Cycling for fun and charities
Cyclists can ride with a purpose in England by joining an event organized by Bike Events, the U.K.’s largest organizer of fund-raising and recreational cycle rides.
The group offers a variety of trips, from one day to several days and locally or abroad. They’re designed for families or sports riders. Some of the rides are charity runs.
For example, on July 26, you can take your bike to London for the start of the 57-mile London to Cambridge charity ride for Breakthrough Breast Cancer. Riders must be at least age 14 and those under 16 must wear a cycling helmet and be accompanied by an adult older than 18. Entry to the event is 18 pounds (about $27).
On Aug. 15-23, a group is traveling along the Seine from Caen to Paris, camping along the way. The cost is 435 pounds and includes round-trip ferry crossings (with overnight cabin), campsite costs, six breakfasts, five dinners, courier, cycle mechanic, luggage transfers, signed route and maps and bus transfer to port. The trip is called an “open event,” with riders urged to find their own sponsors and charity.
On Sept. 9-16, a group travels from Cork to Kerry, Ireland, camping along the way. It costs 335 pounds (about $500) and includes campsite costs, showers, breakfasts, lunches, dinners, luggage transportation, signed routes and maps, cycle mechanic, pick-up vehicles, couriers and bus transport to the Cork Airport or ferry port.
A weekend version of the trip runs Sept. 9-12 and costs 195 pounds (about $295).
The full program, along with assistance on setting up a network of sponsors, is available at www.bike-events.com.
Rome history
Take a break from those serious tourist books in Rome and learn the history of the city with a Monty Python twist at an English-language performance put on by the Miracle Players.
The shows take place Fridays through Aug. 6 at 7:30 p.m. in front of the Mamertine Prison at the Roman Forum. Admission is free.
This year’s piece is titled “The History of Rome — Part I,” which the group’s website says follows “the fortunes (and misfortunes) of the Eternal City.” The production takes the best parts of past performances from 2000 on and rolls them into a 40-minute production. Actors’ props include cheap wigs and plastic chickens.
Find more details on the group and this summer’s production at www.miracleplayers.org.
Hip-hop festival
Tickets are now on sale for Hip Hop Kemp, one of Europe’s biggest international hip-hop events, scheduled for Aug. 19-21 at the city of Hradec Králové in the Czech Republic. Among the headliners of the 50 confirmed acts are several American performers, including Talib Kweli and Hi-Tek of Reflection Eternal, Chali 2na, formerly of Jurassic 5, and the group Breakestra.
The performances will be held in the Festival Park. Camping on the grounds is available for Thursday through Monday for 100 Czech koruna (about $5) per tent.
Advance tickets are now on sale. July prices are 1,200 and 2,200 Czech Koruny (about $60 to $110). Prices go up in August and at the site of the concert.
For further details, go to www.hiphopkemp.cz.
