Mathsman my hint for 96 would be - part of a telephone. 81 - There's an anagram in there and it leads to a famous rider. Clue is also in the last four words - something he was famous for!
Got 81, thanks. Still baffled by 96 (can't find a SUITABLE word starting with the first half of the religious man, and the link to the telephone); also 50 is a pain.