It is with great regret that we have to announce the cancellation of the 2024 Coleby Downhill Challenge.

Intensive efforts have been made to obtain Insurance cover from several major Insurers and numerous charity event Insurers , all to no avail ,  so we have been unable to secure the required insurance cover for the race to go ahead safely and legally.

Discussions with the Gravity Sports Community are starting to reveal the inability to insure such events on public roads.

Separately , and in addition , we have seen increased costs for medical cover, bales and the mandatory addition of a professional  traffic management provision which would have made the event financially unsustainable.

We would like to thank the village of Coleby for their help and support in organising and providing a stage for this event since 2014 and every sponsor, volunteer and friends who gave up their time for free to make our “Downhill Challenge” a truly memorable event.

Most importantly we want to thank the Gravity Sports Community for their faith and support in Hykeham Lions Club & Coleby Village Hall Committee to host the “Coleby Downhill Challenge”



Welcome

Coleby Downhill Challenge is a joint venture between Hykeham Lions Club and Coleby Village Hall Committee. The inaugural event was in 2014 and has run ever two years since, with the exception of Covid ridden 2020.

It has grown from 12 soapboxes taking part in 2014 to  20 soapboxes, 10 gravity bikes and 4 gravity sidecars in 2016 and 20 soapboxes, 8 gravity bikes and 4 gravity sidecars in 2018. 

Downhill soapbox racing is spectacular and breathtaking, the competition should be fierce and exciting. The best way to describe it is ‘Lincolnshire’s own wacky races’ and it’s a really fun day for racers and spectators.

Around 2,000 people are expected to attend the event this year which will see inventive adrenaline junkies shoot down the winding course, described by racers, reaching speeds in excess of 40mph, as “one of the best in the country”,  in their own modified soapboxes.

It provides family entertainment all weekend with ample parking facilities available in the village.  
It is a charitable event hosted by Hykeham Lions and Coleby Village Hall Committee  with all profits going to local charities.
A fantastic day out for all the family.

News

THE COURSE

Course

The course is a great test for Driver and Machine. The tricky top section requires a cart with plenty of grip and maximum commitment from the Driver, to carry as much speed as possible through the very tight left hand “Tempest Inn” corner. The course then drops away steeply and sweeps around to the right. If you have managed to carry plenty of speed through “Tempest” , the next right hand corner is a bit of a handful, with the carts wanting to slide off into the bails on the left. The speed then builds fairly quickly.

SPECTATOR SAFETY

Watching a live gravity sport event is a thrilling experience and one of the best ways for fans to get close to the action, experiencing the sport’s sights and sounds first-hand.

The event organisers strive to keep spectators safe but ultimately all spectators are responsible for their own personal safety.

Here are some tips that spectators should remember at live events:

  • Always keep your own safety in mind
  • Park in the official event car parks
  • Follow marshals’ instructions
  • Observe and obey all event signs
  • Stay within the official spectator areas
  • Do not enter any prohibited areas
  • Keep off the track
  • Use official track crossing points only
  • Listen to official announcements
  • Expect the unexpected
  • Soapboxes/Gravity Bikes are quiet and hard to hear approaching
  • Soapboxes/Gravity Bikes may run wide on corners. Soapboxes/Gravity Bikes may cut corners Soapboxes/Gravity Bikes may throw up stones from the track
  • Soapboxes/Gravity Bikes may leave the track.

Have fun but keep safe!

Contact Us

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