S.C.M.C.C.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXV, Issue 18382, 28 September 1929, Page 12

S.C.M.C.C.

CLUB NOTES. (By “Acceleration.”) AN EVENTFUL TRIP. Messrs W. Shallcrass and J. Strang of the S.C.M.C.C. recently undertook a long trip by motor-cycyle and sidecar, through to Invercargill and home via Central Otago. At least they started out in a motor-cycle and side-car but finished their holiday as a rider and pillion passenger, as will be seen in the following account of their Journeyings. Their conveyance consisted of a 497 c.c. Ariel, and a sports sidecar constructed by the joint endeavours of the two tourists. Two suitcases, and an extra supply of petrol, with various other odds and ends, made a heavy load for the light chassis. However, an early start was made and everything went well until Waikouaiti was reached. Here the very bad, and pot-holey road proved too much for the sidecar chassis, and it snapped, allowing the side-car to drag on the ground. After a brief inspection, the riders decided to proceed to Dunedin at their best speed, which consisted of a slow crawl. The city reached, the outfit was taken to a garage where it was found that two further breaks had made their appearance, and it was there and then decided to continue the journey with the motor-cycle only, the wrecked sidecar being railed back to Timaru. With no proper pillion seat, the journey for the pillion-rider became anything but comfortable, and to add to the already numerous troubles of the plucky pair, two bad falls were sustained on the south side of Balclutha. The road at this particular place is adversely cumbered, and if, on swinging round a corner, a strong side wind is encountered, a ivash is almost inevitable. The remainder of the journey from this points was accomplished without the aid of a gear lever. Gear-changing became a most difficult movement, and many stops were necessary to enable the rider to change down to a lower gear, instead of doing it whilst on the move. Invercargill was finally reached and several days were spent in putting the machine in order for the return journey. The journey home to Timaru was without incident except for a mild scrap with a Timaru car-owner for some miles. Needless to say the detour through Central Otago home, was not taken, the pillion passenger being a strong objection to this part of the programme. No rain was encountered during the riding periods, although the weather during their stay in Invercargill was not of the best. Both boys voted their holiday the best yet, despite their many trials and troubles, which, after all, is the only way to gain experience ifi all that has to do with motor-cycling. OCCASIONAL COMMENTS. The North Otago Motor Cycle Club are holding a Reliability Trial during the Labour Day week-end, and ask for entries from this club. Forms and conditions of the trial may be obtained from R. G. Slade, or the Secretary of the S.C.M.C.C. The trial is 150 miles in length, and starts at 9 a.m. finishing approximately at 6.30 p.m. The route is over part of the Big Route, and Danzey’s Pass, and embraces the small town of Naseby. Good trophies are offered, and the whole fixture should be a most enjoyable one. Don’t forget that the N.OM.A. boys support our hill-climbs, so let us show our sportsmanship and support their Trial.

To-morrow will see the first run of the new season of the M.C.C. This is a combined run to Peel Forest with the Ashburton M.C.C. and the committee hopes that there will be a large muster of the local riders. Particulars of the run may be found on the front page of this paper.