Hopscotch Hepcat Charity Bike Race Coming to Downtown Raleigh

July, 09, 2011 , by Jedidiah

The Hopscotch Music Festival weekend already has a full and fabulous musical lineup. Now come the day parties and other surprises that the group have to fill every hour of the three days in September. First up: A bike race in Dowtown Raleigh in the name of love for cats. Tina Haver and Jared Harber have organized a bike race on Saturday, September 10th to "raise about $5000 to sponsor the adoption fees of every cat currently being cared for at SAFE Haven for Cats."

What is SAFE Haven for Cats you ask? SAFE Haven was the Triangle's first no-kill shelter/clinic and they aim to eliminate euthanasia as a means of population control in the Triangle in the next decade. Over 10,000 cats have been treated through their clinic so far, including two of my own. All proceeds from Hepcat will be donated to SAFE Haven for Cats.

Downtown Raleigh is no stranger to the traditional alley cat race which sends rides around the city navigating to nine different locations, gathering clues and checkmarks at each site. The goal is to be the first cyclist to check in to all nine spots. For the Hopscotch Hepcat, all of the locations will focus on Raleigh's history, art, music and cycling culture. You won't know the locations until you check into each stop during the race. Maybe you'll even have to stop into a day party and play a song on stage.

There will also be a charity raffle on the day of the race with tickets that can be purchased for $1 each. Raffle prizes include: T-shirts from Gran Royale, Back Alley Bikes and Chrome Industries, gift cards from The Bicycle Chain, The Clean Machine, Back Alley Bikes and Empire Eats, wool socks from Chrome Industries, cycling gear from Cannondale Bikes, and CDs and LPs from 3 Lobed Records, Dead Oceans, Holidays for Quince, Hometapes, Matador, Merge, Profound Lore, Redeye and Yep Roc. YES!

Registration is $20 and can be completed through September 9th, 2011. Registration is capped at 100 riders, so don't wait.

Register for the race over at the Hepcat Website

Prizes are as follows:

First place: If you possess the speed, stamina and know-how to cycle your way to victory, you’ll win a brand new bike from Gran Royale Bicycles, an awesome little supplier from right here in Raleigh, North Carolina. If you’re a dude, you’ll win a blue Union Flier single speed bike. If you’re a lady, a yellow Cogsville 3 speed is up for grabs! You’ll also receive $100 to spend on new bicycle swag, compliments of The Bicycle Chain & The Clean Machine in Carrboro.

Second Place: The second racer to complete all nine lives of our course will receive a handsome Chrome Industries messenger bag and a $50 gift card that can be used at any location of The Bicycle Chain or The Clean Machine in Carrboro.

Third Place: If you’re looking for a neoprene Chrome Industries laptop case and a $25 dollar gift card to The Bicycle Chain or The Clean Machine, third’s your place.

Additional Prizes include a $100 gift card to Trader Joe’s, a $50 gift card to Petsmart, $60 gift certificate to Galaxy Cinema, pet-related gift baskets and an original acrylic painting by artist Olga Wagner of Local Color on Glenwood Avenue, Raleigh.