Photo By Bevali Francis

Low Tide Cycle Race

HOT’s Bevali Francis finds out more about The Labyrinth’s Low Tide Cycle Race.

I recently took part in the  Bottle Alley Bike Bomb organised by the community bike workshop, The Labyrinth, the second such race along Bottle Alley.

I was one of the three women cyclists who entered and despite my best efforts, I was beaten once again by fellow HOT reporter, Erica Smith, who turned out in splendid silver platform boots and Mexican wrestling mask. My favourite races included small children on scooters, racing rickshaws, William the Conqueror’s ice cream bike and the wonderful Roller Derby girls, bombing through the alley. If you didn’t take part or watch, you missed one of the most entertaining and inclusive cycle races I have ever seen.

However, one exciting race is not enough for The Labyrinth – and they are now organising yet another event you can take part in. The Low Tide Cycle Race, held on 30 September at 8pm, is going to be a tough challenge. The race takes place at low tide on the beach and all the riders do laps of a track on the sand. There are few rules – and riding on uneven sand is dirty and difficult.

The race was tried out a few months ago and I went along to take photos and find out more. The riders who finished all the laps were exhausted, as riding on sand is a very different experience to riding on a paved surface. The trial run proved that this was going to be another event worth doing. To spice the race up, each participant will pay a £5  entry fee and the winner takes all!

It looks like there are at least ten entrants so far – and if you fancy your chances, why not join in? All you need is a bike, a helmet, lights (it will be dark)- and lots of stamina. For more information and details of the location, ask at The Labyrinth on Wednesday evening, when their Community Workshop is open (St Leonards sea front next door to The Beach Bistro) or inquire at High Tide Cycles on Marine Court.

Previous HOT article on The Big Bike Party here.

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