Nick Turnbull's Festive 500 for upCYCLE LDN and Herne Hill Velodrome

This December, I'm riding the Festive 500 Challenge to support upCYCLE LDN and Herne Hill Velodrome. So, 1,112 laps of a 450 metre outdoor track in South London. In winter. Overnight.

Nick, this is crazy, what are you doing?

I've seen so many people take on this challenge since 2020 and always thought it is an incredible feat - so doing it to support the velodrome is a no-brainer. Since I joined Brixton Cycles Club in 2016 it's become a big part of my life, whether riding, volunteering or commentating; the HHV community is unique and I’d like to give something back. 

Whether it's a future British road racing champion, a two-year-old first learning to ride a bike, accessible and adapted cycling, or off-road riding, HHV caters to every rider imaginable.

Cycling should be for anyone and everyone that wants to give it a go; here's where upCYCLE LDN come in. Their new community hub in Angell Town is between two of the former locations of the sadly departed Brixton Cycles cooperative. It's an incredible space and they deliver work experience, training, mentoring, and more for young people in Lambeth, on and off the bike.

One ride, two amazing charities

Cycling is a funny hobby. Sometimes it's amazing and sometimes it's… not. Especially at these distances! But I am excited because a) my wife is doing it too and we always have fun when we ride our bikes together b) it's for two incredible causes that enable other people to have fun riding bikes together.

It might rain, it might be windy (as long as it isn't windy and rainy I can usually accept my fate), it might even get a little bit icy, and I probably won't get much sleep, but it will be amazing to be part of something a little bit bigger than myself. 

I would be so grateful for any support you can offer – whether it’s a donation, sharing this page, or cheering me on at some stage through those 1,112 laps!

Thanks for reading and for your support!

Nick Turnbull<

Optionally, you can save your purchase to your account by Signing in.
If you don’t have an account, you can Sign up to create one.

The Friends of Herne Hill Velodrome (FHHV) is an inclusive club and welcomes people of all ages and ability. We are based at the historic, outdoor velodrome in Herne Hill. Our primary purpose is to support the Herne Hill Velodrome through raising and providing funds , organising social events and volunteering. We have over 400 members.

As you would expect the focus is track cycling but there is also is also plenty of participation on and off road. In the coming months we plan to introduce group rides.

We have a thriving social scene with plenty of opportunities to meet and hang out at Jan’s Café in the Herne Hill Velodrome Pavilion after sessions and at other events throughout the year. Everyone is welcome.