Due to its bicycle friendly reputation and thriving art scene, Richmond, Virginia plays host to a one-of-a-kind cycling subculture. With a do-it-yourself ethos and Mad Max aesthetic, Richmond’s bike clubs eschew the spandex, energy bars, and carbon fiber of the Tour de France in favor of shredded denim, cheap beer, and hand-crafted “tall bikes” - custom built double-decker frames inspired by 19th-century lamplighters. By emphasizing ingenuity above speed and inclusiveness above competition, the community provides an alternative, egalitarian outlet for cyclists who prefer creative mayhem to organized sport. Along with Slaughterama, a day long demolition derby that acts as an annual centerpiece, events include impromptu late night jousts, live-action-role-play themed races, and citywide scavenger hunts.
