(Carrying all the prizes to the end, Velo City Bags doing what they do best)
In order to not insult your intelligence, I'm not going to mention the event today that we've been spamming, cajoling, and begging you to come to for the last month. However I'm going to show you more pictures:
We got the final shipment of prizees in from Discrete, MER, and Velo City Bags. I've got my eye on that suave motorcyclist shirt, and I also am glad to have some of these tool pouches from MER in the mix.
In the course of a week I switch stuff between my home bag and work bag 6-10 times, and every day between my bag, panniers and camelback, depending on what's going on. Having all your tools together nice and neat is just one of those things that keeps one from completely losing it and moving into a yurt (note maniacal grin).
So big to small, there's some fun stuff to be had. The race is in 4 hours, and should prove to be a really great time. Jess and I are here at home flipping coins on whether we ride our fixed gears or roadbikes or motorcycles, and everyone I've talked to is psyched! Yes!
In other news, I set up a Salt Lake Alleycat Flickr group that anyone can join and add pictures to the pile, so if you have any good shots from alleycats 'round these parts send 'em on in!
Today's the Day!
Why can't we bike like they do?
Streetfilms makes great little movies about moving towards livable cities. I like this one, because it reminds me of when I first saw the way things worked for bikes in north-west european countries.
I used to think grade-separated bikeways were impossible to attain in America, I used to kind of sniff at them, thinking it was more fun to zip along through traffic than cruise on a path. But most people don't like going fast everywhere all the time, so I've since come to recognise I'm in the minority there. It makes more sense to have bikes omnipresent but with their own roadways, the presence of bikes would 'tame' cars as a guy puts it in the video. Thoughts? Would you put down your speedy track bike or cross-commuter in favor of a cruiser if it meant thousands more people biking on the road? Or would that destroy some of what you love about being a biker in America?
The Darkness, this Saturday!
Just a friendly PSA: 5 days until we rock your freakin' socks off!!!
The race is ready to go, are YOU? Be sure to bring water and a friend of two, it's gonna be great!
Almost all the prizes are in, take a moment to choose your target. So far we've got 3 out of 4 bags from the good folks at Timbuk2, 3 sets of hassle-free commuter-worthy lights from Reelight, some indestructible Marathon Plusses from Schwalbe, a Kurt Boone Signature from Seagull Bags, a grip of cool hats from Octopus Caps, Hold Fast Straps, and all kinds of stuff from Knog, the kings of schwag. Yet to appear, but on their way, are things from MER Bags, Discrete Headwear, and Velo City Bags.
Up in the corner of the photo you'll notice a little bag from Chrome as well. That's a pair of the Coveted Chrome Jerseys, can't be bought, borrowed or stolen, only won by the most victorious man and woman of the day. Go to it!
And speaking of winners, someone gets to take home this bad boy:
Size large Karate Monkey Frame, courtesy of Chase Studios. Thanks Andrew!!
Midsummer Crit!
Welcome to crit racing, in downtown SLC! This race will consist of multiple races including mass start, half field, semi-finals, and finals. Depending on how many of you show up there will be a loser bracket as well. Each heat consists of four laps around a set course which is just under three and a half miles. GO!
The rundown:
Singlespeed (fixed/free) ONLY!
Lights are required, NO EXCEPTIONS!
Helmets recommended
Winner will ride about 14 miles by end of night
Five dollars
Several Alleycatty Things
Lots of things. Firstly, The time for the Heart of Darkness 3 has been changed to 5:00 PM. We decided sending the race through the middle of the marathon course in the heat of the day was a little disingenuous. Now it's ending at FRESH, too, where Ian's setting up a roller sprints party sponsored by OBEY. Neat-o!
Also, the Emigration Hustle Race will be postponed, as Dima and I are out of town for the Rad Massaker. Wish us luck!
Thirdly, the I hate my life alleycat was a rip-roarin' success. More info below.
After lugging a full backpack of PBR down to the start point, I hung out with (read: got spit and yelled at by) homeless people for a little while as I waited for the racers. Joergen and I kinda dropped the ball when we advertised for this race like 3 days in advance. Whatever. Like yall have anything better to do! Seriously though, I'd love to do a race like this with a little more forewarning, because though only about 8 people showed up, it was a ton of fun, and I imagine it'd be crazy cool with about 30 racers. It was great despite the turnout partially because everyone who showed up was freaky fast. It seemed more like a race of yesteryear, where each messenger company or corner of the bike community was represented by a few fast people, and everyone was pretty into being speedy. Joergen and I gummed things up even further by not telling everyone where exactly the first pickup was. Oops. Luckily I caught some of them and got ahold of Dima on the phone, who was nice enough not to keep it a secret.
After that I headed to my route, and proceeded to bike in an L shape between Main and South Temple and 3rd South, 2nd West for 20+ laps. That crap was tiring, and I can only imagine the pain the racers went through trying to find me and the 2 scooters going back and forth. A side benefit of my route was its effect on people along Main, who probably found themselves feeling like the stars of the Truman Show.
