The Bomberdrome: Steer into the Circle


Anyone watching my Twitter feed will know i like to cycle (often in-between a swim and a run).  Anyone alive will have heard about the super-human cycling exploits of Team Sky in the Tour de France and Team GB in the Olympics.  So it seems apt to show you a little photo-essay i’ve compiled on an enclave of Northampton that have long flown the cycling flag and who breathe new life into old bikes.  For them, every Monday night is Project Night.

Meeting in a backstreet shed, the Ministry of Bicycles like a challenge:  whether it be Pimping Bikes or welding two frames together.

Their next challenge began when Bill Pollard mentioned in the pub, something he had seen on the internet.  Most of that isn’t printable, but eventually he revealed plans for a bicycle wall of death, or Bowl of Harm, later to be coined ‘The Bomberdrome’ after the Raleigh Bombers which would be the mount of choice.  Beg, borrowing and crowd-funding the necessary monies, Bill and the crew set about making the dream a reality.

The moment of truth. First runs weren’t encouraging.

After a light dusting, Bill cracked it.

However, the Bomberdrome will not give up its thrills lightly.

The Ministry hope to take the Bomberdrome on tour with a show comprising four bikes with riders dressed as the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. Developing ideas for said show led someone to encourage Bill to try riding blindfolded.  The ‘drome didn’t approve.

So onwards to the first public showing of our heroes and their Most Marvelous Brilliantly Beguiling Bomberdrome Bicycle Wall of Death at the Wicksteed Wonderful Wheeled Weekend.

Trev was one of the star-studded cast and really put on a show.  You guessed it though, the Bomberdrome kept him honest.

The Ministry are actively now raising funds to move the project to the next stage and bring it to an event near you.

Alas, the British summer brought an early end to the proceedings.  This is just the end of the beginning; watch this space for future capers.


10 responses to “The Bomberdrome: Steer into the Circle”

  1. 1 of the best experiences of my life.
    It was an honour to ride the wall for Bill, after the hard work he put in making it a reality.
    I hope to make several more apperances at shows around the country for him.

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