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!

Yep, looks like we're on again

March 19 April 16. New route. Old friends. Same deal. Keep posted for more details.

News Coverage

We've got some news coverage collecting so here's a list that we'll update with 2010 coverage!

• March 10, 2010: Oakland North - "East Bay allez"


• Sheila Moon Team coverage

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)

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!!