CYCLING NOTTS, THE "SWIFT" BRASSARD.

Otago Witness, Issue 2356, 20 April 1899, Page 41

CYCLING NOTTS,

THE "SWIFT" BRASSARD.

BY DEMON.

While riding along the Cumberland street portion of the cycling track a few days ago I was struck by the very rutty state of some portions of it, and on examination came to the conclusion that carts of some sort must be 'continually driven over tho track. It is very tempting to drive a horse along the bit of nice' soft grass "that grows immediately between the track and the road ; but it must be borne in mirid" that what is gobd and pleasant for the horses' feet is bad *for the track, for one wheel must bo trespassing and causing the ruts befort mentioned. Ther6 is no doubt that this driving along the track is done in the early morning, and while I air a grievance, I would like to hint to those early morning trespassers that a watch is going to bo set, and thai, Lfing caught, tlwy are liable to be called upon to appear before the court for examination and explanation. It is reported from Adelaide that tho Australian 50-mile record has been broken by a cyclist named Murray Aunger who has recently ridden the distance at York's Peninsula in 2hi 6min. The previous record was that held by our local crack, W. B. Bell, who covered the distance in 2hr Bmin 49sec on Saturday, 25th ult. Aunger was paced by teams of triplets and tandems. I have nc doubt that the new record :an be reduced by some of our local riders.

An Auckland telegram states that at a meeting of the New Zealand Cyclists' Alliance the secretary stated that the executive had granted permission for Cucksey and Brooke jAnaklaud renresentatiyea) to comseW aaaiaet

league amateurs in oycle races to be held under tho auspices of tho alliance at the Canterbury Amateur Athletic Club's autumn meeting, provided competition in the races I would not interfere "with their amateur status j Tinder alliance .or Xcw Zealand- Athletic Association rules, and that a permit had been granted-by the southern authorities for holding the same. The action of the executive was confirmed. — "-- On Friday night C. S. Baron broke the New Zealand Cyclists' Alliance half-mile and one-mile records at Lancaster Park, Christi church*the time for the half-mile being lmin [ 2sec ; for the mile, 2min 9sec. | — — The nineteenth annual road race of tho Dunedin Cycling Club was held over a course j from Riccarton to Titri and back, a distance |of about 26 miles, on Saturday last. The ! day was fine, though a blustering strong wind j was blowing from the south-west. The roads i proved* to be in splendid order for the race, ' and at the annotated time IS out of the 20 entrants for the prizes of £8, £3, and £1 faced the starters. The firpt rider to set out was J. Bruton (with B<nin 35« ec handicap), followed at intervals by D. Johnston (Bmin), J. Faulks (7min 55sec), A. Pirie (7min 20sec), M Higgins (6min 30sec), A. Will (Smin 50sec), W. J. Pearse (smin 15sec), D. M'Gregor (smin ! 15sec). Then came F. Caulton (off the 2min ! mark), Gunthorpe (lmin 50sec), and Peter and J Neil Ralston, of 45sec start from their brother : " Andy," the well-known Taieri racing crack, who was on the scratch mark. At Greytown the Ralston Bros, were racing together, taking turn and turn about at pacing, and after passing through Otakia had picked up Caulton and Gunthorpe, but nearing Henley the latter retired, and Bruton also gave up. Meantime Will and Higgins had led the rest throughout, excepting Pearse, who ran into a mob of ! sheep and bent his pedal, while Faulks had \ punctured early in the race. Pirie and John- • ston cried 'enough al. Henley, as the scratch ! men had overhauled them there, and the position of the men at this stage was : Will, Higgins, Ralston Bros., Caulton, and M'Gregor, the* last five being bunched together. Coming to Titri, Caulton punctured and fell out, and >i little later P. Ralston fell while changing the pace, and brought down M'Gregor. Ralston remounted but immediately punctured, reducing the riders to four, of whom Will was comiaghome, followed by M t Hiiigittß, gho

