BICYCLING.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 5161, 17 November 1884, Page 4

BICYCLING.

The members of the Pioneer Club are making arrangements for holding an evening race meeting at Lancaster Park on Nov. 26, beginning at 5.30 p.m. A large number of riders have signified their intention of competing, and as the racing track is now in excellent condition, and the entrance money to the ground is fixed very )ow, there is every prospect of the meeting being a success. The programme will be found in our advertising columns. The International Cycling meeting at Springfield, Mass., U.S., which extended over four days, began on Sept. 16, and was the largest and most ii aportant ever held in any country. It is estimated that 240,000 persons were present during the four days. About dfilGOO were given in prizes. Howell, the celebrated English bicyclist, was beaten by Prince, late of Wolverhampton, but now Americanised, in the one mile scratch race, his victor completing the distance in 2min 39sec (the fastest time on record for professionals). Nevertheless, he managed to obtain .£l5B in prizes, exactly .£IOO more .than his compatriot, James, of Birmingham. Sellars, one of the English amateurs, won over £11 worth of prizes, and Gaskell, of the Ranelagh Harriers, prizes valued at £64. In the five miles amateur scratch race Gaskell beat the American record, riding the distance in 14min 41sec, and also in the three miles race, time 9min 3sec. ■ On Saturday afternoon a moderate number of " Tourists " started from headquarters, and enjoyed a run to Heathcote. The road in some places had been newlymetalled, and travelling was somewhat heavy, but the ride along the river amply compensated for all this. Members intending to take part in the early morning run to New Brighton to-morrow, are reminded that the start will be made from the Post Office, and they are requested to be there by 5.25 a.m. punctual, as no delay will occur in starting.