CYCLING.

Otago Witness, Issue 2284, 9 December 1897, Page 37

CYCLING.

NOTES BY DEMON.

The bicycle races at the D A A.C. sports on the Caledonian ground promise to be well contested. :The entries are small, but all of the entrants are putting in good work, and there is no reason why the races should not be of interest.

— — Up to the present only five riders have declared for the "amateur" class.

The club ruus fixed for Saturday last bad to be postponed on account of the weather. Really we seem to be in for a continued spell of bad weather on Saturday afternoons, and our spirits, not easily daunted, arc beginning to show signs of failing.

6n Sunday morning early the weather gave good promiie, and a few O.C.C. riders made for Milton, which pace, needless to say, was not reached, the,plenteous rain putting a stop to riding when some distance from Milton. I heard of oue rider getting as far as Henley, and several rode up north as far as Evansdale.

It is nob pleasant to be often warning ladies in regard to matters cycling, but I must say a word to some of our lady riders regarding keeping to the proper side of the road. What brings me to speak of this matter is the experience of a friend of mine who was recently riding to town on the St. Clair track. He met a party of four ladies approaching, and but for his quickness in deciding to take to the centre of the path there would most certainly have been a smash up. The ladies appeared not to know .the right or the wrong side, and they pasted on both tides. I have noticed that those ladies who have been through the hands of a capable instructress have a confidence and a decision that marks them as being expert in the use of their bicycles and the customs of the road, and would enjoin upon those who are self-taught the necessity of becoming at once acquainted with the rules which govern traffic — a knowledge that will be of material advantage to themselves and to others on the road.

George Tomlinson was charged at the City Police Court on Saturday last with the

theft of a bicycle from tile Dunedin Cycling Club's rooms. The accused wts, after evidence, committed for trial aud let out en bill.

Several of our local riders, disappointed in not being able to'atir aboub on thftir wheels on Saturday afternoon, sought consolation in a walk out* to St. Clair and a dip in the baths, thus in a measure making the afternoon "of some little physical advantage.

W. B. Bell has declared for the " cash amateur" class, and competes in the big wheel race at Christchurch. He leaves here about the 18th inst., and means to have a big run for the first prize. He starts eff the 30yds mark.

Several of our riders are visiting Inv*rcargill on Boxing Day to compete at the Invercargill Club's sports meeting.

Training operations are moving briskly at the Carisbrook grounds. la addition to those previously mentioned, A. Dey, an old track rider, is patting ia some excellent work, and fast getting into the form be displayed ia the days of the local " cash amateur " club of a few years ago. I have not noticed Maxwell on the track c f lite. Has he,f ors*ken it, or is travelling taking up too much of hie time for racing ?

Eleven members of the D.C.C. rode out to Saddle Hill on Monday^evening to a'r&arn euchre tournament again'tr" the Saddle H'll Euchre Club. The cyclists were defeated by two games, the scores being : Saddle Hill, 24 ; D.C.C , 22. After playing was over, the D.C.C. provided a supper and harmony was indulged in for some time. The comicalities of Mes?ra Minn and M'Millan found hearty appreciation. A pleasant ride home in the moonlight completed a most enjoyable outing.

Some lady cyclUts have spoken to me in pleasing terms of the excellence of the tea rooms which have been opened at St. Clair by Miss Meyer, of the Coffee Palace. A spin out to St. Clair in the afternoon, tea at Miss Meyer's rooms — which aie in every respect up to date — and a ride back to town should form a pleasant and healthful way of spending a quiet afternoon.

The Oamaru Caledonian Society provide six bicycle races at the annual gathering on Ist and 3rd January nex^. On the first day there are three races set down for competition — One-mile Handicap (roadster?, not lc3S than 261b), Two-mile Handicap (roadsters), and '.Three-mile Handicap (roadsters). Races for the same distances will be run off on the second day. "Nominations close on the 18th inst. The races will be run junder the League of New Zealand Wheelmen rules.

At a general meeting of the New Zealand Am&tenr Atblet'c Association on the 3rd the question of the recognition of" amateurs holding licenses under the League of Wheelmen came up for discussion. It was decided that, in view of rule 12, the association cannot recognise any cycling competitions not run under the rules of the New Zealand Cyclists' Alliance. Mr T. Kerr gave notice to move at a special meeting to be called for the purpose — " That, to overcome the 'difficulty regarding cycle racing, it is deemed desirable by the association to let the sport of cycling stand by itnelf, the same as rowing and football." A sub-committee was appoiuted to go into the question of raising funds to send two representatives from New Zealand in~The Australasian team of athletes which visits England during the coming season. Holder and Hoii Eruera ate the names at present suggested. The cost of two representatives will be £300.

