- World Cup Racing and Nationals just dominate
the race news throughout the year,
but in keeping with this week's 'freaky' theme,
we've dug deep for some of
the world's more weirder bike events.
So let's show some love to those who dare
to be just a little bit different.
- Now Martin, I just don't know where
to begin with some of these events.
They're absolutely bonkers!
But I guess we should kick things off
with something a little bit more familiar
and a freaky event, we know as the Megavalanche.
(lightning cracking)
Starting off at 3,330 metres high,
This mass-start downhill marathon race
sees thousands of racers turn up each year
to battle it out for the win.
Starting so high up means there's
usually quite a bit of snow up the top.
And it is a bit chilli.
Don't worry though because 2600ms. down is the finish line.
Where temperatures rise enough to melt the snow and ice.
Only to expose some seriously rough
and rocky trails beneath.
Now it's so bonkers that of coarse
Blake had to try it for himself.
- Right, I'm out here, at L'Alpe D'Huez.
To take part in something, that I want to tick-off
on my bucket list.
And that is entering the Megavalanche.
It's a downhill race, it's a marathon really.
It starts at 3,330 metres and drops to 720,
down Almonte Valley.
- [Cyclist] It's super loose now.
Ahhh!
- Let's travel back in time a few 100 years
to when chariot racing was the only way
to spend your Friday night.
Well, you don't have to actually.
Time travel is not needed
because the World Mountain Bike Chariot Race
is definitely a thing of today.
Traditional-style Roman chariots are constructed
from steel and rubber, which are then pulled
by 2 mountain bikes alongside eachother.
Race the clock and over chariots as well
to find out who will take
the World Mountain Bike Chariot Racing title.
And that's some title to have.
- It is. I would definitely want that title.
- What I want to know is who,
from GMBN would be in your winning chariot team.
Let us know in the comments section, down below.
- Now the SnowBite festival, was the first snow bike event
to gain UCI recognition, back in 2016.
And I was there taking part actually.
- My word.
- I was indeed.
- Look at that.
It was set in the beautiful town of Gstaad, Switzerland.
The snow bike festival is fiercely cold.
In the depths of winter
where temperatures plummet to -15 degrees,
sometimes even more.
Now, this 3 stage mountain bike event sees everything
from fat bikes to hard tails and full-suspension bikes.
All attempting the grueling cross-country event.
Now, my hair did actually freeze when I did this
and I'll be honest.
I've never been so cold in my life.
It probably took me about 2 months
to warm up after I got back. It was brutal.
- It sounds freaky and you haven't really sold it to me.
I'm not interested.
- Are you sure?
- I'm out.
Okay, not this is a truly freaky and utterly mad.
Bog snorkeling is actually a thing.
- Yeah.
- And mountain bike bog snorkeling is a step up
from that, if we needed one.
Wearing a snorkel, racers have to wade, wobble
and pedal through horrendous looking bogs
of murky, grim water. I don't know why them wanna do this.
- No.
- Some might be nothing more than deep puddles,
others will be a metre-deep or more.
And you won't always know until you get in it.
- So amazing.
- People are seen to take part in this event in fancy dress
which is ludicrous
and don't think it needed that that extra step.
But, Bog snorkeling, freaky.
- Okay, so this isn't strictly a mountain bike event
but you can ride whatever bike you want.
And well, it is pretty damn freaky.
- Sounds it.
- In it's attempt to raise awareness
for cyclists' safety on the roads,
masses of naked bodies descend upon cities across the world
to cycle the streets.
Now, of coarse you don't have to be naked.
Some will wear fancy dress
But almost all of 'em will
definitely have some Shammy cream on.
- Ah, I see what you've done there, very good.
Sores all over the place.
- Arggh!
(giggling)
- Single speed world championships started
way back in the 90s as an annual event,
taking place in a new location, every year.
Last year it was Rotorua in New Zealand.
And this year it was held in Oregon in the U.S.A.
It's mostly a bunch of single-speed
and fixed-gear mountain bikes
with the occasional cross bike in there, as well.
So, what makes this event freaky?
Well, unlike more racers where winners take home a jersey
or a medal.
The winner of the Single Speed World Champs
must get branded or tattooed.
The saying goes, "If you don't want a tattoo, don't win".
That is harsh.
- That's dedication.
- It really is.
- Racing your bike underwater?
Yes, I know what you're thinking
and it can't possibly be a race, can it?
- No, not really.
- Well, it is.
Now, each year in North Carolina riders get all kitted-up
in full SCUBA diving gear and head underwater to race.
Now they can cross the line however they like
by swimming, pushing, pedaling or just dragging their bike
but one thing is for sure.
No e-bikes and no more that one person per bike either.
- No e-bikes?
- No.
- Buzz-a-zuzz
(giggles)
- Not a good idea.
'Battle on the Beach' is exactly what it says it is.
1000 racers line the beach of Pembrey in South Wales
to take part in a legendary mass-start event.
Cycling laps across the beach and into the country park
riders are faced with lots of mud and even more sand.
Now we do love a bit of downhill action at GMBN
and downhill racing has never been more exciting.
Well that was until the urban downhill race scene emerged.
- A-hum.
- Now it is exactly as it sounds.
Athletes from around the world
head to populated urban areas
to race there rigs down steps, along streets,
through ally ways. All to reach the finish line
in the fastest time.
Now the likes of Brandan Fairclough and Sam Pilgrim
are no strangers to this event
which takes place all over the world.
And it is, insane.
- I absolutely love it
and I don't think there's any better place
to race downhill than in a shopping centre.
That's where you should be doing it.
- Of coarse.
- It is 'freak' week.
- Now we're seeing them everywhere
and trailer dogs are becoming super popular and why not.
Their cute companionship is seriously fun on a bike ride.
If you fancy taking it to the next level
the bike touring event is for you.
Now it's a sled-like race,
so where your dog is attached to your bike via a tow line.
Your dog or your team of dogs
have to then pull you around a track
and to ensure you are not helping them too much,
you're not allowed a chain on your bike.
Now the first team to make it around the track
three times, is the winner.
- That sounds like a nightmare.
- Amazing.
What kind of dog would you want pulling you around?
- Well, I'd have George, my dog.
- Yeah?
- He's an Old English Mastiff and he's huge.
So, I'd obviously win.
- Totally.
- Definitely.
Wow, they are some mad, freaky events.
And I still can't believe Jess,
that underwater bike racing is a thing.
- I know.
- I cannot believe it.
- Who would've though?
- No
- Now, Come on tell us which one of these events
you gonna sign up for, next year.
And if you know of any freakier bike races in your area,
then do let us know in the comments below.
- Yeah absolutely and of you wanna stay with us on GMBN
why don't you click here, for our freak week playlist.
It's all been happening this week, we're loving it.
Hit the old globe there to subscribe
- Yep, and do not forget
to give us a 'thumbs-up' for this video below.
- See you next time.