Originally Posted by
nathbdp
If you're racing in an Alleycat, you're doing so to win, and it is not in your interest to increase risk of accidents--something that would kill your momentum. It's hard to discuss this in light of dutret's vast experience with street races, though. Apparently he is privy to the thuggish aspects of alleycat racing (bikers breaking people's property, running over pedestrians, und so weiter) that I, living in NYC for my entire life, have had nearly zero experience with. Sarcasm aside, I do admit that alleycats influence cyclists to do some stupid ****.
Actually intentionally crashing head on may slow you down but taking a chance that you might slam against something sideways and all those times you don't actually crash head on and you will ride faster. Take a chance on a light and you may come out ahead or you may not. Cut someone off cause you aren't or can't ride straight and they'll fall while you keep going. Purposely endanger someone so they won't ride next to you and you get an advantage over them.
I've witnessed all of this in alleycats. None of it is acceptable behavior. The problem is compounded because most of the jackasses riding don't know their own limits and yet still think they are "racing to win." **** them. A reasonable reminder to such people is in order.