Amongst my old pieces of literature is a 52-page booklet entitled Blazing Trails. The booklet, the original work of Monrad S. Metzgen, tells the story of the very first Cross Country bicycle race, from Belize to Cayo and back, from April 5 to April 9, 1928. It was printed by BRC Printing of Benque Viejo in 2002. (Mr. Metzgen died in 1956.)

The introduction to the 2002 booklet was written by the late Emory King. Here is what Mr. King said in the first two paragraphs of his introduction: “Quite by accident I came across Blazing Trails in an old box in my home in Tropical Park. I have no idea where it came from or how it came into my possession.

“It was badly tattered and torn, had obviously been wet at one time, (the hurricane of 1931? Or Hurricane Hattie in 1961?), but still readable. What a wonderful story — the account of the first cross-country bicycle race told by the man who proposed the contest (Monrad S. Metzgen). It was filled with pictures, many no longer available, and statistics of the race.”

I think that older Belizeans would be amazed at some of the famous Belizeans who took part in that first race, which went from Belize to Cayo on Thursday, April 5, 1928, and returned from Cayo to Belize on Monday, April 9, 1928.

The race, of course, was won by Burrell Boom’s Elstan Kerr, but I would wager that none of you know that Carlton Fairweather, William “Bill” Lightburn, and Henry Clifton Fairweather (all deceased) participated in that first Cross Country. In addition, a 13-year-old by the name of Walter Scott completed the journey from Belize to Cayo and back. He was given a special prize.

This was how Mr. Metzgen began his booklet, with a chapter entitled “BELIZE-CAYO BICYCLE EXPEDITION”, subtitled “The Idea”:

On Baron Bliss Day, 9th March, 1928, the writer journeyed on his bicycle from Belize to the Pine Ridge near Freetown on the Old River, about ten miles, to witness a cricket match. On arrival he found quite a large number of people from Belize, including thirty or forty bicycles and four motor cars. On returning the idea came to him of organizing an expedition from Belize to Cayo on bicycles. At first, the subject was dismissed as impossible. But, like a recurring decimal sum, the thought came back again and again. On arrival at Belize it was mentioned to Mr. Hildebrand W. Haylock, who at once pledged his whole-hearted support. The next morning the proposal was mentioned to Lt. Col. the Hon. Jas. Cran, M.D., O.B.E., (then Principal Medical Officer), and Miss L. M. Roberts, the indefatigable and efficient Matron of the Public Hospital. The Matron at once said it was an excellent idea and that she would gladly give a contribution of $5.00 The Colonel said, “I cover that amount.” Due, therefore, to the encouragement and sympathy of the above named persons, the Expedition immediately took definite shape.

A most interesting paragraph, entitled “Cayo Town,” appears on page 33. It describes the trip from Belize to Cayo in those days almost a century ago:

Cayo Town

The town of El Cayo (San Ignacio) is situated on the Macal or Eastern Branch of the Belize or Old River, about 135 miles from Belize by river, about 65 miles as the crow flies, and 90 miles by road. On account of the numerous rapids and waterfalls which have to be negotiated, only specially built tunnel boats can be used for the transportation of goods and passengers. During the dry season, even these boats cannot reach the town within seven days, as in certain parts they have to be pulled over the shoals or rapids by means of warp lines and manual labour. The men who are engaged in this form of inland water transport certainly deserve special mention for their endurance and work. To negotiate a fall of about three hundred yards it takes sometimes, with engines going at full speed, warp lines tied to trees on the banks and operated by the winch, and every able-bodied man overboard, no less than two to three hours.

The book is fascinating for many reasons. I don’t know if it is available anywhere in Belize. If not, perhaps BRC can reprint it with the cooperation of our historical people.