WHEELING.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1617, 25 February 1903, Page 54

WHEELING.

(By "Austral.”) "Plugger Bill” remains in the colony, although both Sutherland and Palmer sailed for Sydney last Aveek. Martin intends to rest, and although he journeys to Palmerston North and Napier with some of the other racing cyclists, the veteran will only he an onlooker. The Wellington Cycling Club rooms are receiving a complete overhauling. The painters have beenHousy lately and new A T en tilators have been fixed overhead, Avhicli has turned the billiard room into one of the coolest and airiest in the city. Tlie committee are to be congratulated on the success of the innovation.

Some six thousand people Avatched the concluding afternoon and night meetings of tlie Melbourne Bicycle Club on the Exhibition track on the 7th inst, the draw being Robl. Taylor, and Dickentmann. The former rider again showed' his remarkable ability at pace following-—tvv r o of his miles being covered in lmin 33sec, and lmin 35sec. The former is an Australasian record, and is a very creditable ride considering that the Exhibition track is totally unsuited for this class of racing. The American flyer, "Major” Taylor,” showed innn'oved form behind the motor tandem in his match with Robl, bnt the Yankee sprinter was no match for the German champion, avlio again Avon all three heats cf the match. Through holding Dickentmann too cheap in tho ten miles motor paced handicap, in the afternoon, Robl suffered his first defeat since he landed in the Commoivwealth. In this event the Victorian rider, F. A. Murphy, again showed aptness for paced work, but his condition Avas not sufficient to see him through the ten miles. Interspersed Avith the motor paced eA T ents Avere a half and a mile handicap. The latter Avas Avon by S. Murray. Avho gives promise of Avinning a, big handicap before the close of the season. whilst E. A. Pye carried off the sprint race in good style. Dickentmann appeared as a sprinter in the half-mile handicap, and shoAved that lie is equally well at home in this branch of the sport by Avinning liis heat from forty yards in 2min 6 l-ssec.

F. Beauchamp, the well known Dunlop racing crack, lias now recovered from his recent mishaps on the Melbourne Exhibition track. He is daily putting in fine work behind the "Massey” motor on the St. Hilda track, and is a greatly improved r>ace follower than when he defeated Dickentmann in his match at the Exhibition track last month. Beauchamp is anxious to ride again with the Dutch champion, and it is more than likely that a, match will eventuate between these two cracks before Dickent!nar>n leaves the C.onimor>wealth.

The racing cyclists were going to give a meeting on the St. Kilda track on the 14th inst., with a view of raising money towards establishing an Injured Cyclists' Fundi A fine programme had been arranged and given line weather the meeting should have been a successful one. Taylor was to compete in several sprint races, and give Melbournites a glimpse cf marvellous sprinting, as lie is now over his attack of influenza.

Talking of the xiossibility ul an unpaced match between Taylor and Robl. the latter rider says that he is quite prepared to meet the American flyer in an unpaced pursuit race. Nothing has yet been definitely arranged in tnis direction. How would a pursuit match between Taylor, Robl, and Beauchamp take, say on the Sydney Cricket Ground Y Sucii an event woUld prove a great “draw.”

Almost every cyclist will be interested more or less in the new variable speed gear movement, which is now engaging the attention of English cyclists and cycle manufacturers. The new variable gear promises to prove a greater success and boon to cyclists than over the free wheel, which is just now so popular amongst all wheelmen. Apart from the obvious benefits to be derived from the use of a two or three speed gear, there is another phase, says a well known English writer, which must be taken into account." In just the same way as the motor cvclist derives a large portion of his pleasure from the mere manipulation of the taps—that pleasure in feeling that he is managing things so as to get the best possible results out of his machine, so will the cyclist using, sav.. a three s])eed gear, enjoy similar satisfaction. The experienced cyclist will, of course, manipulate his gear almost from the first with the best results, and. in so doing he will at once enjoy what is certainly an added pleasure to the pastime. The rather less experienced rider will have to

