As if the Bristol Bike Fest wasn’t already one of our favourite events, the 2007 one will have the added attraction of incorporating the 13th annual Single Speed UK championships. Here’s organiser and Brizzle local Shaggy with the full lowdown:

“As of today entries for the 13th annual Single Speed UK championships are open.”

“A lot has changed since the inaugural championship in Stow on The
Wold. Back then ten racers fought it out with Bristol local Steve
Worland taking the win. The result could have been different if it
hadn’t been for the bullmoose bars falling off of the bodged Klein
road bike that early leader Cookie was racing. This year’s event is
expected to sell all 200 entries well in advance, but the
racing is bound to be of the same calibre- ranging from terrifyingly
fast to slow, inept and hungover!

“This year’s location is the Ashton Court estate in Bristol with the
event being held in conjunction with the Bristol Bike Fest. The
race itself will be on Sunday 10 June. Those of you who have attended
the Bike Fest in the past will be well aware of the party atmosphere
and the legendary singletrack. Singlespeeders are bound to fit in. The
tradition of singlespeed events is that the race isn’t necessarily the
focus of the event – just something to do to slow down your drinking!
Suffice to say there will be plenty of other things going on:
Saturday’s 12hr race, guided local rides, drinking and other
singlespeeder friendly events will be taking place as early as Friday
evening. As free camping is provided Friday until Sunday there is no
reason not to make a weekend of it.

“One tradition that is being revived is the Compulsory Drinking Rule.
In the early years, once racers were on the start line they had to
provide evidence of the consumption of five pints of beer (or three
for girls) the previous night. If they couldn’t there was the option
to “drink yourself up” by downing the beers then, if not they received
a two minute penalty per pint not drunk. This rule became too hard to
enforce once entrants started reaching triple figures, so as of this
year a new rule is being introduced. The details of this rule are a
closely guarded secret and will only be announced on the weekend of
the event.

“Entries are £25 and available online at www.ssuk07.com. Subscribe to
the mailing list to keep up to date with any news.”

So there you go. We’ve got our entries in – best be quick…