Dave Creasy Memorial 6

You might not expect to find an Olympic facility tucked away down a lane in the leafy streets around Dulwich, but that’s exactly where the Herne Hill Velodrome is. Admittedly, the Olympics it played a part in were in 1948, but that’s the by-the-by. Anyhow, it was Gipsy Hill’s pleasure to provide liquid refreshment with a pop-up bar for the Dave Creasy Memorial 6, a two-day racing event honouring the late cycling stalwart with madisons (I definitely knew what these were beforehand. Definitely) and a roster of support races.

 We arrived with a touch of apprehension, as the weather was forecast to be on the wet and miserable side, but the sun asserted itself and gave a proper backdrop to this delightful sporting venue. As the racers streamed past us on the banked track, a steady mix of the curious and the converted rocked up and enjoyed our wares – some had first ridden here in 1948, while the organisers, both set for university this autumn, are terrifyingly young to be putting events like this together! Beatnik and Southpaw always go down well, our English porter, Dissident, made inroads, helped along by a few judicious tasters,  and one gent had even turned up specifically to make sure he got to taste the marvellous Yuzu on draught. We can only commend his dedication!

 Wrapping up and packing away as the day came to a close amongst lengthening shadows, it was hard not to come to the conclusion that good beer and cycling are a fine match. Here’s to next year!”

 Richard