gradually learn how to manage his different gears with the best results. it is quite certain that tiiis increased use of variable speed gears is going to make a, decided addition to the pleasures ov cycling. A marvellous thing about racing motorists has recently been demonstrated m Melbourne. When tho motors started racing at the Exhibition track all who watched them careering round at such a terrible speed foretold terrible accidents, but such has not been the case. Borne very ugly falls recently occurred on tlie Exhibition arena; 11. B. James crashed into Lcyhmann, one of the German riders, vchen travelling at a fraction under forty miles an hour. To. everyone's surprise—-himself included —he got up practically untouched. Later on Smith (Germany), on Robbs fast, racing motor, came down when travelling at a. one-t wen ty-seA'enl h clip. Result Smashed machine, rider unhurt. Again, on tlie same dav, Uevhmann (Germany) and 11. James ' whilst racing at forty miles an hour both mime down through the track being insufficiently banked to carry the pace. La - cry body present thought it a case for the morgue or hospital", but no; both riders picked themselves up and Avere able to finish the contest. It thereupon appears that the high rate of sneed saves tho rider from serious results. This is a theory that the writer would like to see further discussed, for there certainly appears to he some grounds for the belief expressed, otherwise how can one account for a Avell kuoAvn Melbourne motorist haA'ing three scA r ero falls in one Aveek and escaping serious injury. Tlie best bicycle begins to deteriorate after two seasons. A cheap bicycle begins file process much earlier. Tlie metal loses its “life” and elasticity; it tends under the constant vibration to become more brittle, and so more liable to breakage. An almost similar state of things happens in the human frame as we grow old. The bones ami ligaments lose -tone a.itd the endurance and elasticity of youth A'anisli. A Avell made cycle may last for ten years Av'itliout a breakdown, but after the first tivo years the risks occur enormously OAving to the oldness of the metal. And when the "life” goes out of the tubing the machine does net run so sweetly as of yore. Many cyclists do not appreciate . small differences, and avill scarcely think the Avant of "life” any importance; bnt. taken in conjunction Avith the fact that the. cycle is deteriorating and the possibility .of breakage considerably increasing Avith each year, the inducement to get a new cycle, say once every two years, or even more frequently, is a strong one for those who like cycling at its best. It is said that the German riders now in Melbourne are much impressed Avith the style of little Ferg Smith, a handicap rider, Avell known on Melbourne tracks. Smith only Aveighs about nine stone and is of very short Mature. He has had several rides behind Robl’s pace and shaped in good style, so much so that it is reported that there is a probability of Smith accompanying Robl and Dickentmann back to the Continent next month. It is said that the German A’isitors think that they have an. embryo "■midget” Michael in little Smith.

MEETING AT THE BASIN RESERVE Tho presence of some of the best riders in the colony failed to attract more than a thousand people inside* the Basin Reserve to witness the cycling meeting held under the patronage of the Wellington Cycling Club on Wednesday afternoon. Nearly as many spectators witnessed the proceedings from the people’s stand —outside the fence. Jupp’s Band was in attendance, and played selections during the afternoon. A strong northerly wind which blew across the ground during the afternoon made matters rather unpleasant for the competitors.

Wolf was penalised 40yds in the Wellington Cycling Club Handicap. Ho won his heat in good style, and would have been hard to beat in the final had bo not had the misfortune to puncture a tyro when half the distance had been covered. E vis on also came down when leading a lap from home. The final brought about an exciting finish between Sutherland and Martin, the former winning by a wheel. The Fivemile Championship of Wellington brought nine riders. McCarrisoiq a youthful rider, got the three first-lap prizes, Huston tho next fifteen and Palmer tho last hut one. A great fight between. Martin and Sutherland in the last lap again resulted in favour of tho New Zealand champion by about a wheel. During the afternoon George Lewis gave an exhibition on W. Martin’s ten horse-power motor machine, which went well. Although the track was a rough one and the corners difficult to negotiate, the motor covered three miles in 6min 54sec. Following are tho results of tho events: — Novice Race Handicap, one mile. First prize, £2; second, £l.—First heat —A. A. Nattrass, 30yds, 1; W. Lambert-, 60yds, 2; A. Smith, 50yds, 3. Also started —C. McKeegan scr, H. F. Green 100yds, Won easily. Time, 2min 42sec. Second heat—E. H. Chatfield, 50yds, 1; R. Ames, 10yds, 2; C. Riggs, 100yds, 3. Also started —J. Butcher scr, J. Jones 40yds. Won by ten yards. Time, 2min 37 4-ssec. Final 3. Won by half a dozen yards; a good heat —Nattrass. 1; Smith, 2; Chatfield, third. Time, 2min 35sec. Major Taylor Handicap, one mile. First prize, £4; second, £1; third, 10s. —First heat —A. E. G. Evison, 170yds, 1; W. Meston, 160yds, 2; M. Brunette, 90yds, 3; W. Huston, 80yds, 4. Also started —G. Sutherland scr, W. Martin 30yds, N. Bannin 140yds. The limit men were never caught, and won

easily. Time, 2min 21scc. Second boat —II. Wolf, 170yds, 1 ; 11. Holland, 70yds, 2; A. W. Humphries, 130yds, 3; W. Clarkson, 100yds, 4. Also started —W. Palmer 40vds, A. McCarrison 170yds. "Woii with something to spare, tho other placed 'men being close together. Time, 2min 22sec. Filial heat —Wolf, 1; Evison. 2 ; Most on, 3. Won by fiA'e yards, Meston a good third. Time, 2min 22soc.

