11.30 Saturday. Meet here:
Mandela Parkway (AKA Cypress Freeway) Median Park
The ride will start at 12.30 SHARP.
Take BART there. Ride your bike. Drive your car. Whatever works. The race will end across the street at Peralta Studios. We'll have a secure spot for dropping your bag off.
We're super excited about showing off some of the best mixed-terrain riding in the East Bay. The route includes a traditional mix of city riding, semi-rural roads, gravel roads, and fire roads. Here are a few tips on preparing for Saturday.
What to Bring:
- A Bike. You'll want one. As Jason mentioned below, bring a bike your comfortable riding in a variety of conditions. As to be expected, a cross bike is pretty much perfect. A road bike with wider tires or a mountain bike will get you through the day, although certain sections will be more of an effort.
- $10. Ten Bucks. 1,000 pennies. This will get you a map, a little baggy to put the map in (and keep the sweat out), food and drinks at the finish, and a day of riding some of the finest roads and dirt in the East Bay. It might also buy you some new friends.
- Water. Two bottles full. Rest assured that while the route will take you through some rather remote areas, you will never be too far from a water source.
- Tools and a couple inner tubes.
- Layers. The weather forecast looks good for Saturday, but as we all know, it can get mighty cold out here. Welcome to spring in the Bay.
- Whatever else your might need to get you through the day. GPS devices, smartphones, food, talismans, prayer, etc.
Getting ready for these things is always a scramble. And we apologize if we're forgetting anything. For more tips, check out Jason's informative post below.
See you all on Saturday!
Thursday, May 17, 2012
Friday, April 27, 2012
Saturday, April 7, 2012
NEW DATE!!! MAY NINETEEN!!!
Alas! There be a storm blowing in next week that's bound to put a damper on our plans to get rad next weekend. Hence, us folks behind the Rally Cat have decided to push the date back to May 19. We consider ourselves to be responsible people and would rather not see our beloved dirt go to shite from the hordes of eager riders blowing through. We apologize to those that might have taken steps to make themselves available next weekend. We promise to make it up to you. Really. See you on the 19th!
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Event details
We want you guys to get out to the East Bay and enjoy some great views of the Bay Area, ride some dirt you may have never done before and even learn a little bit of local history.
We are still finalizing the route but we will be starting and finishing near West Oakland BART for several reasons. There will be secure storage for your bags, a clean restroom post race for you to clean up.
As I have overheard over a few years of this event that people were a little disappointed that the ride wasn't MORE DIRT (we all like more dirt, I know) - We are fortunate enough to be able to ride from a city into the wilderness and link together multiple parks to not have to do laps in one place just to get more dirt. So, to emphasize this as to have fewer people be expecting an all off-road ride, the ride will be a mix of road and off road.
What bike do I ride?
Without knowing your technical capabilities, I would say a cross bike is pretty much perfect.
There will be scattered, rocky sections on some of the trails that would be pretty rough on a road bike (although you may be skilled enough to ride one).
If it's wet and soggy on the trails, a bike with some wider tires will help you keep some traction.
Ride stats
Something between 30-40 miles with 2000-3000 ft of ascending.*
Your mileage will vary. Your elevation may vary.
"I don't know my way around"
Maps are prohibitively expensive to print out for everyone at the race for the entire East Bay. If you are very worried about getting lost, bring a smart phone.
We will provide a map with a suggested route between checkpoints and start/finish locations.
The best paper map that covers the area we will be is probably the East Bay Bicycle Coalition Map 1: West of the Hills. REI, Sports Basement, TipTop Bike Shop, The Missing Link and other shops usually have this map for around $10.
If for whatever reason you have any issues, a bus stop or BART stop is usually within a mile or two to bail you out.
What your entry money gets you
We will be providing food and beer at the finish - this includes vegan options. We are collecting up some prizes that will be awarded on a to be decided basis. Note that this isn't an alley cat where everyone gets a prize for finishing. We want you to come for the ride, have a great time, and hang out with old and new friends. We are not here to make money.
