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London Road Race

Printed From: BHPC Forum
Category: Public: Open to anyone
Forum Name: Etc
Forum Description: Any other racing-related topics
URL: https://forum.bhpc.org.uk/forum_posts.asp?TID=239
Printed Date: 27 March 2026 at 4:44am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 12.07 - https://www.webwizforums.com


Topic: London Road Race
Posted By: CliffAshford
Subject: London Road Race
Date Posted: 20 September 2005 at 10:16am

I was wondering if anyone though it would be a good idea to lobby the Mayor of London for an HPV road race? It's very much in line with his policies and it would raise the profile of the sport/technology.

I'm thinking of a cross between the London marathon (though obviously smaller) and the good old days of car rallies where the entrants built their own vehicles...

 



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Cliff



Replies:
Posted By: AlanGoodman
Date Posted: 20 September 2005 at 10:41am

Unless the event could ever become big enough to close roads or take place in one of the parks, I don't think I'd fancy entering it...

Riding in London is not something I would want to do for fun.

Or for any other reason come to think of it...

Alan.



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Posted By: CliffAshford
Date Posted: 21 September 2005 at 9:02am

I agree that the roads would have to be closed, but this shouldn't be a huge problem on a weekend round somewhere like docklands as it happens for all sorts of other events already.

After reading many of the posts on the forum, it seems to me that there is a general feeling of wanting to raise the profile of HPVs and HPV racing, and to attract new and younger people into the area. To do this I would think more public events are required (even in nasty old London), or at least more publicity for the existing races.



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Cliff


Posted By: AlanGoodman
Date Posted: 21 September 2005 at 11:50am

If you could do it on closed roads I'd be first in the queue (although probably last in the race...)

You'd need to get a decent turnout for that though...

They can't get many roads closed for the London To Brighton and that has 27,000 entries.

At most of our races we get about 30 - 40 people turn up...

From past experience of organising an event on the road (a charity ride, not a race) the Police try to discourage it (Herts and Beds Police do anyway) and getting insurance is not easy.

 



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Posted By: antony
Date Posted: 21 September 2005 at 9:08pm
Ringwood (and this year New Milton) in Hampshire seem to manage fine for 2-hour pedal car races run as an attraction within a town carnival / festival on closed street circuits right in the centre of the respective towns.

Ringwood typically attracts about 30 cars and I believe New Milton got around 20 this year for its first running.

It would have attracted a couple of BPCC teams had we not had 2 days of racing at Preston that weekend.

So clearly it's not an impossible task, even for the limited numbers likely to partake, although I do know there's a lot more work involved than for a "normal" race that doesn't involve closing roads.


Posted By: Richard Ballant
Date Posted: 25 September 2005 at 9:25am
Historically, HPV racing in London has been rough and ready. It is difficult
to marshal most courses for safety for bystanders, dogs, etc., to say
nothing of safety for competitors. However, London is host to a number
of conventional cycling events and races which do involve road closures,
when it would be possible to have HPV races as additional attractions.

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Richard Ballantine

Chairman


Posted By: gNick
Date Posted: 25 September 2005 at 7:26pm
Originally posted by Richard Ballant Richard Ballant wrote:


when it would be possible to have HPV races as additional attractions.

But do we want to be doing the comic turn bit? Previous events like this have resulted in us being messed about with and treated like a joke, unfortunately our anarcho-chaotic ways don't compare well with the roadies who manage to look organised (mostly!).


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gNick



"I'm afraid it's definite, Mrs Banker - your son has bicycles"



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