I think I slept for 12 hours

Thank you everyone that came out yesterday for the Plan B(eastly) ride to put in several hours on the bike in the cold, driving rain. It was great to see old friends and make some new ones while braving the elements. I hope everyone got home safely, warmed up, and are now recovering from a challenging day riding around the East Bay. Extra special thanks to Murphy for handling registration and coordinating the after party. There was something extra sweet about being handed a shot of Jameson to warm up with when we got back to the warehouse from the ride. Thanks Murph! Also, a big thanks to Sheila Moon for hosting the after party and to Clif Bar for coming through with energy food to sustain us throughout the ride.

Yesterday's ride made me even more excited about the Rally Cat next month. Hope to see everyone out there on the 16th!

Plan B(eastly)

To make up for postponing the Rally Cat a few days before the event and to give us something to do this weekend, we thought we could throw together another "fun" ride for this Saturday. After consulting with my esteemed advisor, Murphy Mack, we bring you "Plan B(eastly)" - featuring some of the best East Bay road riding. Check the details below.

What: Rainy road ride. Expect 40 or so miles and a fair amount of climbing. Nothing too crazy. Bring $5 for a map and jersey pocketful of Clif products. $10 for beer and BBQ for the afterparty.

Where: Start and finish at Sheila Moon World Headquarters in beautiful Emeryville, CA - 5900 Hollis Street (located at the back of the building near Doyle Street and 61st Street).

When: 10 am!

What to bring: A road bike, or a CX bike with slicks. Rain gear. Water. Tubes, patch kit and a pump or CO2. Maybe a dry change of clothes for the finish.

What to expect: Good times. Excellent road riding. Beer and food at the finish.

We hope to see you out there on Saturday. If not, we'll most definitely see you at the April 16 Rally Cat!

Rally Cat Postponed to April 16

I hate to do it, but this storm blowing through the Bay Area has really put a damper on planning for the Rally Cat this year. So we've decided to push the date back on the event to Saturday, April 16 @ 12pm to let the trails dry out, figure out some other logistics, and maybe pick up some more sponsors. Sincere apologies to the folks that have requested time off from work or arranged day care for kids in order to attend the Rally Cat. To make up for it, we've got something else a bit more pavement oriented (did I just say that?!) brewing for folks to do this Saturday - ride details forthcoming. Otherwise, keep posted here for more info on the April event!

Another Update on Sponsors and Some Event Details

Recovering from that other mixed-terrain "fun" ride across the bay has allowed me to spend some time pulling in other sponsors for the Rally Cat. Good news! From the looks of things, Box Dog Bikes will be back for a third year as a sponsor of the Rally Cat. These folks have been solid supporters since the beginning and consistently turn out for the event. Thanks BDB! And just to make things extra special, All Hail the Black Market and MASH SF will be coming through with a few prizes for riders. Big thanks to the kind folks behind these fine establishments for supporting the Rally Cat.

In other news, the route is coming together quite nicely. In addition to covering some familiar territory, we'll be exploring some new roads in the East Bay. Expect a slightly longer route than previous years, some tough climbs and fun dirt sections. And for those that keep asking, please take note of what the Rally Cat will not be...



I'm still working out the exact start location, but I will tell you that it'll be easily accessible by BART and have plenty of street parking. Check back here next week for updates!

Giving Back

For the first time, proceeds from the Rally Cat will go to support a local organization doing cool work in our community. This year, a portion of your $10 event donation will go to benefit Spokeland, a recently formed bike cooperative in Oakland.

"Spokeland is a non-profit, community-driven bicycle cooperative that aims to reach out locally and foster Oakland unity. We support the use of bicycles as an alternate means of transportation as well as a healthy recreational activity.

We are focused on providing a safe and fun workspace for people of all ages, ethnicities, and cultures, genders, sexual orientations, and skill levels.

We offer bicycle safety and maintenance education in a sustainable environment that helps to build knowledge, empowerment, and self- reliance for members of our community."

Keep up the good work, folks!

Things Are Starting to Come Together...

De La Paz Coffee and Chuey Brand are both back as event sponsors for a third year in a row. These folks are always down to support the Bay Area bike scene. Be sure to check them out. And check back here for updates on start location!