Christchurch to Greymouth in a day 1910.

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DescriptionGrey River Argus 5 Dec 1910.

On Saturday advices came through that a motor cycle with a side car attached had left Christchurch that morning for Greymouth to try and establish a record for the trip which is acknowledged one of the worst roads in New Zealand on which to attempt record breaking. The aspirant for the record was Mr FJ Gibbard of Christchurch, the proud owner of a 3 1/2 hp free engine Triumph Motor cycle with a side car attached in which Mr W Jerrard of the same city was taken as passenger.

A start was made at 4.30 am timed by Mr Bonnington, as official of the Canterbury Motor Club and Mr GB Brown, who takes a great interest in motor cycle records.

The city of the plains was very soon left behind and Springfield was reached 1 hr 20 mins later. The roads were in perfect order. Soon after leaving the railway, taking the old coach road over Porter's Pass numerous creeks have to be crossed and several times Mr Gibbard and his passenger had to dismount and push the motor cycle and side car through. Porter's Pass, the motorists found was a stiff problem. The surface was very loose, and it was necessary for the passenger to dismount to give the little motor a chance on the long upward grade. The Cass River and the Waimakariri cutting were safely negotiated and Bealey Hotel was reached at 11.45am. Mr Blumsky soon had the machines on the cart and across the river, but the road was again found troublesome owing to numerous creeks all the way to Otira which was reached at 3pm.

Here the only motorist of the place was hunted up(Dr Griffen) who very kindly gave the record breaker some petrol and the pace was made very fast down to Jacksons. Soon afterwards when crossing the Taipo, the one and only puncture happened causing considerable delay. Still with great heart the travellers kept going only to meet another set back in the Wainihinihi River which had to be forded. From there to Kumara progress was very slow owing to the numerous creeks to be negotiated. From Kumara to Greymouth good time was made and finally arrived at the Post office at 6.55pm having accomplished the journey in 14 hours 25 minutes including all stoppages. No trouble was experienced with the Trusty Triumph Motor Cycle thus adding still another great feat to its already long lists of records.

It is of the opinion of several experienced motorists at the time of Mr Gibbard leaving Christchurch it was an impossible task for a motor cycle with a passenger and side car attached to reach the West Coast in a day. But good fortune smiled on Mr Gibbard's first efforts which is a very fine performance. The motorists returned to Christchurch again the next day by the same route.

ContributorMaye DunnDate of story events5th Dec 1910

Christchurch to Greymouth in a day 1910.

Relates to

Location (city or town)Greymouth Last edited by: Tracey Butler

Christchurch Last edited by: Tracey Butler

Organisation (eg business)The Grey River Argus (Business) Last edited by: Tracey Butler

PersonFJ Gibbard Last edited by: Tracey Butler

W Jerrard

Dr Griffen Last edited by: Tracey Butler

Mr Bonnington Last edited by: Tracey Butler

GB Brown

EventSetting a record.

Category Information

MenuBy Topic | Leisure Time Last edited by: Tracey Butler

By Topic | WC History | News Reports Last edited by: Tracey Butler

By Decade | 1910-1919 Last edited by: Tracey Butler

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