Where does the term "derby" come from?

We were researching the origins of "derby," and why it might apply to a drunken late-night form of slam-dancing on bikes. Because you, Constant Reader, want to know.

"Derby" originally applied to any of a number of horse races that were restricted to three-year-olds [aha!]; a "derby" is also a good looking men's hat that no one wears anymore, sort of a soft helmet [aha!!]

Derby is a city in the English midlands. Edward Stanley, the 12th Earl of Derby, was apparently a well-dressed fan of the horses in the 1830s. He was also known to get a snoutful of Scotch and try to knock down his drinking partners. (We made that last part up.)

Anyway, we also discovered that Derby's local football reporter has recently been consigned to a bicycle, and we intend to keep a watchful eye on developments.

This not "king of the mountains" stuff, I admit, and there would be no yellow jersey for completing what would barely register as a climb for the Tour de France cyclists but it is still a cheeky test for a 40-something after an ample breakfast.

We suspect that what goes on after this chap has filed his stories, late at night, might give us more insights into the bicycle derby. Perhaps our British readership--literally in the dozens--can write and provide more on the subject.

Bike derby photo (CC) by Nick Wallis, http://32sixteen.com