The championships of the League of New Zealand Wheelmen are to be run off afc the Caledonian Ground on the 24-' h and 26tH of March, 1898.

A. Cbristchurch telegram states that a well-known gentleman bats offered the League of Wheelmen & Brassard shield, the winner of which will be entitled to £1 a week so long as he can hold it agkinat challengers. The donor of the shield agrees to pay £100, equal to two years' payments. The only stipulation is tha^ the league will maintain its present principles regarding the government of cycling, and that the shield shall bear the name of the donor. The acceptances for the New Zealand Wheel Race cloee on December 11. The nominations number 57, the largest number received in the colony.

At a committee meeting of the League of Wheelmen, in dealing with a letter from the Dunedin Club respecting the amateur definition, the Chairman ruled that members eligible ai amateurs at the time of secession from the alliance were eligible to join the league's amateur section. It was decided to ask the affiliated clubs in Dunedin to meet and arrange for & local officer or consul, and report to the le«gue. The programme of the Otago Cycling Club was passed, subject to the club advertising as trophies only the prizes for the Mile Maiden (No. 1) and the Mile Provincial Championship (No. 5). In addition to the miss? ofiw«d fey (he

Caledonian Society for the FJ*e-mile Bicycling event for cash amateurs, to be run ou 3rd January, Messrs ' Morrow, Batsett, and Co. have kindly donated the sum of £3 3s to be given to the winner. The track is now nearly completed, and will be ready for the Amateur Athletic Sports on the Bth inst. In view of futthsr alterations being required, it is not intended in the meantime to asphalt the track, which will be hid down with ciudera as before. Inquiries, are coming in from nil p«ls of New Zenlaud, and it is expected there ■will be a very large number of entries for all events.

A committee meeting of the Ot»go Cycling Club was held in the olnbroom on Monday, Mr H. B. Courtis in the chair. Correspondence from the League of Wheelmen and Caledonian Society was dealt with. Nine new members were elected. Mr 8. Myers kindly douated a pr>za for "a. hill-climbing competition.

Tho entries received for the annual sweeting of the Christchurch CycliDg Club, to be held at Lancaster Park on December 18, outnumber any yet in the colony. For the New Zealand Wheel Kace, of 59sovs, 56 have entered ; for the H»lf : mile Open, 53; One-mile Open, 55; Five-u)ile Championship of Canterbury, 25 The following handicap* hf.Ta be«n declared : —

Nkw Zkaland Wheel Race --A. R. Barker scratch, T. Clarkson scratch, IS. W»U 20 yards, W. B. 801 l 30, A. C. Wiltnott 30, C. R. Wilson 40, R. Hcndry 40. A W. Humphreys 50, ft. Thar.ksr fO H. A. Soancs 100, J. E Blade 100, J. Chalmerd 100, W. Stockwood 110, J. B. Clarksou 110. T>. M'Kenzio 120, H. Peacock 120, H. Ritchie ISO, H. Lyou 120. D Trice 130, R. P. OlaTfoon 130, J. WinKate 130, O. Gardner 130, T. Thomson HO, G. Porter 140, F. N. Chainey 140, W. A. Thomson 150, R. Campbell 150, G. M. Gray ISO, J. Baxter 150, G. U. Leth»by 150, vi. J. Ritchie 160, J. Bate 160, J. Stove 160, G. M. Gardner 160, (J. Sutherland 170, A. J. Thornc.l7o, A. Holmes 170, A. FindUy 199, J. fttantou 190, A. W. Bntland 200, H. Gee 200, W. H. Trengrove 200, R. Ledez 210. W. Clatkson 210, K. Ttodgers 210, G. A. D. Sutherland 220, H. Bunhell 230, W. Preoce 230, &. Hen wood 240, A. Goodman 240, M Thorno 250, R. -G. Forbes 250, A. W. Jensen 2»jO.

. The Alexandra Cycling Club held sports on the 2nd inst. * The weather was fine, but the •attendance was only moderate. ' The following are the results of the bicycle races :—: —

Half-mile Bicycle Race.— H. Watson, syds, 1 ; L. Ryan, scr,"2> Won by three lengths. Time, Imin lGsec' .-^ „ . Two-mile. Bicycle Race.— H. Watson, acr 1 ; Ij. Ryan, scr, 2. ' Won by half a dozen yard*. Time, Binin 453ec.