We are still finalizing the route but we will be starting and finishing near West Oakland BART for several reasons. There will be secure storage for your bags, a clean restroom post race for you to clean up.
As I have overheard over a few years of this event that people were a little disappointed that the ride wasn't MORE DIRT (we all like more dirt, I know) - We are fortunate enough to be able to ride from a city into the wilderness and link together multiple parks to not have to do laps in one place just to get more dirt. So, to emphasize this as to have fewer people be expecting an all off-road ride, the ride will be a mix of road and off road.
What bike do I ride?
Without knowing your technical capabilities, I would say a cross bike is pretty much perfect.
There will be scattered, rocky sections on some of the trails that would be pretty rough on a road bike (although you may be skilled enough to ride one).
If it's wet and soggy on the trails, a bike with some wider tires will help you keep some traction.
Ride stats
Something between 30-40 miles with 2000-3000 ft of ascending.*
Your mileage will vary. Your elevation may vary.
"I don't know my way around"
Maps are prohibitively expensive to print out for everyone at the race for the entire East Bay. If you are very worried about getting lost, bring a smart phone.
We will provide a map with a suggested route between checkpoints and start/finish locations.
The best paper map that covers the area we will be is probably the East Bay Bicycle Coalition Map 1: West of the Hills. REI, Sports Basement, TipTop Bike Shop, The Missing Link and other shops usually have this map for around $10.
If for whatever reason you have any issues, a bus stop or BART stop is usually within a mile or two to bail you out.
What your entry money gets you
We will be providing food and beer at the finish - this includes vegan options. We are collecting up some prizes that will be awarded on a to be decided basis. Note that this isn't an alley cat where everyone gets a prize for finishing. We want you to come for the ride, have a great time, and hang out with old and new friends. We are not here to make money.
Saturday, March 17, 2012
April 14 May 19! Lock That Date!
Assuming all things go as planned and we don't get a ton more rain, the Rally Cat will go down Saturday,
Thursday, February 2, 2012
It's that time of the year again...
... and the locals are getting restless. Rest assured that the Rally Cat will go down again this year. Stay tuned for more info soon.
For now, our buddies over at the Spoke Cyclery are busy working on a race that'll go down Saturday, March 18 at Mosswood Park. Check out the flyer below for more info.
For now, our buddies over at the Spoke Cyclery are busy working on a race that'll go down Saturday, March 18 at Mosswood Park. Check out the flyer below for more info.
Monday, April 18, 2011
We Rode Bikes, Got Dirty, and Had a Party
Thank you everyone for coming out on Saturday to the Rally Cat and helping to raise money for Spokeland! Together, we raised $300 to help the fledgling bicycle cooperative build out their new space located in North Oakland. Keep posted to their website for information on the shop grand opening.
Huge thanks to the event sponsors - All Hail the Black Market, Box Dog Bikes, Chuey Brand, De La Paz Coffee, and MashSF - for donating prizes to the top finishers. And of course, a very special thank you to all the folks that came through on Saturday to work checkpoints, cook food, and help clean up after the event. We couldn't have made it happen with you! Check out the links below for some photos of the event:
plattyjo's flickr
Bici Girl's flickr
78 people registered for the event this year, 74 finished, and the rest were all accounted for. And in case you were wondering, check out some of the top finishers below:
Men
1. Scott K.
2. Dustin W.
3. Ricardo M.
4. Murphy M.
5. Blake V.K.
6. Kea H.
7. Sasha M.
8. Christon D.
9. Sam B.
10. Fred C. (singlespeed)
11. James J.
12. Jonathan W.
13. Chas C.
14. Kevin L.
15. Tom R.
16. Thomas H.
17. Bryan C.
18. Adam S. (singlespeed)
19. Max H. (singlespeed)
20. Eric T.
Women
1. Romany M.
2. Katie S.
3. Sam B.
4/5/6/7. Jenny O./Leah P./Bridget M./Alia S.
