Many Spectators See Motor- Cycle Hill Climb

Chronicle (Levin), 1 June 1949, Page 2

Many Spectators See MotorCycle Hill Climb

Bef ore a large number of intereste'd spectators, the Horowhenua Motor Cycle Club held its first hill climb last weekend on the property of Mr. R. Stpvens, Waitohu Valley Road. It provided an ideal reliability test for both- rider and machines, attracting a large entry of enthusiastic cpmpetitors. Owing to a heavy fall of rain the previous evening, the clay road leading on to the course was converted into a slippery track, which proved an endurance test on its own. In most cases the riders, with the assistance of energetic helpers, managed after much difflculty to reach the starting point. The riders had to pass through a small water splash before tackling the first section of the climb, which was approximately one-third of a mile in length. From there the course rose steeply all the way and, due to the twisty nature of the hill, spee'ds were greatly reduced. The riders found this more of a re'liability test, calling for skilful handling of machines ra'ther than straight out speed if they were to arrive within the specified time limit for their particular class. Five sections of the course were observed by members of the club, who deducte'd points from riders who used their feet, stalled or encountered other difficulties on their way up. The placings were as follows: — J. Vincent (1.14 3/5 mins.) 1, B. McLeavy (1.16 1/5 mins.) 2, B. Webb (1.21 2/5 mins.) 3. The times and points lost by other riders were: — J. Wise (1.32 mins.) points lost 1, B. McLeavy (1.42 2/5 mins.) points lost nil, T. Salmons (1.54 mins.) points lost 1, B. Bignall (2.5 mins.) points lost 6, J. Vincent (1.17 mins.) points lost nil, G. Vincent (1.31 4/5 mins.) points lost 9, B. Webb (1.35 4/5 mins.) points lost nil, E. King (1.31 3/5 mins.) points lost 1, C. Barton (1.36 4/5 mins.) points lost 2, T. Ahern (1.33 mins.) points lost 1, W. Harper (1.23 mins.) points lost 17, P. D'Ath (1.21 mins.) points lost 1, J. .Ferguson (1.29 mins.) points lost nil. Mr. B. Perkins and Mr. Clifton were official timekeepers of the day, while Mr. R. Gallagher controlled the riders at the starting point. The thanks of the club are extended to Mr. Stevens for the use of his property and also to Messrs Hudson and Burnham, Levin, for a donation.