Category Archives: sports

2026 ‘Unofficial’ UEC Naked Challenge Race Scheduled

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Heads up area sports fans! From the depths of shadowy underground racing, word has emerged…
The 2026 UEC ‘Unofficial’ Naked Challenge Race has been scheduled for the afternoon of May 23rd!

For those unfamiliar…Electric unicycles (EUCs) are self-balancing, single-wheeled personal transporters that use gyroscopes to remain upright while moving. They offer a high-performance, portable alternative to ebikes, with top speeds exceeding 100 mph (up to 136 mph) and ranges up to 75+ miles. Prices for these vehicles range from roughly \(\$399\) to over \(\$1,999\) depending on speed, battery capacity, and features like suspension.

The race track will roughly follow a circular pattern around S.Pine, Albemarle, S.Cherry, S. Laurel Street alley (600 bock), and Oregon Hill Parkway and Overlook.
Oregon Hill streets will be shut down for approximately an hour for any other vehicle traffic as these one-wheeled daredevils speed against each other for glory.
The exact pole position time has not been announced, but the purse is rumored to be $7000, not to mention considerable bragging rights!

The late notice is due to some scheduling difficulties, with secretive organizers trying to schedule around Dominion RiverRock and VCU Graduation, while still getting the word out to the underground racing world. It should be clear that this a sports event that is being held totally independently of local organizations Sports Backers and Venture Richmond.

Because participants are expected to race naked other than unicycle, shoes, knee and elbow pads, and helmets, this race is unique among Personal Electric Vehicle (PEV) Sports, and sticks out as ‘wildcat’ event. It is sure to gather excitement from all over, not seen in Oregon Hill since the Richmond 2015 bicycling event.

When asked why this event is naked, an organizer drily replied “you may have noticed that some of these guys like to show off.”

First Annual ‘Bola-Hoop’ Postponed

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Photo by Gene Gallin on Unsplash

Due to expected rainy weather and scheduling issues, Richmond’s first annual ‘Bola-Hoop’ has been postponed to later this month.

The event, which was originally scheduled for this Saturday in Monroe Park, would have featured bola throwing and hoop dancing
While most people around the world are familiar with hoops, many Americans are just now becoming re-acquainted with bolas.

Just earlier this month, the Richmond Police Department issued this press release:
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The Richmond Police Department has trained and equipped officers to use a new device that allows for brief control of non-compliant individuals.

The BolaWrap 150 Remote Restraint Device (pictured) is a handheld tool designed to be used as a method to control from a distance a non-compliant individual in instances when the officer would be justified in handcuffing the subject but doing so could escalate into a struggle which could cause harm to the subject or the officer.

The device deploys a Kevlar cord with weighted anchors designed to wrap around a subject’s body to temporarily limit their mobility and ability to cause harm to themselves or another. Officers will immediately apply handcuffs to the subject and remove the cord and anchors, when possible.

“This technology will allow for the safe control of a subject without a use of force,” said Chief Rick Edwards. “This reduces the likelihood that officers would need to escalate their response to higher levels of force to control a situation. It allows for safer outcomes for all.”

When practical, the officer will loudly announce “Bola, Bola, Bola” before deploying the device. The deployment produces a loud bang sound as the cord and anchors wrap around the subject – but is designed not to cause injury.

A video of Chief Edwards and Major Ronnie Armstead being wrapped by deployment of the device:


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It was unclear who was going to sponsor the event, although it seems likely that the City Parks & Rec Department and the Richmond Police Department would have been involved, and then perhaps VCU criminal justice program.

Word is that ‘Bola-Hoop’ may make an appearance at the Monument Avenue Easter Parade.

Although the ‘Bola-Hoop’ will not take place this Saturday, there is a mass protest march planned for Saturday at historic Monroe Park.

The Fall Blurrr

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It’s that time of year when everything happens at once- the Richmond Folk Festival and Halloween Parade are done and gone.
If you missed them, there are plenty of photos and videos online-

There was also the Richmond Marathon and the King Of The James sports events.

At some point, some things that should have received more attention did not- sorry to miss the Glossed Over Photo Club event this past Saturday.

Please mark your calendar for upcoming events- including more volunteer work days, meetings, OHNA elections, etc. – as we ease into the holidays!