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Urban Travel: Bike Nuts Headed to Toronto

May 22, 2008 at 3:30 PM | 1 Comment

You've seen the crazy bike messengers racing through your city ten times faster than cars, effortlessly dodging people, taxis and anything else that gets in their way. Now imagine them all getting together, meeting up with the daredevil messengers from every other city in the world and holding one giant, rules-free race. That's the concept behind the 16th Annual Cycle Messenger World Championships, taking off in Toronto June 13-16.

The three-hour, fast-paced road race replicates the route of an urban bike messenger, while additional events include bike polo (with wheels instead of horses), the bunnyhop (high-jumping with bikes), and skids (bikers race to high speeds, then lock their rear wheels to see how far they can skid). Hundreds of competitors are expected, and if watching isn't your thing, all events are open to anyone crazy enough to try.

The championships will be held on Toronto Island, the urban park near Toronto City Centre Airport, so if you get bored you can wander over to Hanlan's Point Beach to check out the local nudist colony. Oh and if you need to rent a bike, Toronto Island Bicycle Rental has you covered.

Related Stories:
· Cycle Messenger World Championships [Official Site]
· Mancations coverage [Jaunted]

[Photo: Sailing Nomad]