I only recently started riding and I'm still learning quite a bit. I'm looking for pointers on training to race (fixie specific stuff would be cool but I don't know what my setup is condusive to racing in) and info on where to find races in my area. I'm going to talk to a fixie rider I know at an LBS in town about this tomorrow but outside of that I don't know many bikers at all yet.

Don't know if this matters but I'm running 38x16 and I can maintain 13-18mph average in town through traffic and such (speed info was gathered by my gps during a ride downtown today) if I push it. Is this incredibly slow? Fast? Not so fast? Doesn't apply at all?

Oh, and what goes down at a typical Alley Cat?

Kaz

mouthful.

1. assuming you want to alleycat in mnpls, chop your bars. they're way too wide for getting between cars. as is, you're going to take out a few side-view mirrors.

2. watch a lucas brunelle video (digave.com/videos).

3. don't worry about being competitive yet. just start racing and do your best. lots to learn --i still learn something every time i alleycat.

4. besides the wide handlebars, your bike looks cool to race, though you really need clipless pedals (or cages and good shoes).

5. check messengers.org to find a global racing schedule and your local BMA's web site. that'll give you info on upcoming races. plus, go to the CMWC: http://www.nybma.com/cmwc2005/

6. as far as what goes down at an alleycat . . .bring condoms.

Racing is dangerous.

Alleycats should be banned.

Whats a 'gps'?


_____________________________________
'A menace to society, a danger to yourself!'
Deadly Treadlies

you freak..
S/F,
CEYA!

global positioning system....jesus

38/16 is a pretty low gear. I'd up it to at least a 42 tooth chainring if you want to keep up with other people rocking a more race-worthy gear.

You might want to try the Velodrome in Blaine (using a proper track bike) ... it isn't like there are weekly Alleycats in Mpls.

definitely check out the velodrome in MN for a more regular schedule of events. Alleycats, as filtersweep states, are "every so often."

Yup. Alleycats are special events. If they were a weekly event people would die. And there wouldn't be enough prizes to go around. You do want prizes, right? And for people not to die.

You could just get together or join some weekly rides. That'll give you an opportunity to get out with some folks and get a sense of how people ride. If you're saying that you were cruising at 13 to 18mph, that's way slow, though a clever and daring rider can outgun a faster rider.

well change your ratio and that speed should pick up

there are all different levels of prizes.... take for example an entry fee of a forty or a twelve pack... get 10 guys together. winner claims 10 twelve packs...and with a little good old fashioned kindergarden sharing, everyone can get drunk after. Sometimes, you are allowed to race for the glory. And not every race has to be a big one

You're thinking too hard.

From now on this will be my default response to everything.

You are most certainly correct, which is why i need to win more beer prizes... its harder to think when you're passed out.

as a completely random thought: has anyone ever locked a friends bike to that friend's ankle with your mini lock when s/he is passed out? i was just thinking, that'd be pretty funny when they woke up...

bahahaahaha I might just give that a try this weekend!

i'd be mad if i won a beer race, and didnt know before hand that the prize was beer

(i dont drink)

Nah - just stay sober and sell the beer back to the other racers at a profit - go home sober after taking all their money and locking them to their bikes :)

:D

You can always donate the beers to charity.

I want to found that charity - if anyone has beer or whiskey they wish to donate to the Get hereNT Drunk Fund, please PM me for the address!

Next time I win the beer prize at a race, all the booze will go to you.

Sweet!

LOL yea do that, thhat would be sooo freaking funny i think u would have to try to lock it wround the neck. :D