Slow Bicycle Race.— S. Ryan, 50yds, 1. Four others competed, but all came down.

Mr F. R. Denniaon, who has f«?r tome considerable time carried ou business as a cycle engineer in Oamaru, was on the 2nd inst. the recipient of a handsome presentation from his cycling friends. Mr Creagh made the presentation, and in banding the articles (silver cigarette-holder and silver matchbox) to Mr Dennison, assured him that his honest workmanship had gained for him the confidence of all those for whom he had done work, and he felt certain that the good opinions expressed by the O*maru cycling men would be of Ojeat assistance to Mr D^nnisou in whatever pnee he might start business. Mr Denuison suitably replied, and aftar his health had been toasted the remainder of the evening w*s »penfc socially.

A handicap road race among members of the Waimate Amateur Bicycle Club from Wairaate to Makikihi and back, a distance of 20 miles, was run on 2nd icst. There rrere about 20 entries and 16 starters. The race resulted as follows : — F. Benuiugfcon, 7min, 1 ; R Buchauan, 3£min, 2 ; J. Bennington 3. The faetest time was Buchanan's — 61tr>ia.

The proprietors of the New Zealand Cyclist will present sgs to the first person who succeeds in correctly placing first, second, and third rider in the New Zealand Wheel Race, to be run at Christmas time in Christchurch.

A meeting of those interested in the formetion of a cycling club was held in Kurow on Saturday night last. Mr J. Colbert was voted to the chair. After the objedt of the meeting was explained Mr W. Cunningham proposed and Mr F. Brockit seconded — " That a cycling club be formed, to be called the Waitaki Ramblers." This was carried unanimously. The folio mug officers were then elected : — President, Mr W. Cain (Wharekuri) ; vice-presidents— Messrs A. Hesketh, J. O'Neill, A. M'lnues, J. Orr, and J. G. Nicolls ; secretary and treasurer, Mr J. Colbert. The election of a captain was left over for another meeting. It was decided that the subicription fee be ss. The secretary was instructed to get badges through Mr F. Chase. The opening run was fixed for Saturday, 11th December, when a start will be made from Kurow at 2 p.m. for Mr W. Cain's, Wharekuri. All present notified their intention of becoming members of the club. A vqte of thanks to the chair terminated a most enthusiastic meeting.

A special meeting of the Gore Cycling Club was held on 30th November to reconsider the question of affiliating with the League of New Zealand Wheelmen. Mr F. Wallis moved — "That the motion proposed at a previous meeting and carried by a majority of one— that the clnb secede from the N.Z. Cyclistn' Alliance and join the League of New Zealand Wheelmen — be rescinded." This was seconded by Mr G. F. Trew and carried by seven, to three. After correspondence from the New Zealand Cyclists' Alliance and the League of New Zealand Wheelmen had been read and discussed, Mr T. Brown moved — " That the Gore Club secede from the alliance and join the league." This was lost by nine to two.

The most successful racing cyclist of the year is without doubt the famous French flier Bourillon. During the past season he has won (reports the Cyclist) 50,000fr (£2000) in prizes alone. This, added to the high retaining fees for machine and tyres, will make a handsome year's aaUry. Bourillon has retired for the present year, and is now resting in his home in the south of France. At one time or another, dating jb« past teagon be has

met and defeated every short- distance crack of note.

A few weeks ago in Christchurch a gentleman belonging to the teaching was riding through Cathedral square on a bicycle when he was run into by a carrier's van, driven at a fairly fast pace on the wrong side of the road, the driver at the time not looking before him.- The rider of the bicycle had to throw himself off the machine to avoid injury, but the horse and van pasaed over the machine and damaged it badly, A claim for damages was made, but it was not until the matter was on the ere of coming before the court that a settlement was effected at an amount that, with legal expenses, was nearly double the actual cost of the repairs.

