Bike Olympics came from a dream. A dream that one day, in an open grassy field, people on bikes would come from all over to take part in some really, really silly competitions.

2011 Page – have a look at what happened last year as we’ll be doing it again in 2012

Sunday 25th September 2011

Location: Meadow near Church Lodge, Ashton Court Estate, Bristol, BS41 9JN

Events will run from 10.00 am until 4.00 pm, kicking off with SteepleCXChase.

Most events will be suitable for all ages.

All events are free, except Renegade Slalom (£3 to enter) and the MTB Time Trial (£2 to enter).

Handcycles, recumbents, tricycles and other non-conventional machines are welcome.

Facilities: Toilet facilities at Mansion House. Bring your own food and drink or visit The Stables Bistro, a short walk from the event field.

Parking: At Church Lodge entrance (next to the Dovecote pub), BS41 9LX. Please avoid using the car parks at the Mansion House or the Golf Kiosk if possible.

THE EVENTS

Renegade slalom: Riders go head to head down a short grass course, with the winner moving up through the heats to the grand final. A massively successful event at last year’s Festival, combining the excitement of downhill racing with a beginner and spectator friendly format.

Mountain bike time trial: Pit yourself against the clock (and your fellow riders) round a section of the new trails at Ashton Court

Steeplecxchase: A short ‘fun’ cyclocross-style race round a spectator-friendly course.

4×100 Backie-relay: A celebration of that most democratically intimate transport, the backie. Teams have to complete a lap of a circle, changing ‘stoker’ at four designated points

Egg & spoon: Only for the true Olympians, a real test of balance and nerve. Entrants have to cover the distance on their bicycles without dropping or damaging their egg. Excessive use of hands or glue will be strongly penalised. There will be vegan alternatives to eggs.

Commuter Challenge: Complete a series of challenges in as short a time as possible, including donning a shirt and tie in a space the size of a train loo, and running the length of a train platform with a bicycle. All carrying a coffee.

Team Trackstand: No formal training can adequately prepare for this event, outside of a very specialist circus. Pairs of entrants try and balance for as long as they can on one bicycle.

Trackstand: Entrants try and remain stationary on their bicycle for as long as possible… then remove one hand… one leg… etc. The winner will almost certainly be the person with the most traffic lights on their commute.

Junior Kickstart Limbo: A fond tribute to the 1980s children’s TV staple. Competitors have to enter a marked circle, limbo under a pole, and exit again, without putting a foot on the ground. Each round gets progressively harder. Last person ‘in’ wins.

Bunnyhop competition: An event that promises to be among the mostly hotly contested and spectator-friendly of the day. Who can defy gravity in the most spectacular fashion?

Long jump: Entrants have to see how far they can jump from a 1 foot ramp. Expect to see some astonishing distances cleared.

Mounted shotput: Entrants are given a bean-bag to throw as far as they can while on their bicycle, without crossing a marked point. The winner will be crowned master or mistress of momentum.

Cargo bike challenge: Competitors will have to race each other while carrying a blatantly unwieldy load. Who can handle the pressure – competitively and gravitationally – with the most finesse?

Toddlebike Trail: An event for the very youngest riders organised by the people behind Toddlebike, the pre-balance bike. Suitable for up to 3 years of age.

Please note that, as should be obvious, the name “Bike Olympics” is not intended to imply any connection with the International Olympic Committee or any related bodies.