7th Annual BYOBW, Update

by Willy Volk on

Remember when we told you about the BYOBW? Yes, that big-wheeled event during which grown-ups carouse all day long, trudge to the top of Lombard Street (the world’s second crookedest street), and then zoom down it in an inebriated whoosh of plastic and frenzy? Though no Gadling-ers were dispatched to observe the race, I’m pleased to report that our more technically-inclined siblings at Autoblog not only traveled to the event, but they designed and built a BW to race! So cool.

Evidently, this year’s BYO — featuring 100+ entrants and more than 2000 spectators — was the largest ever. If you want to see grown-ups dressed up, careening down crooked, cobbled Lombard, check out Autoblog’s amusing 93-image gallery and video from the event.

Hungry for more? The always-excellent Laughing Squid covered the event, too, and has a fun report about it and an exhaustive round-up of participant photos and videos.

Next year: Team Gadling will lead the charge. Va-room!

7th Annual BYOBW

by Willy Volk on

Every Easter Sunday at 4 in the afternoon, the Annual BYOBW (Bring Your Own Big Wheel) Race breaks out. During the race, otherwise normal adults dress in costume and ride children’s plastic tricycles down Lombard Street — the world’s SECOND crookedest street. This year marks the 7th Anniversary of the event, and since 7 is a lucky number, I’m predicting no one breaks their neck.

According to veteran competitor Luke Powell, “This race may seem ridiculous, but it transcends ridiculousness. This is about something else.” What is that “something else”? Well, considering the vehicles are prone to failure when carrying more than 80 pounds, it seems winning isn’t the goal — survival is.

I’d love to start an east coast chapter of BYOBW, but since I live in an area where the average elevation is about 13 feet, I’m not sure the race would be too exciting.