CYCLING,

Otago Witness, Issue 2219, 10 September 1896, Page 37

CYCLING,

NOTES BY DEMON. — — Two bicycle races are to be run at the Association Football Tournament on the Caledonian ground on Saturday afternoon. The roads last Saturday were in excellent order, the weather was the same, and cyclists wexe consequently abnudant. The Tap»nni Cycling Club hold a road tace to Black Gully and back on October 14, End there are to be three other races on the track on the same afternoon. I I learn from' the Southland Times that ! Mr Troup, of Gladstone,has patented a method pf driving a bicycle by which he claims to save the great amount of useless travel of the rider' « ftefc —at least two-thirds of the rotation of the cranks — by a rooking motion of tha pedals through the arc which represents the effective work of the rider under present conditions. The method Mr Troup adopts is much the same as that of the recent Christchurch patent which is applied to the maohine known as the Ake-Ake, and has the same objection— namely, that it is impossible to back pedal with it, and riders muet.depend entirely on the break for stopping. The main point of difference between the two 'patents is that Mr Troup continues the asa of the ordinary chain and places his disengaging driving clutch in a box on the crank spindle, frhereas the Ake-Ake chain or band is only par* tial, and is pulled forward by the action of the feet and drawn back for the next impulse by a spring fast to the rear of the frame. Mr Troup brings each pedal baok by utilising the thrust of the opposite foot. That ib would be a great flaring of muscle and synovial fluid to use such a device as this there can bet no doubb; bsotuse 61i0.flKlc.MleK travel would to enormously ra-

duced, but it is One of those things that can only be approved after severe trials ; and the want of power to stop the m&ohine in an emergency, such as coming round the corner at a brisk pace into the teeth of a runaway horse, is a drawhack which was pointed ont when the Ake-Ake was introduced, and the patentees are trying to orercmne it. Clew advantages of Mr Trcup's plan are that it could be applied cheaply to oxi stiii g bikes and that a rider could use much longer levers (cranks) with consequent increase of power, as the foot would not require to descend so far as' with the present rotating motion. If the patentee can further improve the invention by introducing a bolt or something of the kind which would lock tha "wheel within a wheel" whea required, his present device would be decidedly clever. — - Mr George Milne has, after nine years' service in the Lyttelton Times Company, resigned his position to take up the business managership of Mr R. Kent's cycle works. When leaving, the literary staff of the Times presented him with a silver sovereign case and matchbox, suitably inscribed, and a russian leather pocketbook. Mr W. A. Scott, of George street, has is~-ued a neat illustrated catalogue of high-grade cycles, including the Speedwell, for which he found himself unable to meet the demand last season. This year with a new and larger factory he hopes to be able to fill all orders. Mr Scott is agent for a number of other machines. Among his illustrations is a photograph of Mrs Scott, oaptttin of the Mimiro Club, on her Speedwell, and one of Mr L. Bnclay, who put up some rottd records last scaion. A deputation from the League of Victorian Wheelmen waited upon the Minister for Publio Works recently and asked that in the course of tho improvement of the Yarra a traok reserved exclusively for bicyclists should be made along both sides of the river for a distance of two miles above Princes Bridge. It is intended to I make a carriage drive and footpath, and with vetji little extra expaofa a bicyofa tr&ck could ba Ests& &fe tuo 6wao tfrao, She deoutotion.

