Playing in the park
‘Back by popular demand’ is how the organising VMCC describe the revived Festival of 1000 Bikes at Mallory Park. And we don’t doubt them for a minute. The previous incarnation of the festival was an excellent event, and the chance to ride your own road or race bike as fast as you like (within reason) on Mallory’s original track layout (without the chicanes) isn’t to be missed. Road bike sessions are on Saturday, while it’s racers only on the Sunday. Expect some top former racers in action in the various past masters parade sessions, too. Off track, old favourites like the avenue of clubs and pre-65 trials and vintage grass track demos are being revived, plus there’s camping, catering and evening entertainment too. Closing date for entries for the track sessions is April 5 – although they’ll probably sell out before then, so get your skates on.