ATHLETICS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2546, 6 July 1909, Page 2

ATHLETICS.

A VETERAN RUNNER, SCULLER, AND CYCLIST. MARVELLOUS RECORD FOR 60 YEARS. The common saying that cycling rejuvenates a man is well exemplified in the case of Mr T. C. Riley, of Sydney. Just on the verge of 60 summers, this veteran won on June 10' one of the principal bicycle events of the year—a 45 miles contest, for which 200 entered—from Picton to Ashfiekl. Mr Riley, who looks at least 20 years younger than his age, give 3 one the impression of being an athlete capable of performing well in any lino of sport. Of medium stature, his build, though slight, suggests quick action, power, and stamina. Determination is written in every line of his face. “I am just on the verge of 60,” he remarked to a Sydney “Morning Herald” representative, “and feel as fit as a fiddle. Were it nos that I know my age, I should be inclined to go the pace with the best of the young ones. I’m on for any game—cycling, walking, running, or sculling. Cricket and football 1 don’t play much, and I don’t believe in such games as bowls or golf. • They are for people advanced in years,” he observed with a slight contemptuous smile. “A good trip across country, whether on foot or a wheel, is the thing to make your blood flow. How people can get their circulation up with slow games like golf, bowls, or croquet beats me.” “Yes,” ho remarked meditatively, “as a youth I was a pretty sturdy youngster. When I was about 10 1 started running, and was always eager for a match with boys several years older than myself. In those days the Sport was popular. Cycling was then practically unheard of. 1 was attracted, however, by the. old bone-shaker, which caused a lot of fun, and/well deserved its name. I only attempted a ride or two on this make of vehicle when I came to the conclusion that it was a ease of either mo or it losing pieces. The only good point about the old type of wheel was that my people at home always knew by the noise it created when to expect me. “But as I felt that I must do something, I tackled rowing. Many a good old pull I had behind the cracks. Being an amiaeur, however, I cofifined myself to practice runs. ■ “It was when’ I was about 46 that I first decided to take on cycle racing. The sport was new, and promised plenty of excitement and fun. 1 felt then that I’d like to tackle some of the younger set who fancied their powers. I rode one of the first pneumatic machines in Sydney. I remember my first race. It was a fifteen miles event to 'Liverpool. I performed like a Trojan until a punctured tyre spoilt my chance. How I would have got on otherwise I can’t tell. My next ride was in 1897—a considerable interval, I’ll admit, but I was otherwise employed. It whs an attempt on the. Sydney to Melbourne record (unpaced), and I did what was considered then the wonderful time of 91hr. lomin. for the interstate trip. A series of first and second prizes during succeeding years followed. Here,” said the veteran, as he exposed numerous gold medals, watches, and other mementoes of past performances, “are a few of the trophies I won. My latest race on Monday was really an easy ride. I felt confident almpst from the start. Excepting Razorback, which I walked partly, i I never dismounted. In fact, I could have ridden the mountain, only I knew the/walk and a smoke would rest me. “I. don’t go in for any special training or the ordinary pound of steak and chops, ham and eggs, always washing the mid-day and evening meal down with a pint of ale. In my last ride I carried a bottle of alo and gin mixed, and had a tube fixed so that 1 was able to take a supply when I chose. I believe it helped me to win. I found the mixture most soothing. But the supply, you can carry is rather small. I was obliged to renew at one of the towns, and that meant a slight delay. , . “Yes,” said Mr Riley emphatically, in answer to a query, “I certainly intend going in for more races. Why shouldn’t I? I am as fit as possible. My nerves, muscles, and energy are as good as when I was in. my teens. The only thing that interferes with my success as an athlete is my sight. If it •was as good as it used to be I’d go for the paced Bydnoy-Melbourno record, and I think I could easily get it. As it is, I mean, if sufficient inducement is offered, to make an attempt on the unpaced interstate times, and when I do, look out for new figures. I reckon I’ve a good 20 years or so mere racing in xne. My wife and daughters and. all; my relatives and friends arc equally fond eff tile wheel. My cycle—a Newtown —was .geared to 80, and bad Tin cranks.” It is interesting to note by way of comparison that England possesses a veteran, athlete, almost as famous for his wonderful powers. Sir Charles Lawes-Wittewrouge, born in 1543, won tile mile rowing championship and one mile running amateur championship in id. 65. When 56 years of ago'lie resumed cycling, and made attacks on the amateur cycling, records. Ho got the quarter, one, and from six to. 2o miles distances, and his wonderful rides lor a veteran were at the time the talk oi tho cycling world. Sir Charles LawesW'ttewrbnge, who only recently inherited his title, is better known as “C.B. Lawes, the sculptor.”