Cycling Notes.

Southland Times, Issue 12768, 29 November 1893, Page 2

Cycling Notes.

The novices’ race, the first racing event under the auspices of our new club, on Wednesday last attracted a good deal of attention, though there were not so many starters as might have been expected. The handicappers were not far out in their estimation of the relative merits of the men, though the finish proved that the scratch man could have given the others a much more liberal start. The race was a gift, for Wren won easily, averaging a speed of 15 miles an hour—very fair speed considering the condition of the road was anything but good, and the wind unfavourable, but nevertheless most of those who saw the race were of opinion that the winner could have averaged nearer 20 miles an hour had he been at all pressed by Sloan, who rode a plucky second. I shall be much surprised if both men are not pretty much in evidence in future contests awheel. I note that the Southland Caledonian Society have two bicycle races ou their programme, namely three and five mile events. If these races are to be anything but a fiasco, it will be necessary to greatly improve the track, which at its best is most unsuitable for bicycle racing, as it is impossible to get up anything like a speed on a flat circular turf track ; the absence of banking proving a great drawback to wheel racing where th? path is a circle. Of course these races can be no time tests, they will simply be a test of muscle, on the one hand, and on the other machines adapted to the nature of the track. There seems little prospect of a good racing track even for next season as, so far, no steps are being taken in that direction.

The recent horse-whipping case has aroused a good deal of feeling among local wheelmen, and I think not without reason ; for it is monstrous to suppose that a cyclist is not to be allowed the same right to the Queen’s high-ways as any rider of a horse or driver of a vehicle. All that can reasonably be expected of the former is that he should duly respect the rights of the latter. Those who differ from this opinion I would liken to the Parliamentary committee, examining Geo. Stephenson with regard to bis railway scheme. When George spoke of 13 miles an hour as a probable speed, he was gravely asked what would be the consequence if a cow got on the Tine. George rather knavishly answered that “it would be bad for the coo.” He knew well that he could more than double the speed named, but he was careful not to admit it, as the gentlemen composing the committee were behind the times—or, as we say now, not “ up to date.” To have admitted the whole of his belief to an assembly of old ■ women, would have been to defeat his ends, and thereby delay indefinitely the great boon his invention quickly proved itself to be. Years ago, when the bicycle was as much a novelty as railways ware iu Stephenson’s time, there might have been some excuse for such a bylaw as that enacted by our County Council, but that day has gone by. The bicycle is no longer a novelty or plaything, but a recognised means of locomotion, at least in all progressive countries, and authorities in everj' civilised country of the world Iqjve agreed that cycling is one of the most healthful exercises it is possible to indulge in. Dr Oscar Jennings, a leading practitioner iu Paris, and a votary of cycling, has just published one of the most useful and interest

ing books ever written on the subject. Its title is “ Cycling and Health,” and unlike most books written by enthusiasts, it deals with the risks and dangers, as well as with the advantages, of the pastime. Dr Jennings’ strong contention is that cycling is the exercise for the middle-aged, and he certainly advances strong proofs in support of his theory. “ Cycling for the infirm” is dealt with in a special chapter. The book will probably convert to cycling many who read it, especially those who have left youth far behind. Cassignard, the French cyclist, and holder of a few world’s and local championships, was recently killed by being thrown from a spirited horse. He had acquired a taste for equine exercise, and took to it as a substitute for wheeling. His loss to French racing is a severe one, for he was the best among the best. The French were slow to take to cycling, but now they have done so they are certainly (says the Daily News) making up for lost time. Military cyclists are a common sight in the streets of Paris and elsewhere, and in many other organisations under Government besides the army the bicycle has obtained official recognition. The other day the strange spectacle was seen of a cycling wedding paity going to a church at Montmartre. There were fifteen persons, and all of them, including thejbride and bridegroom, were mounted on safety bicycles. After the ceremony the party remounted and rode off to Enghien, where the wedding breakfast was prepared. The incident does not seem to have attracted much attention, as Frenchwomen have taken to cycling in much larger numbers than their English sisters. Last week a French lady, Mdlle. Debatz, established a record for her sex by riding over 17| miles in one hour.