Gary returned to me super-quick each time, I thought for sure the race was his, with Dima, Sky, and Morgan in hot pursuit. I was surprised (but not that surprised) to find Dima won, he and Gary had a sprint-out from Jace's scooter on about 5th east and South Temple to Joergen in Memory grove park. Gary decided to try and take a 'shortcut' over the avenues hills and bomb down 3rd ave to the finish, which would have been awesome, but his quick-release was looser than he expected and he pulled his wheel into his frame, throwing the race. Long live fixed gears, or vertical dropouts! :)
Final standings:
1. Dima (geared)
2. Gary (Ryan breezed along with him, as usual.) (geared)
3. Sky (fixed)
4. Morgan (fixed)
5.Jessica G (fixed)
6.JT DNF (fixed)
7.Aerie DNF (mullet mtb!)
8. JJ (Decided the race sounded too complicated and bounced :))
Fun stuff! Thanks to Jace, Jake, Joergen, and myself for putting it on :).
Get a real job!
So the deadline's already passed, but I'm pretty sure they'd make an exception for the right candidate, if you're interested give 'em a call!
Executive Director Wanted
Utah Bicycle Coalition
The Utah Bicycle Coalition seeks a proven leader, entrepreneurial fundraiser, visionary manager, knowledgeable advocate, and a powerful communicator with a deep commitment to our mission to serve as executive director. The initial employment term will be for a period of four months. We anticipate compensation for this period to be $3,000 per month. Future compensation is dependent upon the success of the candidate in fundraising efforts.
Utah Bicycle Coalition Mission Statement
The mission of the Utah Bicycle Coalition is to promote and preserve the safety, opportunities, and responsibilities of cyclists and pedestrians through legislation, education, and facilities development.
• To work for good laws and legislation which promote safe cycling and walking.
• To participate in transportation planning and construction providing accommodations for safe cycling and walking.
• To educate cyclists and motorists about safe cycling, sharing the road, and obeying the law.
• To assist in the development, growth, and effectiveness of local cycling advocacy groups.
• To develop a network of safe cycling routes throughout Utah.
• To promote sustainable, healthy lifestyles.
• To support Utah’s cycling industry.
The Utah Bicycle Coalition advocates for increased bicycle use by promoting the bicycle as an everyday means of transportation and recreation. Cycling is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, maintain good health, and travel around town.
There are risks to cycling that can be mitigated by educating both our fellow cyclists and motorists in how to properly share the road
Qualifications for Executive Director Position
• Commitment to the mission
Must have a deep personal commitment to Utah Bicycle Coalition’s mission and goals. An everyday bicyclist who is passionate about bicycling’s vital roles in transportation is strongly preferred. The executive director should be committed to long-term employment with Utah Bicycle Coalition (minimum three years).
• Fundraising
Experience in fundraising for public interest or advocacy work from a diverse range of funding sources including private foundations, non-profit services, government services, individual donations, membership sales, and events. Fundraise to sustain the Executive Director position. Experience with writing and managing grants is preferred.
• Communication
Must have the ability to convey the Utah Bicycle Coalition’s mission and ideas effectively to government, civic, business leaders, and the public. Must be media savvy and a skilled written and verbal communicator in individual and group contexts.
• Technical Expertise
Must have sophisticated understanding of bicycling and non-motorized transportation issues. Ideally, has professional experience managing bicycle and related transportation advocacy and planning projects as well as knowledge of regional, national, and global trends in bicycle policy, advocacy, and community planning.
• Strategic Planning
Must be able to work with the Board of Directors to develop and implement key organization goals and strategies.
• Leadership
Must be able to manage and lead staff, volunteers, and Board to assure the mission and goals are met.
Applications must include a cover letter explaining the candidate’s interest in the job, qualifications, references (minimum of three), and a resume.
Applications will be accepted until July 1, 2010
Recruiting for this position has begun.
Executive Director Search
C/O Utah Bicycle Coalition
P. O. Box 58504
Salt Lake City, UT 84158-0504
Email: jobs@utahbikes.org
No phone calls or faxes please.
See www.utahbikes.org for more about the organization and its programs.
I hate my life alleycat: What fun, what fun!
Boyo Boyo.
This short-notice race is a fun little one Joergen and I cooked up in the spirit of the alleycat-a-week trend we've got goin' on down here in SLC. I must say I'm excited for this one! A relatively simple concept: Pick 3 things up, and check them each off 3 times. Only problem: The checkpoints are me on a bike, and 2 scooters. We have routes you'll be informed of at the start, catch us if you can! This is a fairly easy race in terms of length and terrain, the challenge is the variability.
This Friday, in the circular area to the west of Rio Grande restaurant, 300 S and 500 West. Come on out!
Emigration Hustle Alleycat
--NEWS FLASH-- The Emigration Hustle Alleycat is postponed until further notice, Dima and Davey will be in SF racin' in the rad massakre!