in turn was a long distance ahead of Neil and Andrew Ttalston. Passing Henley, Will still retained .'his lead,: but. the Ral&tons had improved their position .by, parsing : HiggJins, and, we're c6ming. ha fid after the leader. Passing Otakia and Allanton,- Will, still held pride of place, and from 'here -to home held the backmarkers safe, and turning the bend to TWrcarton sprinted home a -winner by 350 yds from - A. Ralston. i\-ho beat -Neil by 6yds for second place, ifc'sult : A. Will, sm in 50sec . » .. ..1 A. Ttalston, srr ' .. .. ..2 N. Ka'.ston, 45suc 3 M. Higgina finished' fourth,- a mi'e away, and the only other rider to complete the journey was I. UnKton. The time taken by the winner O'ier the distances was Ihr 16mi:i 24sec, •while A. Ealston took Ihr llmin. and (••ecured the prize for fastest time. This is the second occasion on which this race has been won by an outside rider, the winner being a member of the 'Varsity Club. The offioia'.s at tho Riccarton end wore — Messrs R. Crow, R. Scott, A. J. Sullivan, and J. O. Reel ye, jun., while Mr W. B. Bell had charge of Hie ride at Tilri. The win proved highly popular, as Will has proved at all times a hard man to beat on the road. He rode a Record, geared to 96. „ i A special meeting of the League of Wheelmen was hold on 12th inst., all tho delegate, being present or leprcscnlod. A motion to exclude newspaper representatives from the league was lost by 77 votes to 13. A motion to abolish the touring council was j rejected by a large majority. It was decided to allow> the touring council to make a levy of 6d per member on clubs desiring to partici- | pate in touring advantages. Two other pro- ! posed touring rules, were -rejected.- It was ! decided to amend the amateur section of- the ; league's constitution' as follows: — "A league i amateur is one who is the holder of an amateur [license from this league, and who has not, I since November 4, 1897 (a) engaged in, nor ! assisted in, nor taught any ' athletic ' exeri cisc for money or other , remuneration." j Formerly an amateur cyclist under the league I was not required to be an amateur in other I branches of athletic sport. The now rule I compels an amateur cyclist to be an amateur j runner, etc., as well. Tho motion was cari ried by 59 votes to 22. It was decided to recommend that the rule should not be made retrospective.

The cycling scribe in Dublin Sport says: — "A flutter is likely to be created in cycling circles by the announcement of Mr L. O'Neill that he will propose the adoption of a professional claps at the next meeting of the Irish Cyclists' Association. He is full of energy over the departure, and explained to" my thorough satisfaction that 'ho had no intention of catering- for degraded amateurs, but that he wished to test the honesty of the- present-day racing men by giving them an opportunity of becoming " prop." if they wish.' I cannot see for the life of me why there ib not the opening for professionals in this country, and so long as they are not catered for or recognised, tempting offers muil now and then develop ' shady riders.' However, before entering into any compact of the kind delegates to the I.C.A. 3hould uso their brains, and when the subject comes up for discussion be prepared to give their views in brief, and dispose of the matter one way oi the other before the busy season sets in."

An annual convention of bicycle manufacturers and the makers of all other kinds of vehicles and carriages is projected for the advancement of road-making throughout the United States. Briefly the scheme puj forward is that the various States should build trunk roads extending north and south and east and weat through each State. These roads should be constructed at the expenEO of eacli Stale. Then it would devolve upon the counties of each State to construct county roatK which would intersect the

trunk roads with which they desired tci make collections. The towns would then 'have to contribute their share by projecting and building new roads, to complete .the system and give access- to tho m'aih arteries'. In' this way there would b«r three or four Go : vernmentaJ factors working with a. common, er.d in view — viz., the creation, of highways — and' the laboui and coat would thus b& fairiy. di.-tributcd. - H

Never fill youi lamp quite to .the top. as the heat expanding the oil will cause an o\erllow.

