I couldnt find a thread about this so if this is a repost, then MY BAD YO. So i have my first alleycat coming up at the end of this month. its not like i expect to show up and blow the competition away, especially since i am an inexperienced racer on a uhhh, lets say less than stellar ride (steel schwinn road frame conversion, generic/mismatched wheelset, so-so cranks/bb) but i would like to make a decent showing at least. i think i can take the "leisure riders" as i commute 10 miles each way every day and take several of the biggest hills in the city on my way so I am somewhat conditioned, but i was wondering if some experienced racers could chime in with any tips in preparation and for race day itself. Thanks for any help.

Know the city, know the checkpoints.

The winners aren't always fast riders. They are also ballsy (running red lights/stop signs, risky maneuvers, one way streets the wrong way, etc), knowledgeable (taking the fastest route), and lucky (catching the least amount of obstructions).

I would never condone illegal activity. I can only tell you how to win.

Your bike doesnt matter. Your fitness, traffic handling, route planning, and ability to do things at the checkpoints do.

Know the area. Until you really really really know the area you are racing you will not win.

They way I always worked it was to quickly scan the list for my first stop. Then while on the way plan out the rest of the route. Having a good route is the one thing that is most important that most people do not realize they need.

if you have tons of experience riding around your city/good with street names, you'll do fine. just have fun with it and you'll get better with time.

oh ill definitely have fun with it. im not an uber competitive type a person but i would like the $5 entry fee to not go completely wasted. another question, what all materials will i need? i have a backpack (not a messenger bag), i suspect i will need a map, what else should i expect to need?

know the route, don't smoke right before hand, make sure the bike is in proper working order, make sure you grow a nice big set of balls.

When in doubt, follow the guy in front of you

wait a second...check and uhhhhhh, oh god. ok check!

alley cat = excuse to get day drunk.

Caveat video hype footage.

Pen, cue cards and map is optional unless you're totally clueless about your city.

Where are you from?

A map? You're ****ed, I'm sorry. The people that win these things ride the area daily and are in good physical condition (often despite their appearance).

Oh and training for an alleycat is simple: get a messenger or delivery job.

+1...at our last halloween alley cat, I think 2 girls won first and last and some dude with the 3rd girl got second.

Hence...

do not under estimate that tatted up skinny hipster chick.

And do not under any circumstances underestimate the guy on a bike that looks beat to hell. The reason it looks beat to hell is because he rides all the time and takes risks that, though they get him there faster, may not always pay off. If you don't believe this, Google Lucas Brunelle and watch his videos. I don't know how those guys find pants that will fit around those balls.

Post #12 + infinity. You have to know the area inside out. Every shortcut, the traffic light rhythms, every pothole, know all the traffic patterns. It helps if you're fast.

or pedicab

Especially if it's one of the pre-electronic assistance ones. After a month pushing one of those, you'll notice a difference. Or, for life-altering strength training, buy a trailer and load it down with bricks. Word.

yeah i drive one of the non-electric assist kind... it made riding a normal bike tons more fun and has got me in better shape. plus i know all the streets and lights in the downtown SJ area.

If my career allowed me to be free on days pedicabs make money, I'd totally do it.

Yeah i don't ride during the day at all.. i sweat like a pig even in the middle of the night. Friday and Saturday nights are usually when i do it, though I'm getting kinda tired of the rowdy drunk crowd

RTFU and do what these guys do:

That's kinda what I meant. I'm a chef, so Fridays and Saturdays are no dice for me.

well there u go...