last few yards. On the run-off or secord placo Bowler again achieved 23 \-ss. Handicap event. —K McLaren. 2? HarleyDavidson. scr 1; D. GoTclFerg, 2J Velocotte, 9-ss, 2. There were 18 ptarters. The times in this event were, much slower than earlier in afternoon, with the ey<">tion of those of the two placed men. McLaren clocked at 225, a record for the course, and the fastest time of tho day.