1902 Catford Hill Climb

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1902 July 5th - Saturday.

The sixteenth annual open Hill-Climbing Competition, held by the Catford C.C., was decided on Saturday at Westerham Hill, in the presence of a large number of spectators. The course, which was in good order, was about half a male in length, the gradient the steepest part being l in 7.

There were 32 entries in the bicycle section, and nineteen riders surmounted the hill. F. S. Bale made the fastest time and won the scratch event, whilst C. F. Plester, with 45secs. start, carried off the scaled handicap. Bale was second in the handicap, and A. W. Barker third.

There were 27 entrants for the motor-bicycle section, and twelve competitors reached the summit. There were two classes, one for machines not exceeding 1.75 h.p. and one for those exceeding 1.77 but not exceeding 2.75 h.p. E. Perks, of Coventry, finished first in both classes, winning the first. on a 1.75 h.p. Singer and the second on a 2.25 h.p. Singer, his respective times being 2min. 16 2-5secs. and 2min. 7 3-5secs. H. Martin (Coventry), on Excelsior 2.75 h.p., rode up in 2min. 9secs., and J. Leonard, on a Werner 2.25 h.p., in 2min. 10 l-5secs.

The two machines Which won the above were ridden home by Mr. Perks and Mr. Duret from Westerham to Coventry, a distance of 125 miles. This is interesting, showing that the machines were ordinary roadsters, not specially designed for the competition.

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