8. Amanda L. (singlespeed)
9. Ulrika
10. Arena and May
King/Queen of the Mountain
Walton B. and Leah P.!
Thanks again everyone! See you next year (if not sooner)!
Huge thanks to the event sponsors - All Hail the Black Market, Box Dog Bikes, Chuey Brand, De La Paz Coffee, and MashSF - for donating prizes to the top finishers. And of course, a very special thank you to all the folks that came through on Saturday to work checkpoints, cook food, and help clean up after the event. We couldn't have made it happen with you! Check out the links below for some photos of the event:
plattyjo's flickr
Bici Girl's flickr
78 people registered for the event this year, 74 finished, and the rest were all accounted for. And in case you were wondering, check out some of the top finishers below:
Men
1. Scott K.
2. Dustin W.
3. Ricardo M.
4. Murphy M.
5. Blake V.K.
6. Kea H.
7. Sasha M.
8. Christon D.
9. Sam B.
10. Fred C. (singlespeed)
11. James J.
12. Jonathan W.
13. Chas C.
14. Kevin L.
15. Tom R.
16. Thomas H.
17. Bryan C.
18. Adam S. (singlespeed)
19. Max H. (singlespeed)
20. Eric T.
Women
1. Romany M.
2. Katie S.
3. Sam B.
4/5/6/7. Jenny O./Leah P./Bridget M./Alia S.
8. Amanda L. (singlespeed)
9. Ulrika
10. Arena and May
King/Queen of the Mountain
Walton B. and Leah P.!
Thanks again everyone! See you next year (if not sooner)!
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Get Ready to Get Rad
At last, the Rally Cat is finally only two days away and we couldn't be in better shape. As a reminder to folks, registration will open at 11.30am at the Mosswood Park Amphitheater. $10 signs you up for the ride, gets you a map of the route, food and refreshments at the end of the ride, and includes a donation to Spokeland. The ride will start promptly at 12.30pm. I expect the speediest among you to finish the ride in close to 2.5 hours, with the rest trickling in for the next couple hours. The after party will be held at the starting location in Mosswood Park.
This year's course is roughly 10 miles longer than the previous course and includes a similar amount of climbing. The course will include the usual mix of city riding, semi-rural roads, fire roads and "singletrack". Of course, all trails included on the map are bike legal. The East Bay is very hilly, and this ride is no exception. There will be steep hill climbs, bumpy downhill dirt descents, dirt climbs and whatever else I can throw at you. Choose a bike that you will have fun on and will get you through the course safely. A cross bike would do the trick, but so would a nice hardtail with skinny tires. Hell, even a road bike with fatty tires will suffice, although not my recommendation.
Things to look out for include crazy Berkeley/Oakland motorists and motorcyclists on the roads and hikers, dog walkers and park rangers on the trails. *Be safe and considerate when passing anyone on trails. Anyone caught acting like an asshole will be automatically DQ'd.*
What to bring?
Layers, water, and tools - including a spare tube, patch kit, mini-pump and multi-tool. If you want to bring a bag with a change of clothes, there will be a bag check at registration. Maybe a snack or two.
What are the prize categories?
While we hope people turn out for the ride with the intent to have fun and support Spokeland, there will be small prizes from our generous sponsors for the "top" finishers. Categories will include geared and singlespeed classes for both men and women. And as is tradition, we'll have a klunker class and of course, the lanterne rouge (DFL)*.
I've got a few tricks up my sleeve this year, so expect some changes from previous Rally Cats. I guess that's all you need to know. Ride safe and see you on Saturday!
* Categories subject to last minute additions according to the whims of the organizer and amount of drink consumed.
This year's course is roughly 10 miles longer than the previous course and includes a similar amount of climbing. The course will include the usual mix of city riding, semi-rural roads, fire roads and "singletrack". Of course, all trails included on the map are bike legal. The East Bay is very hilly, and this ride is no exception. There will be steep hill climbs, bumpy downhill dirt descents, dirt climbs and whatever else I can throw at you. Choose a bike that you will have fun on and will get you through the course safely. A cross bike would do the trick, but so would a nice hardtail with skinny tires. Hell, even a road bike with fatty tires will suffice, although not my recommendation.