The long crank and high gear combination (it i.s remarked in " Di'tilop " notes) hhtiros with the free whorl the leading place in Uoglish cycling tonics at present. The long rrank has undoubtedly cnughl on. and many cyclists will have their machines fitted with the combination. One important point should be borne well in mmd — viz. , -that the length of the crank is necessarily determined by the wheel base (that is, the distance between axle and axle), and care must be taken thai the cranks at their mopt forward points allow the fpet to amply cleai the front wheel. The necessity tor proper clearance when turning corners is obvious. The consensus of opinion seems to be that the middle-aged principally" will favoui long cranks. A man in middlo age frequently possesses plenty of muscle, but lacks the suppleness of youth. The flower and longer-sustained revolution enables him to turn his developed energy to good account, without the (to him) fatiguing exertion of quick pedalling. French automobolisls are intent on improvement in tl^e pace of motor cars, and at the latest trials some extraordinary pacing took -place, in one' instance the pace *approaohing to clos« upon 50 miles an hour:Tho record for a kilometre, equal to 1094 yards, is 44s'et. n pace close upon a mile in '/Zdcc. Of course" this'was accomplished on a favourable course undeV -perfect' conditions. The record for an English-made motor tricycle is lmin 47sec. When" Miller, the winner of the recent pix-days' ride in America, is training foi these long-distance events lie limits himself in sleep a week now and again, and rides between 40 and 100 miles daily without dismounting, and takoi, his food as he goes along, so as to get his stomach accustomed to digesting food while he is riding. Miller is a great believer in low ifpars and medium cranks, and upon the occasion of his first six days victory rode a machine geared to 70 and fitted with 6| cranks. THE MASSEY-HARRIS CYCLING SPORTS. The fifth cycling sports of the MaspeyHarris "boys'' was held at the Caledonian ground on the 12th inst. Fine weather prevailed throughout the afternoon, and there was a moderate attendance. Tho programme comprised 24 events, and these were got off very punctually, the result being that the sports were concluded at a reasonable hour. Tho big event of the day — the Twomile Employees' Championship Handicap — was won by F. Caulton ; but the prize is to go to the competitor who gains the_ greatest number of points at three meetings, of which yesterday's was the first. A. Ralston carried oft the ppecial nrize, given by Mr W. A . Shields, for the competitor who gained the giealest number of points in the finals of the ■various events during the day. The number of points gained by him was 18, G. Porter coming next with 15 pointa. The Garrison Band were in attendance at the sports, and played a number of selections at intervals during the afternoon. Mr R. Hendry also entertained visitors to the ground by an exhibition of trick-riding. Messrs D. Moore, T. H. Lawrence, W. B Courtis, and A. 14. Smyth acted a." judges, -Mr W. A. Shields v-> starter, and Messrs A. L. Smith, and J.

