MOTOR-CYCLING

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21258, 11 August 1932, Page 14

MOTOR-CYCLING

WAITEMATA CLUB'S RUN EXPERIENCES OF RIDERS Tho first of a series of half-day reliability trials, run tinder tho auspices of tho Waitemata Motor-Cycle Club spedally fov the benefit of every day riders, was held last Saturday uridor ideal conditions. There was a good liold, mounted on almost every conceivable typo of machine, the models ranging from 106 c.c. two-strokes, to a "four" with an engine bigger than that of many a light car. By far tho largest number of the competitors rode English machines, and although tho course was fairly difficult in parts, and many of tho riders were obviously unusucd to "trials" conditions, there was a remarkable immunity from mechanical failures. TIIO first man away from the start at tho junction of Great South and Manukau Roads, was 11. Matthews ( 488 c.c. Royal Enfield). Tho total distance was 53 miles, tho course including Waikowhai, Titirangi, Nihotupu, Swanson and Waitakere. Several time checks were included, and a starting from cold test and a stop and restart test wero held during tho run. In the stop and restart event, competitors had to stop at a cerain place on a convenient hill, and on receiving tho signal, they were required to cover a distance of about 40 yards in less than 10s. Tho fastest time was made by L. Sowerby (248 c.c. Ixsvis), while G. Suthetland was also good with his 249 C.C. B.S.A. A number of the competitors apparently becamo flurried, and did not show to advantage on tho greasy surface. Several of tho riders lost time through missing tho courso before reaching Titirangi. Heavy rain two days before the trial had washed away some of tho dye, making tho course a triflo difficult to follow. Tha " Observed " Section An unrnetalled hill, which had been chosen as tho "observed" section, was the downfall of many riders. G. Sutherland and G. Howlett (348 c.c. Velocetto), mode clean climbs, while L. Sowerby lost five marks through "footing" to retain his balance on the greasy surface. The remainder lost tho maximum of 15 marks on this hill, as they stopped and had to be assisted to make the climb. The first three riders through the section wero H. W. Youren (Ariel lour), A. Myers (Indian Four) and L. Sowerby. Insufficient mudguard clearance handicapped C. Mclndoe and J. Hill (Nortons), while G. Brunton (496 c.c. New Hudson), did a terrific wheel-spin due to a smooth rear tyre. Chain trouble resulted in the retirement of J. Reimers (196 c.c. Sun), and a broken plug accounted for F. Crosbie (Ariel and sidecar). S. Anderson (Levis) had fitted balloon tyres and had insufficient mudguard clearance, while G. Bloomfield (Sun), R. Wiseman (Douglas), H. M. Spencer (Velocette). G. Plunkett (Royal Enfield), G. Russell (Harley-Davidson) and P. Thorne (Douglas) all lost time on tho section before Nihotupu. Tho tbird timo cheek was taken at Black Bridge, near Waitakero, and riders wero duly thankful to Mrs. E. S. Brookes for hot soup and tea, which was served during a rest of half an hour. At the conclusion of the time, the starting from cold test was held. Each of the riders bad his motor running within tho prescribed 10s, although Howlett iusfc ' managed to qualify. Later, D. M. Robinson (Harley-Davidson), and Sowerby, each bad tyro trouble. The final check was taken at Avondale, whero 12 riders j duly reported The following are the results:—ll. W. Youren (Ariel Four) and G. Sutherland {249 c.c. B.S.A 1, 85 points each, 1; A. Mvers (Indian Four), 65 points, 3; J. Hill (490 c.c. Norton), 30 points 4. On August 20, tho club will hold a hillclimb at Pigeon Mountain, while a oneday reliability trial has beon arranged for September 4. pboduction or toed cars The Ford Motor Company of Canada, Limited, has concluded an important arrangement with the Ford Motor Company, Limited, of England, whereby lord V-8 motors and cars made m Canada will be distributed through European and Asiatic territories of the English company and in return British-made 8 h.p. Ford cars will be marketed in tho export territories of Canadian Ford, according to an announcement by Mr. Wallace R. Campbell, president of the Canadian company. 'Tho plant of the Ford Motor Company of Canada is at East Windsor, Ontario, and the new trade arrangement, it is stated, will mean a pay-roll distribution _of approximately 3,000,000 dollars in the border cities and other manufacturing centres throughout tho Dominion during the next year. . Tlie "baby" or 8 h.p. lord is not mado in Canada, and the new markets which will be opened to it under the agreement compriso India, Africa, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Malay States and other British territories outside Great Britain. . Some 3600 cars of this type will be taken by Ford of Canada for these markets, and a business of approximately 2,000,000 dollars is involved. During July, Ford of England will take from 1500 to 1800 completed Ford V—B cars from the Canadian company, and m the next 12 months the latter company will supply from 18,000 to 20,000 Fold V—B engines, manufactured at the local plant, to the English company. The V—B engine is not manufactured at Dagenham, where Ford of England is located, and the business involved amounts to approximately 3,000,000 dollars. "Baby" Fords will not be sold in Canada for some time, according to Mr. Campbell, who has just returned from England, whero tho agree- . ment was uegotiated.