TRACK CYCLISTS READY

Chronicle (Levin), 4 November 1948, Page 8

TRACK CYCLISTS READY

Don Yeates)

New Season Opens Next Monday

(By

Off with the old — on with the new. One amazihg thing about cyclists is the manner in which the roadman, jaded by months of training, overnight becoihes the keen track man, enthusiastically belting at high speed around the Cycle path in Levin Park Domain. Over the wee'kehd the track was. ;the scehe of much activity, when ■it was given its spring clean iil preparation for the opening mefiting iiext Monday. Mr. E. J. Stamley, of the Levin Training Centre, and his boys provided the main strength of workers ahd with many nands making light work, the em tire 530 yards of the track was swept clear. Another group of worthy citizens tirelessly applied the paint brush and marking line, and soon an unwavering white line was drawn around the inner edge of the path. A highly desirable addition to track markings is an extra line on the inside of the track, spaced about 18 inches from the inner or "pole" line. (In fact the two lines and Ihe space between them are collectively known as the pole line). Then, instead of a simple , line marking the inner edge of the track, for the rider there is a definite guiding line ("tram tracks") and, for the referee, a definite area on .the track, any deviation from which can be penalised.

TheSe extra track markings, although they involve additional labour, are well worth the trouble and volunteer workers are nearing the completion of the task. 'Safety of the rider's equipment ; is another point feceiving the cdmmittee's. attention. The open end of a handlebar can inflict a nasty wound in the event of a multiple crash, ahd riders will be shown how to stop this very effective "leather punch" . with an' ordinary tork— a Cheap remedy but a good one. Then'- comes the old poser of crash hats (to wear or not to wear, that is the qUestion) . Most young riders don't like wearing them and for their own proteetion is is desirable that they be forced gently but firmly to do so. After that everything depends on the riding behaviour and track discipline of the boys- themselveS, and these matters can be left to the guidanee and instruction of the club captain and the coaches. The stage is now set for the opening night next Monday, November 8. At 6.45 p.m. a procession of bands, marching girls, scouts, guides, ambulance men, small boys and dogs will leave the Primary School and, led by the Post Ofiice's decorated float, 'complete with gymnasts", will pass through Oxford Street and arriveat the Domain about 7 p.m. There is a splendid programme of events plannad— With cycle racing, athletics, band selections, marching displays and, of course, the childfen's races, the evening will be grand family entertainment. . Visiting cyclists ftbm Otaki, Shannon, Foxton and Palmerston North, will swell the jfields -and in the junior class especially there will be some fine racing. ' Finally— the vproceeds of the meeting are in-aid of the health stamp campaign. The levy is twOr shi'llings-worth of stamps, so there you are— a great evening for eightpence nett. See you there.