Davies as timekeepers. .The .details of • th& various events are is follow: — . ; Half-mile Second Class Handicap. Prizes^ £1 ss, 10s, and ss.—First Heat: F. C. Oaulton, 10yds behind scratch, 1; W. Bickham; 70yds, 2; G. Smith, 10yds, 3. Five others started. Time, lmin 12sec. Second Heat: E. Chatfield, 30yds, 1; W. Gibson, 20yds, 2;- G-. Porter, 26yds behind scratch, 3. Six others started. Time, lmin 19Jsec. Final Heat: W. Bickham, 70yds, and E. Chatfield, 30yds (eq\ial), 1; F. C. Caulton, 10yds behind scratch, 3. All qualified started. Time, lmin 11 4-ssec. 220 yds Handicap. Prizes: 15s and ss.—R.. —R. Nagle, 10yds, 1; R. Hendry, 20yds, 2; H. Graham, 50yds, 3. Thirteen others started. Time, 25 2-ssoc. Slow Race, 100 yds. Prizes: 15s and ss. The last person reaching the winning post ta be declared the winner. —R. Ralston 1, A. O'Connor 2. Ten others competed. Half-mile First-class Handicap. Prizes: *f 1 ss, 10s, and ss.—First. —First Heat: G-. Porter, j 30yds, 1; F. C. Canlton, 45yds, 2;* A. Halston, ! scratch, 3. Four others started. Time, lmin 6 'l-ssec. Second Heat: E. Chatfield, 80yds, 1: C. Peake, 50yds, 2; J. Hanley, 35yds, 3. Six others started. Time, lmin 6 3-ssec. Final Heat: G-. Porter! 40yds, 1; J. Hanley, 35yds, 2; C. Peake, 50yds, 3." All qualified started except A. Ralston. Time, lmin 4 2-ssec. Youths' Quarter-mile Dash Race. Prizes: 15s and ss.—O. Bush 1, H. Thompson 2, A. Randall 3. Six others started. Time, 36 3-ssec. Egg and Spoon Race, 75yds. Prizes- *15s and ss.—A.. —A. O'Connor, Byds, 1; J. Pririgle. Byds, 2. Eleven others started. Cmc-legged Race on Bicycle. Competitor's tc ride pedalling only with one leg.' One 'lap. Prizes: 15s and ss.—E.. —E. Chatfield, 40yds,' 1; A. Ralston, scratch, 2-: E. Levien, 40yda, 3. Over a dozen started. Time, 43 l-ssec. 100 yds Handicap. Prizes: 15s . and 5s. — First Heat: R. Hendry, 10yds, 1, F. C. Caulton, 12yds, 2. Three others started. Time, 12 l-ssec. Second Heat: R. Nagle, syds, 1; W. King, 3yds, 2. Five others started." Time, 12 3-ssec. Third Heat: H. Thompson, 16yds, 1; W. Bickham, 12yds, 2. Five others started. Time, 121 sec. Final Heat: H. Thompson, 16yds, 1; R. Nagle, syds, 2; W. Bickham, 12yds, 3. All qualified started. V/on. easily by three yards. Time, il l-6sec. Mile and a-half Ladies' Bracelet. First prize, bracelet, valued at JES ss.—A.. —A. I'aiston, scratch, 1; N. Ralson, 45yds, 2; O. Porter, DOyds, 3. Nine others started. Porter led all the way till the straight was reached ir. '-the last lap. A. Ralston then went to tho front, and won by a length from N. Ralston, who passed Porter near home Time, 4min ljl-ssec. Siamese Race (75yds handicap). Prizes: 15c and ss.—F. Caulton and J. Peake, 3yds, 1; A. Ralston and W. King, 4yds, 2." About half a dozen. otHer couples startod. ■ - One Mile Masscy-Harris Handicap. Prizes." £S f £1 10s. and 10s.—First Heat: G..-Porter, 60yds, 1; A.'Ralston, scratch; 2; F. Caulton, 80yds, 3. Three others started. Porter- assumed the lead after going about a lap and a« half, and won by about three yards. Time, 2min 30 4-ssec. Second Heat: J. -.Hanley, , 70yds, 1; N. Ralston, 30yds, 2; L. Porter,' 9pyds, 3. Three others started. Hanley led most of the way,,and won by a length. Time, 2min 30 l-ssec. Final Heat: J. Hauley, 70yds,. 1; G-. Porter, 60yds, 2; A. Ralston, scratch, 3. All qualified started. Hanley went to the head of affairs in the last lap, and won by about a foot. "Bfcno, 2min 23 4-ssec. • Obstacle Race Handicap (one lap). Prizes.'. 15s-and .ss.—E.-Chatfield, 4yds",-1; J; Peake, scratch, '2;. A. Ralston, 10yds, 3. Several others started. Tinny lmin 26 4-ssec« • . ' Two-milet Employees' Championship Haiidir cap.. Prize". Gold medal,,.to bo • competed! for. at three meetings. Two miles.-^-rF. CKul,ton» ." 160 yds," 1; G. Porter, 120 yds, 2.; L." Porter, 180 yds, 3. Nine others started, but they' al! caved in at different stages of, the race with the excentiou of AJ Ralston, the scratch man. Caulton beat G. Porter on the post by a few inches. Time, sniin t sisec. ' / Potato Race. About one lap.—W. Bickham 1, G-. Porfer 2, O'Connor 3. Four others competed. Time, lmin 20sec.

