Okay not actually a ride, but who needs a sportive this close to Christmas? Celebrate instead at the second Vulpine Cycling Fete at the Balham Bowls Club in London (map here.) The concept remains the same as last year’s inaugural event – a combination of ‘creativity, atmosphere, booze and British entrepreneurial cycling companies…’ with the promise of ‘no snobbery’ and something for cyclists and non-cyclists alike. Enjoy bike-based posters, popular podcast and cult radio show The Bike Show and the excellent sounding Rollapaluza, a unique cycle sport which sees two participants battle head to head on a pair of custom-built rollers connected to a huge dial, with split-second-digital timing over a simulated 500m distance at speeds in excess of 50mph. Add music, cheering and (possibly) a drink or two.
Even better the event is free with organisers asking only for donations to their two chosen charities: Friend’s of Herne Hill Velodrome, seeking to save one of the country’s most legendary and iconic facilities, and Rollapaluza Outreach, which encourages cycling and sport in schools.
The event runs 3-9pm, full details at www.vulpine.cc
