Cycling Notes.

Southern Cross, Volume 1, Issue 21, 19 August 1893, Page 3

Cycling Notes.

(By Safety.) I am much afraid we shall see no track this season, but from rough calculations believe a good grass track, four laps to the mile, could be made inside the second fence on the new football ground. The American rider Sanger has just done a really marvellous performance —viz., a mile in 2mins, 10 l-ssecs. When will any of our men come up to this form P I would like to give a hint to new cyclists —novices, I mean. First, place your saddle well forward so as to be nearly direct over your work. Second, lower your handle bars so that when riding your arms are straight. You will find a Safety far more comfortable and easy to steer. The bulk of new riders out lately are riding with their hands almost in a line with their chins —like old men sitting in a Bath chair. Cyclists, in ordering their coats, should dispense with an inside pocket, or, if necessary, not to revert to an old practice of carrying their spanner, &c., in it, instead of carrying a bag; as were he to fall heavily on his side the chances are that the spanner would inflict some injuiy, or perchance break his ribs. A few remarks from that celebrated rider, G. Lacy Hillier, will not be out of place when so many new riders are about:— “ 1. Always look where you are going. “ 2. Always sit straight and avoid throwing your knees out. “3. Pedal evenly and use both legs, as those who have no practical experience will hardly believe how often a rider favours one leg more than the other. “4. Keep the foot straight. This is usually effected by mechanical means. The wriggling action of the foot is often caused by a crooked crank, a pedal pin, and in any case it must be corrected.” “5. Do not wobble the shoulders. Some men seem to think that pace is developed by moving the shoulders, as if they were throwing all their hodily weight on the pedals. This is a grave error.” “6. Hold the body still and sit down. A great many riders get up off the saddle when spurting. This is a serious fault; it unsteadies the steering and diminishes the available power.” A meeting of the new Club was held on the 11th, when members rolled up in force, Mr C. E. Edmonds (President) in the chair. The old Club’s rules were adopted, with a new one admitting riders under 15 at 2s 6d. Several new members were elected, bringing the strength of the Club up to about 60. Mr Murie was elected Captain. Offers of prizes for competition were received as follows —Prom Mr Edmonds, two gold medals, the donor stipulating that one should be competed for by the novices of the club ; Messrs Adams, Curties and Co., Ohristchurch, through their local agent (Mr R. W\ Jones) a g-old medal as a prize for a road race; Mr W. S. Bedford, a great coat. A package of stationery (entrance forms) was received from an anonymous friend.