Northeast - NYC Alleycats?

I've got a bike messenger character in the novel I'm working on, and I'd really like to see a NYC-area Alleycat race. If anybody knows anything, a PM would be much appreciated. Thanks.

I've got a bike messenger character in the novel I'm working on, and I'd really like to see a NYC-area Alleycat race. If anybody knows anything, a PM would be much appreciated. Thanks.
Oh, great. Who doesn't? ;)

Y'know, they've got these funny little things called "search engines" these days....

http://www.alleycatracing.com/index.php?title=Main_Page

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MNgJrfgXijg

Oh, great. Who doesn't? ;)

I think Harlequin cancelled their Fixie Love imprint.


Y'know, they've got these funny little things called "search engines" these days....

They've got these funny little things called "actually going to see what you're writing about," too.

Thanks for the links. Not what I'm looking for, but I appreciate the effort.

There's one on July 4th...and you won't see much once all the racers leave the start. Might as well enter and ride so you can see what goes on.

Perfect. I won't enter a race I have no hope of winning, but I emailed to see if they're still looking for volunteers. Thanks much.

You'll never beat Snowcrash...

You'll never beat Snowcrash...

Watch me.

Watch me.
Not without smartwheels and a 'poon. Gonna run a checkpoint?

Not until smartwheels go on sale at Nashbar.

You should check out 5borogenerals.com It's a alleycat series, with five races taking place in each of the five boroughs over the course of the year. The site hasn't been updated since the last race in May, but I think there's normally one scheduled for July 4th that traverses Manhattan via Broadway. It's not exactly a typical alleycat. The only other ones that come to mind are Cranksgiving in November and Monstertrack, but I'm sure there are a ton I don't know about.

There's an all-women's alleycat this Saturday. reg and start at tompkins sq park:
reg at 12;30 race 1:30ish
$5 to get whiped and a spokecard !
all womens alleycat,only females race!!

Or you could check nybma.com for other races, they seem to post them there with pretty good frequency. Good luck with the novel.

I've got a bike messenger character in the novel I'm working on, and I'd really like to see a NYC-area Alleycat race. If anybody knows anything, a PM would be much appreciated. Thanks.
So I'm thinking it might be cool to ride one of the routes that alot of the messengers take especially from 4-6PM when things really heat up on the streets. You might get some good quick research in and make a few new friends. I accidentally rode one of these routes on the way to our night ride and found it very interesting...

Thanks even further.

COINTELPRO, I'm really annoyed that I won't be in town Saturday (taking my new Xootr to San Antonio! Don't ask--long story), but the rest is useful, thanks.

Steve, what's a good route for that?

Thanks even further.

COINTELPRO, I'm really annoyed that I won't be in town Saturday (taking my new Xootr to San Antonio! Don't ask--long story), but the rest is useful, thanks.

Steve, what's a good route for that?

Try Broadway from Columbus Circle down to 14th from 5-6. It got a little hairy at times when I did it, but they plow right through and the experience was cool - riders of all types. The chick with tattoos up both sides of her neck and arms like a Trill has kinda stuck in my mind...

The chick with tattoos up both sides of her neck and arms like a Trill has kinda stuck in my mind...

Of course she has...

Zooming down 5th Ave from just above the Met down to 14th is also a lot of fun. Lots of action and gridlock around CP south (where FAO Schwartz is). Then you get to race taxis and avoid peds around Roc Center/ESB/Flatiron (that intersection is repaving, so very rough). Finally cross east on 14th to 2nd/Chrystie before hitting Canal and plowing through THAT ungodly mess to the west side.

Alternate is to exit CP south on 7th and plow through Time Sq then crossing back over to 5th below Herald Sq.

I'm no alleycat, but it's one of my personal favorite rides. Riding through traffic is fun!

PS - Don't laugh, but this alleycat video was a big motivation for me to start riding in the city back in December.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=9kCJSBiEhHM

i go to grad school at NYU and I work at 55th & Madison Ave... I can get from there to NYU's Stern building at 44 W 4th in 15 minutes or less by doing a straight shot down 5th ave / Broadway, in rush hour traffic. it's quite the rush!!!!