Things to look out for include crazy Berkeley/Oakland motorists and motorcyclists on the roads and hikers, dog walkers and park rangers on the trails. *Be safe and considerate when passing anyone on trails. Anyone caught acting like an asshole will be automatically DQ'd.*
What to bring?
Layers, water, and tools - including a spare tube, patch kit, mini-pump and multi-tool. If you want to bring a bag with a change of clothes, there will be a bag check at registration. Maybe a snack or two.
What are the prize categories?
While we hope people turn out for the ride with the intent to have fun and support Spokeland, there will be small prizes from our generous sponsors for the "top" finishers. Categories will include geared and singlespeed classes for both men and women. And as is tradition, we'll have a klunker class and of course, the lanterne rouge (DFL)*.
I've got a few tricks up my sleeve this year, so expect some changes from previous Rally Cats. I guess that's all you need to know. Ride safe and see you on Saturday!
* Categories subject to last minute additions according to the whims of the organizer and amount of drink consumed.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Location! Location! Location! - Mosswood Park Amphitheater
Thank you everyone for being so patient with me on announcing the start/finish location for this year's Rally Cat. After two years of hosting the event at beautiful Lake Temescal, I've decided to move it down the hill to friendly Mosswood Park, which is located at the corner of Broadway and West MacArthur Boulevard in North Oakland. Look for us down in the amphitheater at the southeast corner of the park next to the tennis courts.
Registration will open at 11:30 am Saturday morning. Ride will start at 12:30 pm sharp. Keep posted for another blog update this week with more event details. See y'all this weekend!
Registration will open at 11:30 am Saturday morning. Ride will start at 12:30 pm sharp. Keep posted for another blog update this week with more event details. See y'all this weekend!
Sunday, March 20, 2011
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!
Yesterday's ride made me even more excited about the Rally Cat next month. Hope to see everyone out there on the 16th!
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
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!
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!
Sunday, March 6, 2011
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!
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!
Thursday, March 3, 2011
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!
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
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!
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Yep, looks like we're on again
Sunday, March 14, 2010
News Coverage
We've got some news coverage collecting so here's a list that we'll update with 2010 coverage!
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Thank you!!! And a few results...
Thanks again to everyone who came out last Saturday to ride around some of the best roads and trails that the East Bay has to offer. 86 riders signed up this year! And special thanks to the sponsors, checkpoint workers and others that came through and made the second East Bay Alley CX event a success. Check out the links below for some photos of the event:
Plattyjo's Flickr
HotMark's Flickr
J. Suzuki's Flickr
We're already thinking about our next event (maybe this summer???). Stay tuned. For now, check out some of the top finishers from the ride:
Men (completed all checkpoints)
1. Johnsten
2. Matthias (singlespeed)
3. Kea (singlespeed)
4. Krishna
5. Dayton
6. Fred
7. Thomas H.
8. Blake
9. Bobo Clown (Austin)
10. Peter D.
Women (completed all checkpoints, first place tie determined by mean round of rock/paper/scissors)
1/2. Kathleen
1/2. Kelly C.
3. Celeste
4. Carol (singlespeed)
5. Kelly B
King/Queen of the Mountain (ie. Tunnel Road)
Walton and Kathleen
Klunker
1. Carol (old singlespeed Peugeot road bike with slicks)
2. Justin ('88 Rock Combo)
Plattyjo's Flickr
HotMark's Flickr
J. Suzuki's Flickr
We're already thinking about our next event (maybe this summer???). Stay tuned. For now, check out some of the top finishers from the ride:
Men (completed all checkpoints)
1. Johnsten
2. Matthias (singlespeed)
3. Kea (singlespeed)
4. Krishna
5. Dayton
6. Fred
7. Thomas H.
8. Blake
9. Bobo Clown (Austin)
10. Peter D.
Women (completed all checkpoints, first place tie determined by mean round of rock/paper/scissors)
1/2. Kathleen
1/2. Kelly C.
