GIRL'S BICYCLE RIDE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21141, 26 March 1932, Page 10

GIRL'S BICYCLE RIDE.

AUCKLAND TO WELLINGTON. EFFORT TO MAKE RECORD. SHORT PERIODS OF REST. Jn an attemnt'to establish a cycle record hot ween A lick land and Wellington, an Auckland girl, Miss Violet Band, set onf from tno chief post office in Auckland at 3 p.m. on Thursday for Wellington. Slip was accompanied by her brother, Mr. S. J. Baird, a well-known rider and a mem |.»er of Ihe Manukan Amateur Cycling Club, who will assist her in making a fast pace during the journey. Miss Baird expects to cover the dis lance, over 500 miles, in less than 90 hours. At present no t-ecord for women riders exists and she hopes to cover Hip distance under conditions which will entitle her to hold the first record. Dip record for men, established by S. Wright, of Wellington, is 56 hours. Miss Baird is the holder of the quarter and half-mile New Zealand cycling records for women, gaining both honours at theWestern Springs Stadium. She has never previously ridden over a long distance, but during the past few weeks has been training for the attempt. No fixed plan is being followed by Miss Baird and her brother. They will be followed closely by a motor-car driven by Mr. J. C. Stewart, a member of the Auckland executive of the New Zealand Cycling Council, who will be responsible for taking the times at the various centres during the run. Miss Baird intends to ride continuously as far as possible. When she feels in need of rest she will take a short sleep by the roadside. Equipment and food are being carried in the car, but no long halts will be made during the journey, it being Miss Baird's intention to finish the trip in less than the scheduled time if possible. There was a large crowd at the post office to see her leave, while her departure was checked by a post office official, who stamped a book or log which she carries. This book will bo stamped at post offices during the journey, which will bo made via Hamilton, Olorohanga, lo Kuiti, Awakino, Uruti, Inglewood, Hawera, Wanganui, Sanson and Levin. If she maintains her schedule she wili arrive at Wellington at 9 a.m. on Easter Monday. The return to Auckland will be made with her brother in Mr. Stewart s car. I