As the bike culture in America gets trendier and trendier, Alleycat races are popping up in most urban cities across the country. A subculture has been created that is taking these areas by storm. Young kids of all ages and cultures are fixing up bikes graphically and stylistically. From Scraper Bikes, to Velospace, to fixing up old freestyle bikes, the DIY bike culture has hit a new high, only matched by that of the mid 80s (BMX and Messenger Culture and Film). Even musical artists are catching on to the craze. From The Cool Kids getting “busy as a bee on my bike grips” to Bat for Lashes and her animal crew cruising down an eerie Donnie Darko-esque night street scene doing spins and wheelies to PedalMafia and their constant coverage of NYC, bike culture in the US is ready to tackle small urban centers. Is Raleigh ready?
I hope so…....
Saturday will be your chance to see Raleigh’s version of this bike steez with Hallowheels, a cleverly named and well fun bike race in downtown Raleigh. Meet at Cup of Joe and have your bunny suit ready, I’ll have my video camera handy.
As for an Alleycat description?
From the organizers:
It’s an “urban bicycle race designed to emulate the typical work day of a bike messenger. there are various checkpoints which you must go to, typically in any route or fashion you prefer, and do the various tasks at these checkpoints. These tasks (all taken from previous races in Raleigh) range from carrying a package to another checkpoint, eating a pixie stick, drawing a picture, and shooting a spitball at a target. Think of it like a scavenger hunt. These races don’t depend on how fast you ride your bike, but how clever and quick-witted you can be. it is set up so everyone can have a pretty good chance at winning.”
Watching, entering, sponsoring? You can do your part by emailing Chad and helping out with the event.
Hallowheels Alleycat
October 27th
5pm Registration, Race is at 6pm.
Meet at Cup of Joe @ Hillsborough St and Dixie St
Race costs $6 and is a benefit for the 1304 bikes bike-collective
Sponsors include Girl Bike Girl messenger bags, Trackstar, Under the Weather messenger bags, and Reload messenger bags.
Pictures of the last Back to School Alleycat: http://www.flickr.com/photos/8345873@N07/sets/72157601558879838/
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