Eric Tyler

Amongst the prominent motorcyclists is Eric 'Longy' Tyler. He started motorcycling at age 18, on a ¾hp Fafnir, which he entered in the 1909 '100 mile' race. He competed in some 40 events by 1915 and won 20 of them. Eric joined Edmunds & Skilton, a motorcycle house in Lonsdale Street, Melbourne, until he was employed by the Hendee Mfg. Co. to ride Indians, on which he established many speed and distance records. Later he joined Milledge Brothers, perhaps the largest motorcycle house at the time. He was a regular competitor at Aspendale, where he set several records. He continued in competition until at least 1924, probably longer.

AUSTRALIAN MOTORING EVENTS

1903-1930

The motorcycling fraternity also continued with some Club activity, the 24-hour trials becoming popular with only one night away from home. The Victorian Club held such an event on 16 November 1918, with 33 starters. The following are most of the entrants, compiled from different sources:

Eric Tyler* BSA 4½hp Lachy White Excelsior 7hp

Arthur Sutton' Indian 5½hp Fred Yott Harley Davidson 7-9hp

R W Dickinson JAP 6hp L R Puckeridge Excelsior 7hp

George Wright Harley Davidson 7-9hp AR O'Connor Douglas 2¾hp

AL Dobson* Harley Davidson 7-9hp A J Sutherland P&M 3¾hp

S G McLeod* Harley Davidson 7-9hp Bob Finlay Excelsior 7hp

B Eckhardt* Harley Davidson 7-9hp B Solly BSA 4¾hp

J W Stubley* Harley Davidson 7-9hp Chas Disney

W S Clarke Excelsior 7hp A J Hocking DNF

JD O'Connell Excelsior 7hp A Sturrock DNF

WV Woodward MAG 6hp J Brown DNF

AR Black Harley Davidson 7-9hp E F Greenwood DNF

AR Dyson Harley Davidson 7-9hp R Monteith DNF

Jack Booth Indian 7hp L G Broadbent DNF

* Those who lost no points.