As you prepare for the non-denominational late December holiday, mark Dec. 30 on your calendar.
That’s when the local roller racing series kicks off for the 2010-11 winter.
What is roller racing, you ask?
Basically, it’s an excuse to drink beer and have fun while watching guys race each other on bikes balanced on a set of aluminum rollers.
It’s also a sport with plenty of tradition: It was big in the U.S. around the turn of the 20th century, and was a popular draw at dance halls in 1950s Britain.
In our local races, there are four sets of rollers hooked up to a giant dial that shows each rider’s progress, and the race is set up in an elimination format. The longest race is 1,000 m, or one turn of the dial, which takes well under a minute.
Organizers John Large and Chris Mullington have secured the Elmdale House Tavern in Hintonburg as the venue, and past experience has shown there will be a good turnout of both riders and spectators.
Doors open at 7:30 p.m. and admission is $10, or $15 if you want to race (there is an easier 500 m event with the bikes fixed in place as well).
What’s more, proceeds go towards Bikes for Cuba, which helps provide young competitive cyclists in Cuba with equipment.
Meanwhile, here’s a video from last year’s final event for a taste of what to expect: