Cycling Notes.

Southern Cross, Volume 2, Issue 29, 13 October 1894, Page 5

Cycling Notes.

[By Safety.]

The fine weather and good roads have brought out the cyclists like bees during the past fortnight. Pedaling along, each stetering his own course, they may now be seen almost at any time no matter where you go. Cabmen and lively stable-keepers must find, their business somewhat effected by the growth of the army of cyclists. One or two establishments in town find it expedient to keep machines for the use of their employes, and they are largely used travelling about the country bn business. A few years ago all the machines were purchased outside of the town, and very little labor employed locally in connection with the trade, whilst now we have two first-class cycle depots in our midst employing a good many hands, and giving purchasers an opportunity of personally selecting a mount from among some of the best makers. I was afraid members of the Club were lacking in esprit de corps by the meagre turn-out at the second weekly run, but the capital muster on Wednesday last was very gratifying. As the routes, if I mistake not, are posted up in plenty of time, every member should endeavor to roll up to the runs instead of aimlessly wheeling about, as if, like the man in the song, “He don’t know where He are.”

Record-breaking has been tried between Invercargill and Gore by several riders lately, and Captain Bone’s long-standing time for - the distance (2hrs. 4omins.) has been reduced to 2hrs. 19|mins. by Mr E. E. God ward —a record which will take some beating until the road is formed all the way up. The average time was 3min. 20secs. per mile, but taking off 40 minutes occupied in walking the unformed part, the average for the 36 miles of good road was 2mins. 47secs. per mile. In regard to cycling road records, Mr L. A. Bone, the hon. sec. of the Invercargill Cycling Club, writes : When a rider intends going for a record he will have to be timed at the start by two of the officials of the Invercargill Cycling Club. He must cany a proper record card with him for signature, by two trustworthy, gentlemen at the end of his journey. If the Club allows its members to ride nntimed records as often as they like, and these are published, it will end in the whole thing becoming a farce. The club will not recognise any records for any distances unless properly timed and authenticated, as stated above, no matter by whom made.”

The matter of the laying down of a track will be in full swing in a few days —as soon as a few minor details are arranged—the debentures being pretty well all floated. The idea of holding a six hours’ contest to open the track has been mooted, and if carried out should prove a big draw. Have it, say, from 2 p.m. till 8 p.m. on a Wednesday. The first prize would require to be a substantial one, say £7 10s, or even £10; £5 for second, and £3 for third. lam sure it would pay the club well, besides giving the public an afternoon’s sport. They should do all the racing possible this season, so as to cultivate the public taste for cycle racing.