noteon 

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.

Bklyn

Oh, great. Who doesn't?

Bacciagalupe

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

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

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

noteon 

I think Harlequin cancelled their Fixie Love imprint.

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.

jyossarian

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.

noteon 

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.

slvoid

You'll never beat Snowcrash...

noteon 

Watch me.

jyossarian

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

noteon 

Not until smartwheels go on sale at Nashbar.

cointelpro

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.

stevesurf

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...

noteon 

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?

stevesurf

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...

noteon 

Of course she has...

jeebusaurousrex

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!

jeebusaurousrex

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

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

Catnap 

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!!!!