stated that "every oihy in Europe and America" had a track exclusively reserved for oyclists, some of! 'them being 10 miles long and 66t't wide. They wanted the track exclusively for cyclists, and desired regulations that would prevent accidents.. The gravel from the excavations when rolled down would make a suffi-' ciently firm surface." Mr Taverner thought- he would be able to comply with the wishes of the cyrlitts, and ho would m»ke a track s.bout 10ft wide. P'atts Betts's flyir>g ;s;le lecord of ltnin 45seo was lowered by J. JS. Johnson on July 9 to lmin <H§sec, but the record did not last an hour, for Piatts Betts, who was present at the Catford track when the reoord was made, immediately set to and cut one-Stth of a second off it. On the succeeding day Johnson put up the following world records : — Fiymg stnrt, | quarter mile, .24 3-s<jeo; half-mile, 49+-ssee; j standing start, qus>rter-mile, 29Jsec ; standing start, half-mile, 54g.ee. The match between Michael and J. S. Johnson, over one-mils and 10-mile courses, eventuated on July 11, as soon an Michael'B suspension in connection with his running in the Chain oontpsfcs- had been removed. The American proved himself far too wily for Michael in the mils race, but he could not catch sight of the Welshman in the 10-mile event, and was beaten by more than a quarter of a mile. I hear on very good authority that some of the makers are withdrawing their secondgrade ladies' machines, as they have as much as they can manage in first-olaBU orders. The ladien seem to have shown the way, and have given a practical illuatraticn that itrls a mistake to go in for a cheap machine. Finish and workmanship are so essential to a good machine that I often wonder how^ people can be found to purchase a machine without these advantages, and can only put it down to ignorance of the real' qualities 'of a good maohino. Cycling" (especially for ladies) in only in its infancy here, and many exclaim at the price of a maohine, quite forgetting that the many little thiugs that go to make up * perfect whole cannct be had without paying a good price for them. No lady would think of buying a cheap dress material and expect it to wear well; and 6o wibh bicycks-^the best is always the cheapest in the end. -The first-grade machines ost sevwal pouDds more id the firtt instance : bat they are lighter (a most important item in a lady's machine), s*fer, faster, last longer, and finally sell as second-hand for a higher proportional value. The second-grade machines help to lower the market value of first-grade second-hand f but if I had to choose between them I should prefer the latter if by a good maker. -— — I was rather amused the -other day to see it stated in a contemporary that cycling would not be as popular as tennis with girls, beoause the arduous exertion gave them no opportunity during a long rids to look at, much , less speak to, the gentlemen of the party. Now, | in the. firsb placs, cycling ia not ah arduous exercise, unless when going over a bit of bad I road or uphill. An exporieuced rider can con- | verse just as readily en her machine as off, I althoogh she must speak above a whisper. Secondly, a olose observer roust note how curious an attraction seems to exist between I certain riders in a large' party. Of course, it is purely accidental, but certain machines— l don't say the riders — seem to have an affiuit? for each other, and are seldom far apart. Sometimes a tyre wants Dumping, and sometjraes thft lady requites help in mounting. Cycling does seem very different from tennis in its results, and Cupid is as busy awheel as iq the tennis coutt. Talking to a lady the other day on cycling matters, she told me that after making fair progress at first, a point had been reached at which she seemad unable to improve, and that while her friends and many cf her family had become expett riders she remained a novice ; her nervousness seemed to hinder her. She seemed to think her c»se singular, but it is far from uncommon. The remedy is steady practice for a short time daily. Never continue riding atter the feeling of timidity comes on, but; try again pext day, if possible at an early hour, before fatigue is felt. While avoiding anything which causes much nervous strain at first, gradually accustom yourself to traffic and deHcending hills, these beiog the two stumblingblocks with nervous riders. The improvement may be very clow ; but the exercise will give tone to the nerves, and in a short time all imaginary fears will vanish. It is a good plan to obtain the services of a lady I'rieud who is an expert rider and possesses good nature enough to give you a little of her time, and from her many things may be learnt which will make cyaVng easier for a very nervous woman. ■ Id- ordering a new machine the rider's height must be tikch into consideration. A lady looks much more graceful on a machine | which fits her, and a tall rider is sometimes obliged to raise the saddle and handle-bars I until there is not a sufficient length of saddlepin left in the tube for safety. When people rail about cycling as "ungraceful" they are often thinking of what are known as " misfits", in machines. Unless a woman is extremely stout there is absolutely no reason why she should look ungraceful when cycling if she has been properly taught and her maohine is properly adjusted. — — The price of Para rubber has risen sixpence per pound since lagt January, but as there were nearly 2000 tons in England on June 1 there cannot be much fear of a famine. Still, the advent of motor vehicles, with their heavy rubber-tyred wheels, together with the" vast increase in the number of cyclists, must sooner or later have some greater effect on the rnbber market. Regarding motors, the KanePennington motors, giving tiro horse-power, 1 ara being bnilfc for tandem bioyoles. On these i cu-cWuca t\io ljtdy will occupy the front se&t j ' and sit&alv kssj? tot i«t .oa footaMta* while

