Summary

Alternative Name(s): Medallion

Commemorative medallion presented to Hubert Opperman, for participating in a bicycle race from Bendigo to Melbourne, sponsored by the Barnet Glass company. All competitors who finished the 92 mile handicap race in under five and a half hours received a medallion.

Barnet Glass Rubber Company was a prominent Melbourne manufacturer of rubber goods, including tyres for bicycles, motor cycles and motor vehicles. The medallion features their distinctive company brand, a white boomerang, which also appeared on their rubber tyres. They were well established organisers and sponsors of many bicycle races, including their flagship Victorian event, the annual long distance Barnet Glass Road Race, established in 1910. There were 124 entries for the 1921 race but only 75 starters on the day. The race was held on Saturday 3rd September 1921, starting from the City Family Hotel in Bendigo and finishing at the North Essendon Hotel in Melbourne.

This was Hubert Opperman's earliest major race (he would have been just 17 years old), and it happened to be in perfect weather conditions. He was given a handicap of 9 mins and finished in 7th place in a bunch finish of 10 riders. His time was 5 hrs 9 mins 51 secs. He won £2/2/0 for his placing and also an additional £1/1/0 for being the first rider from his club (Malvern Cycling Club) to finish.

This event was won by Vic Brown (Coburg Cycling Club), one of two riders racing off a backmarkers' handicap of 3 mins, in a time of 5 hrs 3 mins 50 secs, and he also recorded the fastest time. Second was H. J. Buck and third was J. C. Bagot.

Physical Description

Boomerang shaped motif above a spoked wheel. White paint on boomerang, blue paint on the tyre wheel, text in relief.

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