Cycling.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 6018, 29 August 1887, Page 4

Cycling.

THE FIFTY-MILE RECORD BROKEN.

As the season for bicycle riding has been approaching, the talk in the* different Club rooms has been principally on record breaking. Numbers of wheelmen have signified their intention of endeavouring to break Mr Bowles' (P.8.C.) record for 50 miles of laßt year. Yesterday week Mr Hall (P.8.C.) made an attempt, but was unsuccessful. During the week two or three intimated their intention of having a try at it on Saturday, and at 1 p.m. on that day Messrs A. W. Pillow and Carl (P.8.C.) mounted their machines, and started on their 50 - mile journey being accompanied by several other enthusiasts, Mr Preece signing the Alliance card on their starting. The weather was all that could be desired — in fact, more so, S3 there was a slight wind blowing at their backs, and the roads were in a very fair state. The riders did not push themselves on their upward journey, so as to keep plenty in them to come back at a sharp pace, with the likelihood of a head wind. The Riccarton Hotel was the starting point, and the journey was to be to Doyleston and baok to the Carlton Hotel. The two record-breakers kept together, and got to Lincoln a little under the hour, to Springston at 2.15 p.m., arriving at Doyleston at 2.53 p.m. Here they rested for four minutes, and then commenced their homeward journey, the wind having slightly strengthened, and blowing into their faces, of course making riding somewhat more difficult. When they got to Lincoln, Pillow was about 50 yards ahead of Carl, arriving here at 3.52 p.m. After passing Lincoln, Pillow left Carl, and proceeded at a merry pace by himself. When he got to the Riccarton Hotel he was met by Messrs North and Richards, who showed him the way home, and when he arrived at the Carlton Hotel signed his card. It was just three minutes to four when he arrived there, thus doing the distance in 3h 57min, and beating last year's record by about half an dour. Carl arrived six minutes afterwards, also beating Bowles' record. Unfortunately Pillow does not belong to any Club, although on the list of members 'to be elected at next meeting of the Chrißtchurcb. Bicycling Club, and, Buch being the case, it has not yet been decided whether the Cyclists' Alliance recognises non-members of Clubs. This matter will be decided at the next meeting of the Alliance, and no doubt, as he is likely to become a member of a Club, his performance will be recognised, and he will be proclaimed the holder of the record for 50 miles.

On Tuesday Mr Mansell (C.8.C.) intends, if possible, to make an attempt to break the same record, and on Wednesday or Thursday Messrs A. Andrews, M'Court, Nankiville, and T. Cooper (all of the C.8.C.) will try their, luck. It is said, also, that a few others will go on Saturday, so that we have no doubt the time will be considerably reduced before the Beason is out.