THE ROAD RACE.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17159, 1 October 1923, Page 1

THE ROAD RACE.

(By Sinbad.) It gives my simple heart a thrill the wondrous tale to read, how, with indomitable will, at most unheard of speed, the riders came from Timaru in Saturday’s event; how hostile winds they struggled through, upon their goal intent. The winner was a local lad, a credit to the town; his triumph o’er conditions bad has won him great renown; while as for grand old Phil O’Shea, his praises fill my rhyme; once more his sp?ed has won the day—his was the fastest time. In vision I can see the race—the riders at the start all swiftly putting on the pace, with strong and hopeful heart. When next the rushing men are seen, they still keep up the speed; they tear along through Geraldine, nor yet the wind they heed. Across the Rangitata stream, Ashburton soon they hit; the untrained members of the team are slowing down a

bit. Dunsaridel finds them steady now; the bikes seem filled with lead;-.they reach the Selwyn’s bank, Ajjd plough their passage o’er the bed; and soon the crowd at Sock burn sees, with tumult and with din, by singles and by twos and threes, the leaders struggle in. The very thought of biking ‘through gives to my heart a pain; when I come up from -Timaru, -I - wisely take - 1 —rain'i