Cycling Notes.

Southern Cross, Volume 1, Issue 20, 12 August 1893, Page 5

Cycling Notes.

. (By Safety.) I am informed that over 40 cyclists have given in their names as intending to join the new club, including .several who made their mark on the wheel during the days of the old club -US well as a lot of new bloods; and ■some of them (now that the ball has been set rolling) appear just as eager for the fray as ever, and are busy inquiring into the merits of the various feather-weight racers, also as to the possibilities of getting a track ■of some sort upon which to try conclusions ; but this, it is feared, will be out of the question for a year or two .at least. The gentlemen who were responsible for the destruction of the old track (a good one in its day) will ere long find out that a mistake was made in not providing for cycling sports when re-arranging the grounds. Doubtless when our new club gets fairly under way, it will be possible to arrange with the Park authorities to supply what I am sure will be found a great want before the season is far advanced. Wheel riding is fast .becoming the great pastime of the people. It gathers in its thousands of fresh recruits every year. In Invercargill alone the number of cyclists has largely increased during the past year, and I prophesy the muster of wheelmen at our opening run will be a surprise for those who think cyclists in the city are “ dead and buried.” I hear that a president’s race is likely to be included in the first programme, in which case an exciting contest may be expected between the “ Hudson ” and “ Ormond ” machines. I have not yet made up my mind on which I will lay my money. Mr Kelly’s two guinea prize for best -attendance at club runs should stimulate competition. It is not generally known among ■cyclists that a small piece of camphor, about the size of a large pea, placed in the reservoir of a lamp with colza ■oil, adds greatly to the brilliancy of fhe light. Hew and even old cyclists, who .suffer cramps or stillness in the legs after riding, will find “ Bllman’s Embrocation” an almost certain cure. Cyclists in ordering their knee breeches should not have them too tight, and they should not grip the limb at any time during the action. They should never be tight round the knee, a remark which applies to all classes of leg gear, but they should just fit and no more at that point. I think a reminder here to cyclists re riding on the footpaths would not be out of place, especially if they wish to make the sport popular. It is also a v .ry dangerous practice, for one never knows when a child might rush out of a gate, the result being an accident to both; it is only gentlemanly (if it is necessary to ride on the path) to dismount on meeting or passing a lady ; but it would be well for cycling in general if the footpath riding was left entirely alone, I hear on good authority that Messrs Adams, Curtis and Co. of ■Christchurch have advised our local club of their intention to give a gold medal for a road race, and Mr Bedford of this town has also signified his intention of giving a dust coat as a prize for the same event. There is a little rumour going the rounds that we shall certainly see •one, if not three, lady riders at the opening meeting. I sincerely hope this is true, as nothing, I feel sure, will increase interest in this delightful sport more than to have the ladies take part in it. P.S.— Any questions asked by cyclists will be answered as far as my •cycling knowledge is concerned, or advice given where practicable.