the gentlemen sits behind, steer*, and uses p«dMB when required." A New York inventor is now making ■ individual saddles of aluminium to order from moulds made by the riders, and leading wheelmen and wheel women in the fashionable bicycle clubs, as well as' prominent physicians wKo affect the wheel, have given the.system the' stamp of themselves and their approval. The' uame o£ the inventor is F. B. Ray. The pro-, cess of making orfe of these impressionistic and, realistic saddles consists firbt in the candidate taking his or her wheel to the inventor. The* wheel is placed in a stand or "home trainer," so that the rear wheel can ba revolved. Friction is applied to the wheel so. that a rider can sit in the saddle and pedal in precitelj the tame position as that assumed when on the road.1 When the exact position has been ascertained the saddle ia removed, and in it* place a slab of wood, rimmed at the back and sides, is fixed in the seat post. On this wocden seat is spread modelling clay to the depth of Jin. A piece of oiled silk i* spread over the clay, and the patron then takes his or her seat in it, clad in regular riding costume. Pedalling is continued fur 10 or 15 minutes, bo that by means of the nution every peculiarity of pvse and shape will be worked out; in the clay. From the clay a plaster cast is made, and from this a pattern, of composite material is formed for the foundryman. An aluminium casting is made and round holes are cut out where the depressions indicate the tuberosities or main bones of the pelvis, which support the body when sitting. Another cut of elliptical fotm is made along the centre line to remove all possibility of •pressure on tha perineum. Across the two large holes is stretched a piece of stiff leather, and then the entire saddle is covered with felt, on top of which is put the outer covering of seal or pig-skin. The Melbourne Age states that Arthur . Linton died on July 22, at the age of 31, »t Aberdara, in South Wales, the pritaary cause being typhoid ferer. The f amoui cyclist* l»st public appearance was in the 80l 4'9 r •**• hoars' park race, won by Rivierre at Paris on June 57 and 23. Linton started well, and for six hours led the field. Then he dismounted and had a rest for 35 minutes, complaiuing that his stomach was out of order. He got on his machine again, but in the seventh hour became worse, and ultimately retired, afterwards re- ! turning to his home in Wales. A medical authority, writing in an American paper, gives the following hints to cyclist^:— Let them avoid all stimulants, using water ts the only beverage. They should drink as little a*pon»ible. • When thirsty it is well to riase the mouth well with water before swalloniug any. It is surprising how little will theu be required to allay tha thirst. If hungry it i» well to stop and eat until satisfied, but a start; should not again be made inside of an hour or longer. An hour and a-balf is 'better. Let the same moderation and good sense apply to bicycle riding as to other affairs, and it will not be more likely to effeot harm. The most oomfortable aud undoubtedly the most healthful bicycle dress for male riders on long trips consists of a sweater, loose* fitting knickerbockers and golf etickings. for ladies the short skirt, with high boots, is preferable to anything else. There has reosntly been a great deal of discussion about the proper saddle for ladies. Lady riders generally approvo of a shott and very broad saddle of soft le&fcber, and made with a shoot nooe. All riders, male aad female, fill be wise not to attempt too ereot & seat. The correct position on the wheel allows considerable weight to rest upon the handle bars. If the rider sits as straight as a ramrod the spine gets all the jar of the wheel, and the calves »ll the physical development that is gained. If part of tha weight is thrown upon the arms, they, the muscles of the chest, and to a greater or less eztenb of the wholo body, will be the gainers. The effort should be, however, to attain the happy 'medium, and sit graoef ally while allowiog a sufficiency of weight on the handle bars. A Melbourne cjolisb who weighs over 19«t rides a 251b machine. A bi'jyole has recently been invented which, it is claimed, ran he taker- apart and packed in a valise 24-in by 16in, in five minutes. A locomotive usually contains 200 main part*, a wntch 230, the human body 280 bones; but a present-day cycle is built up of considerably more than 1000 distinct items, and they all cost money. At Boston, on June 1, Mr Ropor, the i&ventor of a new steam bicycle, was showing the merits of his invention before a crowd on the Charles River track. Roper lost control of the machine, which ran a mile in 2min lseo, and waif increasing in pace when it suddenly dashed up the banking and down agaiu into the oval. Roper was thrown on his httad and killed, and the machine fell on top of him. When ib was lifted it took four men to hold it until atoatn waß shut off. _ 'Frisco has become a Bedlam since oyclists have been compelled to oar ry continuous bells. It is nothing but "bells, bells, bells, bells, bells, bells, bells, the rangling and thft jangling of the bells." An American firm is to the fore with a novel design in frame construction, in which the present " diamond " is to be superseded by the triangular frame. The design is very simple, the teat forming the aper of tLe , triangle. The outside front tube forms the upright or steering tube of the front fork, the front frame tabe being placed within this through an opening in tha fork crown. The back stays are made detachable to assist in this operation. The handle-bar is arranged so that it may be fixed at any desired point between the saddle pillar and the front forks. The makers claim that the frame is the stiffest, strongest, and lightest known, and with road tyres and saddle the machine will not exceed 2 201b in weighv. H«-»Su2flrcia from heart disease* esMirt to

aortic affection, are benefited by cycling, bu they must eschew hills, scorching, and overexertion. *< In New Orleans no cyclist is allowed, to have bis bandies lower than his saddle. — — A tradesman of Hassells, Belgium, whilst smoking on his bike, meh trifcn an acoident vrhich forced the pipe right through hia cheek. • . . . . ■ — — The fire which totally destroyed the -Hunober cycle factory at Coventry last month is said feo be the biggest conflagration that has occurred in that; city since- the de»truofcion of the cotfcop mills in 1890. Soma 3000 finished and u>iQni»hed nueh ; ues were destroyed, about £100,000 of damage was done, and between 600 a>jd 700 men were thrown out of employment. The directors stated after the fire that an endeavour would be made to open temporary pre« miaes either at Coreotry or Birmingham. The insurance was £80,000. Dog bomb* have been invented in "Germany for soaring away curs that chase bioyoles. They are harnjess contrivances, bub very effec tive on dogs. Pay' c and Lewis, the Australian cyclist?, competed at Wood Green (England), but did noc succeed in carrying off any prizes.