ON THE WHELL

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XI, Issue 529, 20 September 1900, Page 5

ON THE WHELL

i By

Cyclos.

At the Crystal Palace (London) some weeks back the well-known English rider, A. A. Chase, had a go at the hour record. He got along splendidly at first, riding 18 miles 1450yds in 30min (nearly two miles better than Bonhour’s record), but shortly afterwards the chain of his tandem flew off, and he had to abandon the attempt. However, he tried again, and, at his second attempt, succeeded in beating the previous best by 2 miles 1216 yds. During the hour he was riding he covered 37 miles 106yds. At last New South Wales has made a move in the direction of securing better pathways for cyclists. On Saturday last the first cycle path in the province was formally opened for traffic. The work has been carried out by a committee of delegates from the Cyclists’ Union, the League of New South Wales Wheelmen, and the Touring Union. The path, which is 10ft wide and about two miles long, runs through Moore Park and Centennial Park between an avenue of trees. It is intended if the movement is supported, to build a number of paths to popular resorts round Sydney. The New Zealand rider, W. Tierney, who is paying a visit to the United States, recently got into a two mile handicap run in New York with the hansome start of 240yds, and, needless to remark, rode in an easy winner in 4min 17sec. Tierney, whilst riding in New Zealand, was very close to the scratch mark, and it is surprising news to hear of his receiving such liberal treatment from the league of American handicappers, even from such a flyer as Tom Cooper. A visionary of the first order predicts that the ordinary cycle will disappear in the near future,the inevitable outcome of the free wheel. He considers that pedalling will be absolutely done away with The Belgium Parliament annually votes the sum of £I6OO for the purchase of, cycles for the four cycle companies attached to the army. After numerous tests, folding cycles have been selected for use. These are painted dark, but the handle-bars, etc., are nickle plated. The cyclists are thoroughly trained for the work they have to perform, and are of great service. Their uniform consists of light forage cap, single-breasted fatigue jacket, and wide trousers (secured at the bottom by leggings). The gun is carried across the shoulders. It seems as though the limit speed of motor paces will never be reached. At.,. Montreal recently, two American tandem, riders, named Miller and Judge, cut into all previous world’s records, by covering a mile in Imin 20 2-ssec. Considerable discussion is now going on amongst the English cyGling papers in regard to the increased weight of this season’s machine. R. J. Mecredy, the well-known Irish cycling authority, says: “ The question of the weight of cycles is one of those matters which it is hard to dogmatise about. Personally, I have always been opposed to absolute featherweights, on the ground that they were not strong enough to withstand the twist- • ing strain, and that consequently there ; was a loss of power, which more than counterbalanced the reduction in weight. At the same time I firmly believe in a machine being built as light as is consistent with strength in its vital parts. There is a limit, and if the maker goes beyond this, either in one direction or another, it is at the sacrifice of efficiency. I have always been greatly struck with the extraordinary! ase of running of a tandem machine, ridden solus; but this seems to me an argument merely in favour of long wheel base bicycles, and I feel sure that an ordinary pattern single machine oi the same weight would not run nearly so easily. What is required is increased length in the wheel base, absolute rigidity in the back forks and chain stays, ■ and weight reduced in every part as far as is consistent with strength.” Apropos the weight of a cycle, it is a well-known fact that the crack racing cyclists fight

shy of racing featherweights, experience having taught them that it doesn’t follow that because a machine weighs only 191 b. it,is faster than another machine of the same make weighing 241 b. Racing men have found the reverse the case, the heavier machine being far quicker to respond to a jump than the light racer, that “whips” and twists about as soon as the rider begins to put in a few heavy kicks.

Last week, Mr A.. R. Davis, secretary of the Auckland Cycle Paths’ League, received the following telegram from Mr J. E. Green, of Christchurch, who is one of the Consuls of the Cycling Tourists’ Club : “ The Premier wires that he has made the Cycle Paths Bill a Government measure. The Hon. W C. Walker introduces it in the Council. Petitions literally rushed here. (Christchurch). George Munroe, who pleaded guilty last week to cycling on the footpath in Stanley-street, stated to His Worship that he had to take to the footpath for about 50yds, as the road was so bad. His Worship imposed a fine of 5s and costs 7s, remarking that defendant should have got off his machine and walked. The above case gives evidence of the urgent need for cycle tracks in and around the city. The old standing quarrel between the Victorian and New South Wales Leagues, consequent upon the former recognising the New South Wales Amateur Cyclists’ Union, continues. If the Victorian League will disown the latter body, the New South Wales League will not press for payment of the £100 ( penalty for which it alleges the Victorian League has become liable for breach of the reciprocity agreement. The parties apparently cannot agree, and arbitration has been suggested by the Victorian League.— Leader. Teddy Reynolds has sent word that he has started on hie return journey to New Zealand. He should have a big say in the coming season’s good things should he feel disposed to compete in them on his return.

It is reported that J. Megson, the New South Wales champion, intends going through a thorough course of training this season. Should he find the form he displayed a couple of seasons back, the best of Australia’s cracks will be put on their mettle to beat him.