E. James and G. A. Nelaou, on a tandem, broke tho world's tandem record* from 11 miles to 50 miles, and from 34 miles broke world's records for any class of machine. The 34 milee occupied ihr 3t»iin 54 4 sice, aud the 50 miles Ihr36min 40s«c.' They were well paced on the CrjstalFshoe track. Jaoief, Tom Lintoo, and Michael used (o meet &s amitenrgi Liv ton never received le*s than 80yds in a mile from Jame^ and Michael about 40yds. Linton never once beat Jatne?, ftn/1 Michael only once, when his opponent w*s unfif-, got home by *. fow inches. In is. sprint (s»ys the Cyclist) neither Liuton nor Michael orftr stood the remotest chance wifch James. Up to 100 miles very few men were found to ataud any ohanoe with the Card i 6s an. Jaunes won in all 15 Welih Amateur N.O.U. Championships and innumerable time medals, in addition lo six challengo cups and about £500 worth of prizes. Properly trained and behind good pace, on a single on one of the London tracko, Jauios would aoon prove himself oqxxtA to any rider afc any distance from 1 to 100 uuiW.

It has been decided by the InveroargiU Cycling Club to use the starting machine at the spurts ou Christmas D*y instead of giving distance handicap*. The fairness of {he titnd handicap lies in theJtacfc that each competitor rides the wUole distance. In a three-imle race a rider who has a. MOrds start has only to ride 2} miles against the scratch mau'a 3 railej. Given a" tims >starti'hc maybe a, quarter, of a mile» on Sis, way before, tha scratch man staitt, but the distance has been ridden and- the rider will feel the effects of the 'effort.

Ta the iecent three-himded' match between Michael, Lee.ua, and M'Duffie, in America, M'Duffift had five eextaplet«, one quintette, one quad, aud' one triplet, requiring 42 adore, besides a. reserva in caseo? emergency. Michael had four sestuplets, one quint, four quad*, and two triplets, requiring 51 men in all. Lesna's portion was three suxtuplet*, two quiura, and one quad v 32 men, or a total for the ihree men of 125 pacsrs, Minbael and M'Duffie botli having nice rntm in reserve. Prior to thu>race each man was cbeorp.d ami had a largo bouquet preschtad fco him by a lady in one of the boxes. Michael's gear was 106, M'Duffie'* 107, and Lesna's 103.

The number of bicycles Uxed in 1895 ra&ohed a tolal of 329,816 for the whole of France. In 1894 the uutnbet w&h 203,026, aud in fcfee following je^r 256,084-. These figures, s*ya the Minister for Finance, will be left far behind by the end of this year. The popularity enjoyed by the bicycle in France may be estimated from the fact that last year the tax on them produced something lik£ £130,000, of which sifcna Paris paid about one fifth. One curious feature established by theae statistics is the use made of the State pawnshops by cyclists as storehouses during the off season. Of course, all the year round large numbers are left daily at the four branches of the "Mont' de Pieta," authorised to receive bioycles ; but as soon as the actual season draws to an- end there is a regular- rash, as .many aa 40 per diem being taken, Aa they are carefully stored, if the precaution be taken of well oiling them before they jure - turned over to the State no harm can possibly come to them ; while, as for the cost, the cyclist is a big gainer, as for from Is 3d to 2s he can store the bicycle for four months, whereas it would cost him £1 at the least to keep it in ordinary storage, without taking into account) the feeling of security given by the realisation that the State is responsible for the safe keeping of the cherished wheel. That it is not necessity which causes this rush at the end of the season is proved by the statement that so far the " Mont de Piete " has only had one machine left on its hands.

An esteemed correspondent writes to me as follows regarding the dress of ladies who cycle :: — I( I cannot forbear from again warning my lady friends of the imprudence of wearing their skirts too long when riding. The other day when riding along the St. Clair track I found a lady in great distress. Her skirt had blown into the wheel of her machine and she was caught hard and fast. I offered her my assistance, and, as she had no tools with her, instructed her to bold on tight to her dress while I backed the machine till it waß liberated. • The result was a bad tear, and she may be thankful i 6 was nothing worse."

— It is novr almost an invariable rale to find that a cycle company proposes to pay a. 10 per cent, dividend and pat a big sum oat of its '97 earnings to reserve. This course has been followed by the Rover Cycle Company, the Enfield Cycle Company, and the Premier Company, the last-named reserving £30,000, while the Rudgo-Whitworfch Company,_who last year paid no dividend at all, this season rises to the standard level of a 10 per cent., and also pub the comfortable lamp of £20,000 aside. Bat even more stupendous are the figures of the Cycle Components Company, whose profits for the year have enabled them to pay a 25 per cent, dividend and to add £50,000 to reserve, bringing the total held for contingencies np to the enormous sum of £183,000 I

Mrs Brown-Potter, the actress, speak* ing to an interviewer, of the lands she has cycled jo, Rajs : " I think I may say in every

town of the United States, starting with Sansat City, Missouri, where I. learnt. I have bioyoled all through North Queensland, New Zealand, Hobart (Tasmania), Sydney, and Melbourne. Chriatchurohj New Zealand, has, I think, Che loveliett cycling road* in the world." '

