Source:  Printed
Title: The Motor Cycle, lx1, 406
Date:  20 May 1908
Place:  High Beech, Essex

Essex Motor Club's Open Hill-Climb.

THE above competition was held last Saturday¹ at Lippitt’s Hill, High Beech. The hill, although short, is a good test for the engines, and a considerable amount of skill is required to take the bend at high speed. The surface after the recent rains was in good condition, and fast times were made.

A new and novel arrangement of handicapping was instituted by Mr. A. G. Reynolds, by which it was sought to equalise the great variety of existing types of engines by placing them in various classes, viz., single-cylinder in three classes, engines not exceeding 80, 85, and 90 mm. in bore respectively, total weight of machine and rider to be not less than 320 lbs., and twin-cylinders in three classes, engines not exceeding 76, 80, and 85 mm. each cylinder, total weight of machine and rider to be not less than 340 lbs. It was very amusing to see the various ways and means competitors had used to bring their machines up to weight — sheet lead, lead water pipes, sash weights, and one rider was seen with a 7 lb. weight tied on his back. Only one run up the hill was allowed, and the time made was credited to each class entered. It was a creditable attempt to arrive at a decision without waiting for formulae calculations, but it caused a little dissatisfaction among competitors who had entered in more than one class with the same machine, as it did not give them an opportunity to improve on their times; however, a second attempt was impossible.

Scales were provided at the foot of the hill for the use of competitors to verify their weight, the official weighing taking place immediately each rider had completed the ascent. This ensured the total weight being carried. The officials were: V. Hart, judge; E. R. Russell and W. H. Bishop, marshals; G. Pluck, starter; E. J. Bass, trials hon. sec.; Ebblewhite and Button, timekeepers.

 

¹16 May 1908