CYCLING.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XII, Issue 728, 18 February 1904, Page 13

CYCLING.

The tractive force required to propel a bicycle over a smooth level surface is estimated at one-tenth of the load ; calling the load 150 pounds, a force of 1-J pounds would be required to move the wheel forward, and this calls for a presisure on the pedals of 6f pounds on the wheel geared in the usual manner. When, however, the road is rough, or on an upgrade, the case is different. On a grade of one in ten, for example, the rider, in addition to the tractive force actually lifts one-tenth of his weight and that of his machine. With a solid tyre the rider is obliged to exert sufficient force to lift himself over every obstacle encountered by the bicycle ; the descent from the obstruction gives back a portion of the power expended in surmounting it, but not all of it. In the case of the pneumatic tyre the rider is obliged ,to exert sufficient force to lift himself over every obstruction encountered by the bicycle ; the descent from the obstruction gives! back a portion of the power expended in surmounting it, but not' all of it. In the case of the pneumatic tyre, however, the small obstructions are not an opposing element of any consequence, as the tyre yields', in lieu of the wheel being raised, and the wheel travels as if on a smooth track.

In England the highway authorities are now under statutory obligation to erect warning boards on steep hills, and at other dangerous parts on the roads. These boards hitherto have been erected by the various touring associations, which will now find this branch of their w’ork much, lighter.

Mr F. E. Asquith, secretary of the Christchurch Cycling and Motor Club, has received a letter from Ivor Lawson and Floyd Macfarland, the American cyclists, now racing with much success in Australia, asking on what terms the club will engage them for a New Zealand tour, when they will ride in Christchurch on Good Friday, day and night. Some weeks; ago it was stated that Lawson and Macfarland were under contract to ride hi the Sydney Thousand in March. Since then the contract 'has been dissolved ; hence their proposed visit to New Zealand.

At the meeting of the Napier Wanderers’ Bicycle Club, which will take place on March 19, a 300yds foot race (open) will be run off for prizes of 20sovs, ssovs, Ssovs and 2sovs. Nominations must be made to Mr A. D. Muirhead, Caledonian Hotel, Napier, before 10 p.m. March 5. If the handicap is a success, and there is no reason why it should not be so, the club will consider the advisability of putting up one for £lOO as prize-money.

Th 3 challenge match between Taylor and McFarland was declared off by the executive, owing to the competitors developing the “crawl” to such an extent that they came to a dead stap. A time limit for the race is the only means of putting a stop to this sort of farce.

Particulars of the challenge match between Taylor and Lawson are to hand by the mail, and are as follows Halfmile.—Taylor i, Lawson 2. This was unpaced, and, as usual, was a “crawl” until the last few yards, when Taylor sprinted and won comfortably. Time, lmin 50sec. One mile. —Taylor 1, Lawson 2. Burton and Don. Walker paced, and the event was run in! a heavy rain storm. Lawson got on to the pacers and took the inside running. When the pacers left Taylor put in one of his characteristic “jumps,” but Lawson was not taken by surprise, and a fine struggle home resulted in a win for Taylor by less than a length. Time, 2rnin 33 2-5-sec. The crowd cheered enthusiastically.