3 bizarre bike races from around the world
If you have ever ridden a bicycle, you must have raced with your friends. Was it fun? Bike racing has come a long way from its humble beginnings and evolved into a sport that pushes the limits of human endurance and bravery. From the rough terrains to the death-defying heights, the world of bike racing is filled with incredible races that test the limits of both man and machine. But did you know that the world has some bizarre bike races? There are races where people compete with snorkelling gear and tricycles! Let's look at some of the craziest bike races in the world and what makes them truly one-of-a-kind!
Bike bog snorkelling
Imagine people swimming in a water body wearing diving gear and a snorkel (a breathing tube). This is called snorkelling. Now throw in a bike to the mix. This is nothing but the Bike bog snorkelling race! The World Mountain Bike Bog Snorkelling Championships takes place in Llanwrtyd Wells, Wales. The idea of this race started in a pub in 1985 when a group of friends, including Gordon Green, a local, decided to add a new twist to snorkelling. They swapped clear waters for dark and soft wet grounds filled with dead plants and moss and started racing in mud while wearing standard diving gear. But, 20 years later, they wanted to take things to the next level. So, they added bikes to the mix! Each competitor starts with a mask, snorkel and scuba gear and rides a specially adjusted bike with water-filled tires and a lead-filled frame. To keep warm, they wear a wetsuit and scuba diving weight belts. The race takes place in a 60-meter trench. The current record holder is Oliver McKenna, a Brighton local who completed the race in 1 minute and 04.94 seconds!
The Red Bull Goni Poni
The Goni Poni bike race in Kranjska Gora, Slovenia, is an event like no other! It's not just about speed and endurance but also about creativity and style. This unique race challenges competitors to ride bicycles with absurdly small 20-inch wheels and no gears or motors. They have to ride all the way up to a finish line situated 1,611 meters above sea level. What started as a small gathering of biking enthusiasts has become a massive event, attracting over 1,200 registered participants each year. The current course record is 39 minutes and 39 seconds for the 13.5 km course. The Red Bull company-sponsored Goni Poni race takes place annually on June 3rd. It is not just a test of physical strength but also a celebration of retro style. Participants don vintage outfits, and one lucky person is even awarded the title of 'Best Retro Costume of the Year.' On this special day, Kranjska Gora transforms into a retro holiday. Whether you're a seasoned bike racer or just a lover of retro style, the Goni Poni race is an event you won't want to miss!
The tricycle race for adults
You might think tricycles are only for small children, but that is not the case with the 'Bring Your Own Wheel Race' in San Francisco, California. The bikes in this race are not like other tricycles. Toy manufacturer Louis Marx and Company introduced the big wheel cycle in 1969. It is a tricycle with a low riding position and a large front wheel. They were popular in the 1970s, and many people remembered having fun riding them as children. However, they did not return to their favourite childhood sport until a local man called Jon Brumit started racing them down a street in San Francisco in 2000, while sitting on the big wheel tricycle. On Easter Sunday, Brumit organised a race, and hundreds of enthusiasts joined the event. It still attracts tourists and fun-seeking bike riders every year!