MOTOR-CYCLING

Star (Christchurch), Volume XLIV, Issue 257, 29 October 1931, Page 13

MOTOR-CYCLING

BY

" MAGNETO "

PIXTUIIES. November 7—Miniature T.T. race, Rolleston, Pioneer Club. November 28—Hill climbs for light cars, Pioneer Club. December 13—Sporting trial, motorcycles and light cars, Pioneer Club. Notes. There is a possibility of light cars having a class at the T.T race if the course is found suitable. This event is thrilling and always attracts a large attendance of spectators, despite the fact that It is held at Rolleston. The light car hill climb is set down for November 28. but it is probable that this date will be altered to earlier In the month. The course has not been selected yet, but a sub-committee has been set up to consider the various suggestions that have been put forward. It is probable that a motor-cycle race meeting will be held at the Rangiora Racecourse on November 28. The Pioneer Sports Club has received permission to use the track and it now remains to decide Just what type of meeting to hold. There are many who hold that it should be a club event. This would mean that the riders would not be required to register with the N.Z.A.C.U. The famous “ Motor-cycle ” film will be shown next Saturday evening in the Navy League Hall. The film portrays the various phases of the motor-cycle sport in the Old Country and has always attracted a great deal of interest. In addition, Mr Cecil Bonnington has consented to re-screen his film of the New Brighton track races. The president and secretary of the N.Z.A.C.U. (Messrs G. Spragg and A. Way) will visit Christchurch next weekend and will address motor-cyclists at the screening of the “ Motor-cycle ” film on Saturday evening. Mr F. R. Jones, the Christchurch delegate and a member of the executive, will also be present. «*« **» The date of the Miniature T.T. race at Rolleston has been Advanced to November 7. This alteration is to allow the holding of another gymkhana at the Showgrounds on the concluding day or the Royal Show. The Pioneer Sports Club is fully prepared to provide the facilities of its organisation to Alex Smith for his record attempt. Providing that Smith can get his machine in readiness it is likely that the event will take place some time in the near future. Smith has been such a consistent performer in beach races that all will T" 1 ®? him the greatest success. I understana that Smith has not missed one race I which he has been eligible during the past three seasons. a » The question whether '>. eacl ' should be continued was discussed by the motor committee of th( ; P, ‘ , . r V Sports Club, but no action was taken, and it was decided to leav ® , the over until the next monthly meeting of the committee. The British (U.IC.) Manufacturers “ Old Timers’ " trial will . be held on November 21. The entries for the event close on Saturday next. l™ conditions are much the same as otiter trial regulations. The event has been made difficult enough to make it interesting and keen competition result. There should be no g*eat difficulty in securing a place providing the car competing can climb with a. certain amount of celerity. The e v er l promises to be a great success and it will be a great advertisement tor xne lasting qualities of British products. It is said that one of the old crocks which participated in the race for veteran cars at Brooklands recently was bought for 30s from an exasperated Scot eight years ago. Those motor-cyclists who own machines which were manufactured prior to 1912 should certainly enter them for the British (U.K.) Manufae-

Hirers’ Association “ Old-timers ” trial. There is a certain amount of zest in riding an old machine and the prospect of a iirize of good proportions is an added incentive to compete. Unfortunately most of the machines that were made prior to the date mentioned were without a gear-box, and unless the machine is in good condition the prospect of Hackthorne Road may have to be faced with a certain amount of trepidation. The early days of fixed engines were the days of the real enthusiast. I remember one acquaintance *who went to Port Levy on an ancient Rover and had to run alongside his machine up most of the hills. Those were the days when a motor-cyclist left his coat at home if he was going anywhere near steep hills. m n a The things that those old machines used to do is remarkable. I know of one old Alldays and Onions that will still climb Dyer’s Pass Road. There is no need to say in top gear because it only has one gear. x One little dodge that was used to good effect was a slack belt. This allowed the engine to keep up a few extra revs. Motor-cyclists went gaily along then quite happy with a fixed engine, and machines which were later fitted with hub gears have, in many cases, been converted to the fixed-gear type ' * a Even with side-cars on these old machines give a good account of themselves. There are many to be seen around Christchurch. The start is rather hectic, the side-car passenger pushes and then makes a dive for the side-car. a m Good old days to be sure, but no one seriously regrets their passing. Who wants to push a motor-cycle? *.♦ j.; Messrs Adams, Ltd., are extending an invitation to all Triumph and B.S.A. riders to attend the opening run of the firm next Sunday to Walhora Park, Motukarara. A programme of motorcycle sports has been arranged and a cricket match between the Ashburton and Christchurch riders.