TWICE ROUND MT. EGMONT

Taranaki Daily News, 7 October 1929, Page 11

TWICE ROUND MT. EGMONT

RECORD BY TWO CYCLISTS TWO HUNDRED MILES IN ONE DAY YOUTHFUL RIDERS FINISH WELL. Cycling twice round Mount Egmont in one day, about 200 miles in 13 hours 34 minutes, N. H. Bellringer. and Clem Gilbert accomplished a feat oh Saturday that is believed to be a record not previously achieved even by a motorist. Both are members of the New Plymouth League Cycle Club. Leaving the Chief Post Office at 4.6 a.m. they reached Opunake in 2 hours 55 minutes. Riding steadily they completed the round in 0 hours 49 minutes, after taking refreshments handed them by the secretary of the club at Egmont Village. They stopped at the Bank of New Zealand corner for a supply of food and .set off a few minutes later without dismounting. They had shown practically no effects from their long ride. After covering a mile of the second round, Bellringer’s chain was found to be half broken, but after a few minutes delay Mr. Des George rectified this and the riders continued. Bellringer punctured a tyre two miles from Okato and they checked through Opunake at 1.50 p.m., having taken 2 hours 50 minutes to Opunake. Having taken too much milk at Okato, Gilbert was feeling the worse for it at Opunake, but was urged on by Bellringer, who was riding strongly. Gilbert soon recovered after leaving Opunake, after which the wind was helping. L. Claffey rode to meet them with refreshments at Mangatoki and accompanied them on the homeward journey. They were met near Inglewood by club officials and enthusiasts. Both were still riding lyell, with a little in reserve. From the Meeting of the Waters to home they were followed by about 20 enthusiasts to the accompaniment of tunes from a swanee-whistle and bellringing. They climbed the Meeting of the Waters Hill remarkably well, considering that they had ridden over 190 miles. Gilbert did not rise from his saddle and the followers had to accelerate halfway up the hill. The riders were well cheered on, and, finishing well, climbed the last hill fast to sprint down Avenue Road in good style, finishing at Eliot Street at 5.40 p.m., amid cheers and applause. Bellringer and Gilbert were met by a large gathering and congratiilated on all sides on creating cycling history for New Plymouth. After a hot bath, and massage both were feeling exceedingly fit. Bellringer rode an 82 gear machine and used 6£- inch cranks. Gilbert rode a 72 gear and used 6| inch cranks. Bellringer, who is 21, and Gilbert, who is 17, will receive certificates of merit from the club.