HRALEY v. PORTA. Th following is the West Australian ao> count of tho match between Healey and Porta: — s Since the inaugural contests for the " 'Swift'! Brassard in December last. Healey, the winr.er, has remained in undisputed possession of the advantages to be derived from it. "Tht now well-known circumstances in which Lykko, the South Australian rider, v^as th« leading spirit put end to Whal sliould have been the first challenge contest for the Brassard sustained by the Austral Cycle Agency. Shortly before his recent arrival ' in this colony, M. Porta, the Italian, cyclist, complied with the conditions necessary to arrange a moeting^with the holder, and Iha reeult was the arrangement by the League oV Wheelmen for the contests to be heldjresterday on the x\ssociation Ground betwean Healey-and his' challenger." There was. no other event, and a nominal charge was made for admission. Between 200' and 300/persoris attended,' and'they were rewarded .with Tome Well-foiught finishes. - ' - ( The conditions, under, which "the Brassard events are run'are as follows:—"They shall be over distances of one, three.-and five niiles (scratch race) ; £5 presented by-the "League, and, in addition, the Austral' Cycle" Agency, Limited, undertake to pay c salary of £1 per week tc the winner, or £2 per week if tho winner wins on a ' swift' cycle fitted with Dunlop tyre*. The term for which the salary will be payable to bo from the date of the first competition until May 30, 1899; 2s 6d half-lap prizes. The winner is open to challenge, but cannot be called upon to defend the lioldinp; of the Brassard within threeweeks of his training it ; afterwards, however, he must defend it if challenged, on a date to be fixed by the League. Each challenger 'must, deposit with the League £3 with' his challenge, of which 50 per cent, shall be paid to the winner, and 50 per cent, to remain the property of the League." Both contestants rode a " Swift" machine, so that the benefits accruing to either of them would be equal. Single pacing f is also allowed by conditions^and this was duly taken advantage oi by both riders, though it gave neither an undue advantage. The one-mile event was the first run. Frorr« the pistol fire Perry, acting as Healey'z pacemaker, led out with his man hanging on, Porta following his rival, and Millington (his pacemaker) kept on terms. The' pact was moderate till the bell rang, when tin pacemakers retired, and both contestants watched each other, slowing down considerably. At the entrance to the back 'stretch. Healey opened out towards the fence, 'giv ing Porta the inside running. The Italian was 100 wily, howevei, and refused tc increase the speed. Half way down the back stretch Healey suddenly doubled up and shot hif machine past, gaining a three lengths' lead before his rival could get goinff. The para now became terrific, Porta slowly reducing the gap A« they -wopt into lli' htraigh* Healey had a length*- •idvanlaßP. A great btni{?t,'lc fit- nod. Tho strollb breeze Ijlowinp tendered tho c;oiiiK very heavy, but Healoy managed tc stall off hie opponent, and sjic/i

over the line a length to the good, amid much excitement. The time recorded was 2min 37 2-ssec. - , After a lapse of 20 minutes the men came out for the three-mile event. Webb acted as pacemaker for Healey, Porta again having the assistance of Millington. Healey's man again made the running, and both dropped out 'air the bell. The pace again slowed. Porta, on this occasion, was the first to jump. Half way down the back stretch he jumped out, but Healey responded well, and was with him as they rounded the turn. Once into the straight Porta forged ahead, and, despite tbe Irishman's efforts, he held his advantage, /winning by a bare length. Time, Bmin 18 d-ssec.

When the men were ready to start for the five-mile contest, they were brought before the judge, Dr M'Wifiiams, who informed them -that the racing committee were not "satisfied with their running in the events already concluded, and had desired him to administer 1 a caution to them before they started in the final and deciding race. Phe event was splendidly contested, and was one of the finest ever witnessed on the grounds. 5At the outset Healey's pacer (Perry) took him about 10 lengths away, but, the pace being slow, Porta was content to allow the '^ap\to remain. Powell, Roberts, and Perry alternately paced Healey, while Millington and Vernot together rode with Porta. So alow, was the pace that the fifth lap was covered in 60sec. With six laps to go, Healey increased his pace and the gap was increased. By 'taking lap about the Iriihman's pacers made it- appear as though Porta would never .overtake his opponent, and Healey made an endeavour to get away. This effort evidently cost him • the race. . With two laps to go ■Porta. left his pacemaker and went up to Eealey. They were together at the belL, and .were on even terms as they entered the "back fctretch. The pace improved, and they rounded the turn at a terrific pace, "entering the straight together, Healey being on the inside. 'An excellent struggle ensued, out the Italian, with an extra effort, reminiscent of his championship days, forged ahead, and passed the judge a bare length in front, amia much excitement and cheering. The time recorded iyMr Crome, who held the watch, was 13min. 18sec. Porta having won two of the three contests is' now the possessor of the "Swift" Braisxrd.