ON TWO WHEELS

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 836, 3 December 1929, Page 7

ON TWO WHEELS

motor-cycling fixtures December 7.—Combined car and motorcycle meeting at .Mangore. S p.m., cinder-track meeting at Western Springs Stadium. December 9. —Monthly general meeting of North Shore Club. December IS.—Opening of Blandford Park stadium. January 23.—Car and cycle races at Muriivai. March. —North Shore Club’s championship meeting at Orewa. March. —Crass track races at Takapuna.

ON THE CINDERS

OPENING OF WESTERN SPRINGS

TRACK IMPROVEMENTS Aucklanders have had their first taste of cinder track racing, and few ivho were at the Stadium on Saturday evening failed to be thrilled by diis new sport. Had the weather been more favourable, the crowd would certainly have been much larger, and probably would have received a better impression, since everyone, however fair, is liable to be influenced adversely by dull skies. The rain, too, was largely responsible for the poor showing of the loud-speaking system. The track manager, Mr. J. Kay, invited suggestions from riders and spectators, as a result of which a number of improvements are being carried out. The track is receiving first attention, the cinders being thinned at the corners, where a tendency to go into deep furrows caused a number of spills on Saturday night. This will result in faster and more spectacular racing. A new system of scoring will be ready by the next meeting. A score board will announce the name of the race, tlie riders and their colours, and placings will bo made available as soon as each event is finished. New and more distinctive colours, too, will help greatly in making the racing of more personal interest to every spectator.

The lighting scheme for the track was tried out for the first time on the Thursday night immediately proceeding the opening, and at best was of a more or less temporary nature. Several improvements were made, notably in lighting on the corners, where the floodlights were moved nearer the centre of the track. An

improved system will be in operation within a few days. | The loud-speakers are to be placed in a different position which, it is understood, will make all announcements clearly audible over the whole area. ~ ®‘ ( * e r °nd which leads from Great Ivorth Hoad to the stadium had been metalled only three days before the meeting, but was in good order, and ti attic control at the intersection enabled the hundreds of cars and motor-cycles to get away with reasonable ease. Next Saturday Tercy Coleman, the famous grass track racer, will appear j on the cinders at Western Springs.

RACING AT MANGERE

FOUR MOTOR-CYCLE EVENTS

Fast work can be expected at Mangere on Henning’s Speedway next Saturday afternoon, when the combined car and motor-cycle meeting, under the auspices of the Auckland Motor Racing Club and the Auckland Automobile Racing Club, will be held. Four motor-cycle events are to be decided, all of five laps, or nearly six miles. Two of the races will he run with an eight second' lap limit handicap, the other two conceding only five seconds a lap. ~ Many of the Dominion’s fastest riders will be seen in action, including Percy Coleman and Cass Goodwin. High speeds are expected, ranging up to close on the threefigure mark.

10.000 MILES IN 15 DAYS

A unique test proving the wonderful endurance and reliability of the modern motor-cycle, ended last week at the Melbourne Motordrome, when a Dunlop-shod Ariel machine with sidecar and passenger was stopped after running continuously day and night for 15 days. The machine covered a distance of 10,090 miles, establishing a world’s non-stop record test, and also a nonengiue stop record of 6,612 miles; two outstanding performances. An interesting point in connection with the trial is that this same machine was started on its gruelling test after finishing the recent 24-hour contest with full points for time without having the engine overhauled. Eight different riders were engaged to pilot the machine, changing about every 125 laps. The 10,000 odd miles were covered at an average speed of 35 m.p.h.

BERLIN DRIVING TESTS

SIR HENRY SEGRAVE'S VIEWS

In an article in a London paper Sir Henry Segrave deals with the qualifications required of applicants in Berlin before they are allowed to drive a car. “The test is thorough,” he writes; “the candidate has to pass a stiff examination in traffic regulations and the rule of the road. The car is provided by the Government department concerned. One part of the test is

high-speed driving. An official sits by the candidate and insists on a burst of high speed, and watches to see if the driver can judge his distance when pulling up. “An elementary knowledge of the mechanism is also required. The official puts the car wrong and asks the driver to put it right. The result is that every beginner starts on the road with a reasonable knowledge of how to drive, road courtesy, and traffic rules. “To sum up, I really think that we have quite a lot to learn from Germany in this matter, and that it ■would be well worth the while of our traffic authorities to send a representative to Berlin.”

THE SIMPLE LIFE

CAMPING WITH THE CAR SOME SENSIBLE HINTS The touring season is almost upon us—in fact, for quite a number it has already started—and sooh luggage-laden cars will be seen on every highway. Camping with the car is becoming more popular every year and this summer it is expected that n\ore people than ever will make a motor-camping holiday. Besides those who tour and camp by the wayside, there are many who go out of town and camp for the weekend. The great thing is to travel as lightly as possible, although, of course, there are many things -which cannot be done without. The following list of “things for campers to remember” should be of value to all who intend to lead the simple life in their leisure time and who want to make a complete success of their holidays, whether short or long: To take a pot scourer. To leave the site clean.

To take a first-aid outfit. To have a box for the kerosene stove. That there is no need to hurry. To have a container for all food. To take a tin-opener and a corkscrew. To take the cleaners for the kerosene stove. To take sugar, salt and the other condiments. To take a bowl either of canvas or of enamel. To take a mirror, soap, a needle and thread. That bare feet are better than shoes if the grass be heavy with dew. That if the kerosene stove goes out, to release the air from the stove before relighting. To test all cans which have been stored during the winter—they may leak.

That a large frying-pan is usually better than one that folds. To keep petrol, oil and paraffin away from all food. That a little time spent in making a lamp which will plug into the dashboard and will light the tent or a caravan is well worth while; it costs only a few pence. To bury or burn rubbish. To air the blankets every day. To pack the tent on top of all else. That paper on the bed helps to keep one warm. To keep the beds well away from the wall of the tent at night. That the camp bed forms a very good seat during the daytime. That a canvas bucket takes up very little room and is very useful. That excellent sleeping-bags can be improvised from blankets and large safety pins. That in a camp bed you need as much, if not more, clothing under the body than on top. To take a ground sheet, and that it should be put in position last, over the draught flaps. To take plenty of blankets; nothingwill spoil a holiday more than being cold during the night. That although many people prefer enamelware ordinary household cups and saucers give a more “homely” feeling. That if small pieces of three-ply wood are placed between the bed legs and the ground sheet, holes will not appear. To slacken off the guy ropes of the tent before retiring for the night and to tighten them in the morning. That a few inches larger tent than the one which you had planned to buy takes up very little extra room and will add greatly to the comfort of the holiday. To take plenty of tools, string, wire and tape. That a beret will keep the head warm at night. That a haversack will come in use- j full before the holiday is over. To take warm clothing in preference to fashionable clothing. To leave room for the trailer when passing overhanging signs. That if the food is packed in a flat box it is easier to get at. That while a meal is in progress the kettle should be boiling for “washing up.” That, having packed up, it is advisable to return to the site, after moving a few yards, to ascertain that nothing is left behind. That miles do not matter and that a stop to admire the view or to visit a beauty spot will make the holiday far more memorable.

DIRT-TRACK MACHINES Many dirt-track riders in England are experiencing disappointment with their machines. Much of the trouble, however, has been traced to lack of attention and the rough-and-ready methods of some of the mechanics. There can be no doubt tjiat a successful star rider really requires two mounts in case of a breakdown, but for the ordinary competitor one machine properly maintained should give service.