Amateur Handicap one mile. First prize, £2 ; second, £l.—First heat— C. McKoegan, scr, 1; J. Jones, 40yds, 2; R. Ames, 100yds. 3. Also started —A. A. Nat trass scr. E. 11. Chat field 50yds. Nat trass retired after going a lap. McKoegan .drew away at the turn, and Avon by several yards. Time, 2min 54scc. Second heat —W. Lambert, 60yds, 1; W. Go.stro, 40yds, 2; A. Smith, 50yds. 3. . Abo started—S. Mat-terso-n 100yds. Won by ten yards. Time, 2-min 38 4-sscc. Wellington Cycling Club Handicap, two miles. First prize, £10; second, £3; third, £l.—First heat —G. Sutherland, scr, 1; W. Martin, 40yds, 2; VY. Clarkson, 140yds, 3 ; W. Palmer, 60yds, 4. Also started—-A. McCarrison 260yds, W. Gostro 260yds. Clarkson drew out at the boll, but Avas headed by Martin and Sutherland, avlio sprinted brilliantly. Time, omin 16sec. Second heat — H. Wolf, 220yds. 1; 11. Holland,- 80yds, 2; A. Huston, 90yds, 3; A. W. Humphries, lSOvd.s, 4. Also started —M. Brunette 100yds, N. Bannin 200yds, A. E. G. Evison 260yds. Evison fell at the last turn, AA’hen leading with Wolf. In a sprint to tho tape Brunette A'vaa just beaten by Humphries for a place. Time, smin 9 2-osec. Final . heat— Sutherland, 1 ; Martin, 2; Holland, 3. Wolf had a good lead at a mile,, when, he drooped out through his machine going Avrong. The others avovo hunched when the boll rang. A good finish resulted in Sutherland’s favour by a Avheel. Holland, avlio Avas close , up, just beat Palmer for third place. Time,

smln I7scc. Five-mile Championship of Wellington. First prize, £7 10s; second, £2; third, £l.—G. Sutherland, I'. ML Martin, 2; H. Holland, 3. Also started — Vv. Clarkson, A. W. Humpnries, MBrunette, A. McCarrison, A. Huston. Humphreys’ tiro blevr out in the first lap, and reduced tho field by one. MeGarrison and Martin Avere in tho lead for three laps. Avhere Huston replaced McCa.rri.son, and made the pace for four miles and a half. Palmer then jumped into tho lead, and Avhen the boll rang was closely followed by Sutherland and Martin in that order. lialf-Avay round Palmer dropped back* beaten. .Martin then hold a slight advantage. The pair wero lcA'dl at tho bend, and although Martin put in some so-lid AA*ork, Sutlieralnd Avas not to ho denied, and Avon by a Avheel. Holland Avas a good third. Time, 14min ISsec. TAYLOR DEFEATS WALKER. MELBOURNE, February 22. In. a match between .Major lay lor and* Don Walker, best t-Avo out of three heats, Taylor Avon the first tAvo right out. ’ Ho rode half a mile unpaced in lmin 27 2-ssec, and a mile paced m 2min 2G l-ssec. THE BIG SYDNEY WHEEL RACE.

SYDNEY, February 22^ Following are the handicaps for the Sydney Thousand Pounds Cycle Handicap:—Major Taylor (America), scr; G. Sutherland (Now Zealand) and Don Walker (Victoria), syds. Of the other Now Zealanders, A. C. Forbes received 10yds, C. E. Burton 25yds, J. Chalmers 35yds’ M. Randrup 45yds, D. Plunkett 90yds. The promoters of the “Sydney Thousand,” the biggest handicap race yet held in the world, have received a verysatisfactory entry for the rich event, which is set down for running on the Sydney cricket ground on tho 7th March. All the best handicap riders in the Commonwealth have nominated, consequently a fast mid exceedingly interesting race should result for the £louo, winch is being split up as follows! First, £750; second, £100; third, £SO ; and £IOO for distribution amongst the best winners. The big race? is to be one mile —a distance that is becoming very popular amongst riders and public alike, and one which certaimy produces faster riding. The Hutt Valley Cycling and Athletic Club has been presented with a challenge cup by Mrs O’Leary, of Upper Hutt. Only members of the cluis will be allowed to compete for the trophy. The distance for each race has been fixed at two miles, and the first competition for the cup lias been arranged to take place on the litn “A't'a meeting of the Hutt Valley Cycling and Athletic Clnh on Fiiflay it was stated that the net profit on the recent cycle race meeting nould amount to about £3l).