Dr M. Anna L. Potts, who is making a lecturing tour through Eugland, and who will be remombered as having given a series of lectures in Dunedin, makes special mention- of cycling for women in her most important lecture, and far from trying to dissuade women from riding, she recommends the oyole as a means of exercise which is less likely to tire women in a delicate state of health than would walking under the same circumstances. This lady, howevar, who has lectured on medical subjects to women througout America as well as in England, condemns town riding for women, and would have them cycle only where there is complete immanity from the danger of traffic, which she avers has a disastrous effect upon the nervous system.

~ — There has been a great deal of complaint about the ordinary hand pump of commerce, jeuch as is found in the average bicycle equipment. The trouble seems to be that tho pump gets out of order, goes to pieces, and when needed faiU to v do service. While of course the flCTot pump is much more powerful and easier to manage, there ia no difficulty whatever in the novice's working the ordinary hand pump provided be goes at ib the right way. First ot all, understand how the pump is made. Mo»t of ■ the * troublss,- come; from , unscrewing' the plunger when' detaching the pump from the tyre. Instead of turning the pump and the tubo together the pump alone gets more turns, and the bucket portion is detached. ' When next the ~ pump is wanted, the novice at onca declares it is broken and worthless. " Thirty seconds' work with a' screwdriver puts itr in order, and if a little water be drawn into it ifc soon works like & charm. In deflating tyre* it is important when taking off the oap from tha valve to push it up and down a few time* to see that the plungee works perfectly free." Press it b*ck and forth until it hiascs sharply ; then attach tlje pump, fill the tyre, put on the cap, and all is ready. '

It is not alw»ys the tall, graceful girl, who looks to regal and dignified when walking, who shows off to advantage on the bicycle. The short, plnmp little maiden, who is ao often told to take a lesion in deportment from her taller sisters, oftener than not looks far prettier and more youthful on the bicycle saddle than the pattern of elegance held up to her. Tho bicycle does not require a rigid, stiff-backed attitude. An easy, comfortable position, neither bending forward nor perfectly upright, if preferable, and the little woman who pays a deal of attention to her movements when cycling can congratulate herself that she can at least look graceful and artistic when monster! on her wheel. Walking and cycling are two different exercises and call for the play of different muscles, and the tall, graceful girl must bear this in mind if she, docs not wish to be cclip < cd by her less fortunate siaters.

This is said to bo au excellent method for prolonging the life of a new chain : Coil it up and place in a email tin box. ,On the top put pieces of any goad candle aud place before a hot fire. The candle will melt and run sll over the chain, and find its way into the links and blocks. When this has been accomplished, put aside the box and contents to cool, and when the melted caudle hati solidified, wipe oft' any superfluity. 'After this treatment it- will be found that grit and dirt can only with difficulty get into the blocks. , ' ' It is a source of considerable speculation on the part. of thinking persona to ascertain where the money comes' from for' the purchft»« of bicycles. Any person who has stood nt th* corner of * popular road on a summer evening and watched the number of bicycles that pass in a given time, all the latest pattern, and up-to-date in every particular, would be surprised ta note the varied class of persons who are riding, from the aristocratic doctor's wife to the China* man taking home the washing, and might well wonder where some of them get the money to pnrchme their machines. The only possible explanation is that the bicycle has ceased to ba a luxury and has now become one of tho necessities of life. It is a great modern invention of incalculable value to all classes of society, and as such, fund* for its purchase will always be forthcoming. One of thoiie nuts which seem to have perversely lost the thread of theic usefulness, and as a consequence absolutely refaaes to stay tightened up, can be made to perform its lawful duty by removing it, then winding the thread on the bolt with coarse thread or darning wool, and coat with ordinary mucilage. Then screw on the nut a« fimly as possible, and it will be generally found to hold securely. If it does not, a sm»ll drop of liquid platter of Paris will keep the nut in its proper place, although it is subsequently far more difficult to romove than the gum. ' To ride gracefully a woman wants her saddle as f ac forward andas nearly over, the pedals as she can conveniently have it, and she wants the saddle just high enough to avoid. ungraceful knee motion. .The leg never wants to be absolutely straightened. * Ib ia -preferable to have the sadtilo adjusted so that the ungraceful pumping motion of the knees is reduced to * minimum. - t _ - . '