3. Celeste
4. Carol (singlespeed)
5. Kelly B
King/Queen of the Mountain (ie. Tunnel Road)
Walton and Kathleen
Klunker
1. Carol (old singlespeed Peugeot road bike with slicks)
2. Justin ('88 Rock Combo)
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Pump up the tyres. And get ready for a muddy good time.
Things are coming together for Saturday.
As a reminder, registration will open at 11:30 at the northwestern corner of Lake Temescal. $5 signs you up for the ride, gets you a map of the route, and food and refreshments at the end of the ride.
The ride will promptly being at 12.30 sharp. The speediest riders will probably complete the course in a little over 2 hours. The after party will be held at the starting location in Lake Temescal.
The course is approximately 25 miles and roughly 50/50 road and dirt. All dirt trails are "legal" and allow cyclists. However, on some trails riders will be sharing space with hikers and dogs. Please be considerate when passing. As mentioned below, the East Bay is very hilly, and this ride is no exception. There will be steep paved climbs, downhill dirt descents, gradual dirt climbs and other conditions. Choose a bike that you will have fun on and will get you through the course safely. Keep in mind that we've had a bit of rain the last two days. Conditions will likely be muddy.
What to bring?
Layers, water, and tools - including a spare tube, patch kit, mini-pump and multi-tool. If you want to bring a bag with a change of clothes, there will be a bag check at registration. Maybe a snack or two.
What are the prize categories?
While we hope people turn out for the ride with the intent to have fun, there will be prizes for top finishers. Categories will include: 1st Overall (male and female), 1st Fixed/Singlespeed, 1st Klunker (loosely defined) and Lanterne Rouge (DFL). Depending on how things play out, other categories may be added last minute. Anyone that jeopardizes the health and safety of other riders will be DQ'd.
I guess that's all you need to know. Ride safe and we'll see you Saturday!!
As a reminder, registration will open at 11:30 at the northwestern corner of Lake Temescal. $5 signs you up for the ride, gets you a map of the route, and food and refreshments at the end of the ride.
The ride will promptly being at 12.30 sharp. The speediest riders will probably complete the course in a little over 2 hours. The after party will be held at the starting location in Lake Temescal.
The course is approximately 25 miles and roughly 50/50 road and dirt. All dirt trails are "legal" and allow cyclists. However, on some trails riders will be sharing space with hikers and dogs. Please be considerate when passing. As mentioned below, the East Bay is very hilly, and this ride is no exception. There will be steep paved climbs, downhill dirt descents, gradual dirt climbs and other conditions. Choose a bike that you will have fun on and will get you through the course safely. Keep in mind that we've had a bit of rain the last two days. Conditions will likely be muddy.
What to bring?
Layers, water, and tools - including a spare tube, patch kit, mini-pump and multi-tool. If you want to bring a bag with a change of clothes, there will be a bag check at registration. Maybe a snack or two.
What are the prize categories?
While we hope people turn out for the ride with the intent to have fun, there will be prizes for top finishers. Categories will include: 1st Overall (male and female), 1st Fixed/Singlespeed, 1st Klunker (loosely defined) and Lanterne Rouge (DFL). Depending on how things play out, other categories may be added last minute. Anyone that jeopardizes the health and safety of other riders will be DQ'd.
I guess that's all you need to know. Ride safe and we'll see you Saturday!!
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Support Your Local Businesses!
We just wanted to give folks a heads up on the sponsors coming through this year to support the event. Local favorites and previous event sponsors Box Dog Bikes, Chuey Brand, and De La Paz Coffee, as well as new sponsors Boozely's Pickles, Mountain Hardwear, and 'Stache Bags are all pitching in to make the event even better than last year. Thank you sponsors!
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