Mark your calendars boys and girls! On July 10 at 10 : 30 PM is the Emigration Hustle Alleycat. This will be a lot like the Gnarlycat and will begin at the center of Liberty Park on the big hill and will be an all out rumble to the top of Emigration Canyon. No entry fee, no prizes, just bragging rights for the lucky cyclist who manages to achieve the much sought after 1st place.
-W.L. Emsworth
summer of salt UBC alley cat results
alright it was fun and of course a huge thanks to Anthony Woo for wrangling up the prizes and setting up this lovely manifest that you see here. here is a little bit of what went on...
the alley cat today from what i gathered everyone had fun we only had one person that did not finish but i thought it was fun even if it was annoying it tested the ablity to plan and find things as well as speed. as it was said Jessica was in the lead until she missed a stop and then tragically got a flat. and had to walk from westminster to sugar house park for a 3rd place finish. davey did come to the rescue for the last half block giving up his bike so she could roll through the finish line.... what a day. haha i also heard of some close calls by daylan and davey. daylan almost got cliped by a car and davey had to throw down some urban cyclecross to bunnyhop over a sewer grate that was quite epic i was told. so with out further ado here are the stats.
total of ~9 miles
15 stops from downtown to sugarhouse park
Ryan with ???? he got there before i did (teleportation???haha) it took me 25 min with riding around with the pack for a little bit Road?
davey with 44min 9 sec Cyclecross
joergen 44:12 Fixed
Jessica (got a flat) 1:03:15 Road
Alan, Daylan, and john at 1:15:20-30 SS, Fixed, Road
after the headace that was turning the map around and finding all the stops only to find the information at the stop. we ended with a sprint around sugarhouse park
times for that where
Joergen 3:40 Fixed
Davey 3:43 Cyclecross
Anthony (took a little shortcut = P) 4:03 Fixed
Jessica 4:11 Road
Alan 4:22 SS
Ryan???? anonymous win consensus in the sprint road magic
talk of another alley cat in two weeks from today ???
the UBC will throw another one down next month so we have a little more time to get people to come on down. a huge thanks to cyclesmith for sponsoring the race. for those of you who dont know they are located on 1300 east and 250 south we would have had not very many prizes with out them thanks again to all of those who came and made this happen. those of you who couldent make it i hope you will be able to make the next one. the summer of alley cats continues
A huge step backward
I love gambling towns, don't you? They always inspire such a vitality in me, encourage my better inclinations, fufill my soul. For example, a small po-dunk town in Colorado has decided to BAN BICYCLES WITHIN THE CITY LIMITS! Ah yes, very inspiring indeed. Exactly the direction I want my small towns to go. (Click below for my full hotheaded rant. You've been warned)
If you disprove of this kind of -dare I say it?- inbred short-sighted retardation, you can write to the city council and give them a little piece of your mind. I'm sure they'll appreciate it, right after they learn how to read. I have to admit, though, I don't find this very outrageous or alarming, it just seems in-line with the direction consumer-oriented American values are headed. Take away a huge personal freedom and transform the status quo of car ownership into a mandate. I can just picture the coughing, wrinkled, compulsive gamblers of Black Hawk getting fatter and fatter in front of their slot machines and behind the dashes of their wheezing '81 Broncos. The might as well mandate smoking, for all I care. Let Darwinism sort things out for them.
The scarier truth, however, is that if this kind of gross myopic thinking continues it may be seen as common practice to mandate the way people get around, even in the face of every shred of evidence that thoughtless oil dependence is a completely useless, wasteful, and unnecessary thing to normalize, let alone legally require. I mean, let's be real. That town's probably 3/4 of a mile across! It has one freakin' road! They could ban cars and everyone would still get around just fine. Well, except for granny whale with her oxygen tank. She still needs to drive to the 7-11 to buy a pack of American Spirits.
Warning: The Heart of Darkness III
It's there. A rumbling in the distance. The fast-approaching sound of the greatest SLC alleycat of the summer!!!
Come one, come all, all bikes, all strengths, to a mess of a race around the city on that day of remembrance, July 24th. This race should take us all over town and never stop, 3 seven stop manifests in a row, joy oh joy. We've had a serious up-swing in Alleycats, yet I still forsee this as a topper in terms of fun, endurance, and effort. Not to mention a top prize of a Surly Karate Monkey frame courtesy of Andrew Chase, as well as a grip of other goodies from Reelight, Octopus Caps, MER, Discrete, Hold Fast, Knog,and some Marathon Plus's from Schwalbe.
Thanks to meester Alexander H for the flier image!!
The summer of salt alley cat from the kids at the UBC
lets keep the one a week alleycats goin here is the next one
$2
sunday the 20th
meet at galivin center plaza @ 3:30
goes from downtown to sugarhouse
please bring a lock this will hopefully be a more interactive one requiring you to go inside places to find the answers and some searching may be involved. but there will be some ride by stops as well. i just dont want anyone getting their bike ripped off while they are inside for a minute that would be tragic.
i project around an hour and it is in your benifit to know where you are going a couple of the last stops i think will be the race determining ones depending on the route and order. but then again when is it not nice to know where you are going haha.
