THE CINDER SPORT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20490, 15 February 1930, Page 14 (Supplement)

THE CINDER SPORT.

LADY COMPETITOR ARRIVES,

Aucklandcrs will bo given a new thrill j at tho Western Springs Speedway this evening when Miss Fay Taylour, tho English ridor, takes tho cinders in competition with tho men I'iders. Miss Taylour comes to Auckland with a fino reputation which is backed by many excellent performances and tho establishment of fast times wherever sho has ridden. Last weok spectators were thrilled with the remarkable exhibition of clever riding given by Spinks and even move stirred tho previous week by Pcarce's wonderful display. To seo a woman establishing fast times and perhaps defeating * even these champions will be a sight not often witnessed. There will bo the usual supporting local riders in addition to whom Datson and Spinks will also appear. Mann, who will bo remembered as one of tho first Australians at Western Springs, has arrived for a return season.

SOLO WORLD TOUR.

Round the world tours on motor-cycles aro becoming rather monotonous, but perhaps the most imposing and daring is that of a solo rider, unaccompanied by even tho usual sidecar with provisions and luggage. This intrepid gentleman is Mr. Ivralichek Soboleff, a Russian, who is using a 55 c.c. two-port Ariel. Jo started from Shanghai, and, after " touring" China, proceeded through Siam, Malay States and Burmah. During his ride through India a perilous crossing of the Punjab desert (787 miles) was accomplished without mishap. Mr. Soboleff is not attempting to break records by setting up new times, for instead of making a "straight through" trip, ho is visiting all important centres.

After leaving India, this sightseeing rider negotiated the mountainous country from Bunder Abbas to Keraian, and is the first unaccompanied motor-cyclist to make the trip. When 830 miles of Persian desert had been overcome, Iraq was visited and tho Arabian desert ciossed; then he went to Syria and Palestine. Constantinople was the jumping off placo for tlio European section, and on leaving the Balkans, Mr. Soboleff journeyed through Italy, France and Germany. After visitinc Russia and England, he intends to travel through Africa, and will then leave for a complete circuit of America, When acomplished, the world tour will be tho most complete that has ever been undertaken on a motor-cycle.

BRAKING SYSTEMS.

The necessity for good effective brakes becomes mora apparent every day. Speed is increasing and any slackness in the maintenance of braking svstems must lead towards accidents. It, has usually been recognised that rear wlitel brakes aro the most Effective and that brakes on front wheels should be used with great discretion. especially on solo machines. All these fittings have howover been improved during the last few years and with the modern motor-cycle jn many cases it is the front wheel which forms the most effective brake. This is peculiar but may be due to tho trend of design having 'introduced the inclined cylinder which naturally must throw the weight to the front of tho machine.

PILLION RIDING.

Earle Ilowe was the guest of honour at the annual dinner of the Motor-Cycling Club, which was held recently in London. Proposing the toast of the club, lie said that the M.C.C. trials were, among amateurs, the classic events of the motoring world. Ho wis once, he continued, not only the proud possessor of one motorcycle, but of several; lie wished that p'eoplo who expressed opinions about motor-cycling would do so with some sense of proportion. Tho flapper-bracket was ono of the best ways of getting out into the country and of enjoying the open air. " Do let us live and let live," lie continued. " A little more spirit of give and tako all round is required."

MOTOR-CYCLING AND AVIATION.

" Tho public does not realise tho good which is being done for their pleasure iind health by motoring, and especially by uiotor-cyc'ing clubs," said Professor A. M. Low, speaking at an English motor-cyclo Club annual dinner recently. " I was told by Sir Alan Cobham," ho continued, " that had it not been for tho sport of motor-cycling, which devloped tho aircooled engine, tho wonderful achievement of flying tho Atlantic would never havo been possible."

SOUTH AFRICAN T.T

Hiding a 2$ h p. Velocette, D. Hall, a well-known South African competitor, who also rode in the Inst Isle of Man i.i. races, won the South African T.T. Junior race in record time. He also created a record for the course for all-powered motors.