AGENDA . Agenda Lead

Fold-Up Follies

Tiny two-wheelers race through Fairmount at the Brompton Folder bike race.


	print	email	reply	rss feed

Published: Mar 17, 2010

IN THE FOLD:
Michael McGettigan displays the teensy cycles that will hit the road at
this weekend's Brompton Folder U.S. Championship Bike Race.

Neal Santos

IN THE FOLD: Michael McGettigan displays the teensy cycles that will hit the road at this weekend's Brompton Folder U.S. Championship Bike Race.

[ ministry of silly bikes ]

And now for something completely different:

"Monty Python meets Tour de France" is what Trophy Bikes co-owner Michael McGettigan keeps calling the Brompton Folder U.S. bike race. The more he talks about it, the more apt the term he coined seems.

In the midst of Philly Phlyer (phillyphlyer.org/2010), a weekend pumping with serious collegiate bike racing, the first-ever Brompton U.S. Championship (and spectacle) will cut through Fairmount and add a touch of levity. After the swarms of Lycra-clad cyclists, a rush of businessmen and -women will ride through on the small, collapsible bikes. When unfolded, Brompton two-wheelers are the perfect size for an overweight circus clown to ride with great comedic effect. They're funny-looking.

But folder bikes are much faster than they appear. They may seem peculiar, but manned by the proper rider they can cover some serious pavement.

The rules require that riders use a folding bike and, while they are allowed to wear sports gear under their clothes, nothing but the office garb can be showing. "It's an invasion of jackets, ties, kilts, tweeds and skirts," says McGettigan.

The top prize sends two winners abroad: The fastest male and female riders will be shipped to England in October to participate in the Brompton World Championship, the race that spawned this Philly incarnation. Being the speediest racer means more than flying along in this race. It means having skill and nimble little fingers to pop open your folded bike after a Le Mans-style running start. No one said this was going to be easy.

For those built more for style than speed, there's an award for best-dressed. The accolade is accompanied by the prize of a ritzy Brooks Barbican messenger bag. It's a bag so fancy, in fact, that McGettigan calls it the kind a courier might save for weekend use only. In order to win, the business suits and suit dresses will have to impress bicyclebaby.com's chic Big Al Rodzinski along with two mystery judges who, according to McGettigan, are "heavily connected to the fashion industry."

To spread some squishy Philly love, the competitors will all be given Tastykake Krimpets, perfect pre-race fuel. While locals are signed up, there's a traveling contingent riding in from such exotic locales as Japan, Spain and Florida. Brommie races draw a crowd, whether it's to participate in the madness or just watch as it whips by, coattails a-flurry. "Some people are serious about it," says McGettigan, "and for others this is just a good excuse to come to Philadelphia."

(julia.west@citypaper.net)

Brompton Folder U.S. CHAMPIONSHIP Bike Race | Sat., March 20, 1 p.m., free, Memorial Hall, West Fairmount Park, 4231 N. Concourse Drive, bromptonbicycle.com/busc