GET RAD BMX ALLEYCAT: RECAP

Easter Sunday is a special time for friends and family. But for one rowdy group of BMXers this was a day for shredding. We assembled at the top of Bernal Heights at 1:00 and overlooked the city below us. There were three check points that highlighted iconic spots around the city.

_DSF6848

_DSF6838

_DSF6842

The race had one rule: 20″ BMX bikes. These bikes are equipped to ride jumps and ramps and skateparks. Riding long distances is not usually not on the menu for bikes like this. Little gears mean you’re spinning at a sprint.

_DSF6836

The danger was real and the race hadn’t even started.

_DSF6844

_DSF6857

The obligatory ’70s poses pre race.

_DSF6874

Warming up on the starting gates!

_DSF6849

The starting run was down this. Pick your line, stick to it, and don’t flat, we just started.

_DSF7099

The race was close! I rolled in for the win only a few minutes before John rolled in for second. Ten miles on BMX is a huge challenge! Congratulations to everyone who rode across the finish line and to everyone who helped out. Here are a few of the top contenders!

_DSF6909

_DSF6919

JDR held down one of the hardest check points. Thanks for the help and good vibes after smashing up a mountain on 20″ wheels dude!

_DSF6920

Cubby hand wrote each manifest that morning on Beatles stationary.

_DSF6922

_DSF6923

_DSF6939

Fun proceeded with high jump and long jump challenges!

_DSF6945

_DSF7095

Huge thanks to Cubby for getting everyone out here and putting this together! We are super stoked on this format and are looking forward to the next one!

_DSF6895

And thanks to the sponsors!  Mash SF, Vans, Oakley, Cult, Freewheel, and TCB.

Report and photos by Dylan Buffington.

TOUR DE POLLO ALLEYCAT : RECAP

We all showed up hearing rumors about what was at the checkpoints: stuffing our faces with fried chicken, going from point A to B with a raw egg. At this point it could have been anything. Unfortunately neither of those things happened and it was a smash fest of a race. Once manifests were handed out everyone scrambled down Mission towards Market Street. Chas, Rob Ward and I hung back and figured out the cryptic clues that put together the routing. Satisfied with our plan of action we jumped on our bikes and decided to go for a ride around the city.

R1-02759-0026

We aimed for the Bayview, initially scattered through the streets of the Mission looking for the best line. Chas and I ran into each other and at that point were we synced. Catching the light to Cesar Chavez put the gap on Ward. Heading out and smashing through Bayview was so fast! We knew that the next move was a time trial down Third, so we had to make sure this first checkpoint was smooth. Chas had carbon wheels and drops, I had street wheels and risers. His power was noticeable after a five-minute interval of crushing with our heads down. We were flying down the Embarcadero. We contrasted the 27 mph stint with some textbook lane splitting and weaving once we hit Market St. It all came down to the last check point.

R1-02759-0027 2

Chas and I were neck and neck but working together. “!!!UP PAGE ST!!!” Chas yells. At that point, at the speeds we were moving, that decision would make anyone’s heart drop, or in this case, lungs. We were ripping to the top. At the absolute last crest, Chas grabbed a car and pulled himself just enough to put a small gap on me. What was three bike lengths felt like miles when our legs were deep fried from Page St. Left on Stanyon, right on Frederick and a final wind to 11th and Irving. At this point Chas was on his way out once I rolled in. The two of us hadn’t seen a single rider the entire race and he was starting to disappear from me. Lincoln to Oak, the final sprint. We’ve done this a thousand times. Once I hit Haight St. I could see him four blocks up rolling into the finish. I rolled in and we were ecstatic. What a sick race. It was 1-2 with Chas and I. Ward rolled in only a few minutes after us.

R1-02759-0020

The day ended with greasy fingers, a few beers, and some great vibes. Thanks to everyone who was involved and helped set this race up! We are so stoked that small businesses are able to use alleycats as a race format to promote both the cycling culture in this city but also link arms with other small businesses to put something like this together. Also thank you Alexander Shvachko for grabbing these moments from the race!!

– Dylan

R1-02759-0011

 

D.F.L. #3 2014

2T1A6511With the Bay Area getting a few weeks of rain, friends of DFL knew it was prime for a DIY cross race. Sunday morning, a large group knew to meet in Golden Gate Park for the third installment of the 2014 series. As you will see in this series of photographs, the landscape is so incredibly scenic that it is easy to forget you are riding cyclocross in a city park. For those of us who live here, this is a special treat. Enclosed are some moments from 12-21-2014 in Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, California.

2T1A6573Making moto noises with your mouth.2T1A6528Cubby trying to get lost.2T1A6575Norcal takes cross seriously, even when it doesn’t.2T1A65342T1A65722T1A6595The field was deep for the Le Mans-style up-hill start.2T1A65982T1A6658RJ is stoked on San Francisco. He has not worn pants since he arrived.2T1A6685Dylan on course, to go find chicken/waffles.2T1A67012T1A6806Maurice pushing through the recent rains.2T1A7022Right2T1A6894This out-and-back ran North-South, going across an East-West section of the race, causing many to call out before they blasted through the crossing.2T1A6602Right2T1A6712Dropping in.2T1A6655Eddy was the only racer who did all the laps on a brakeless track bike. This lack of rules are what keep DFL fun.2T1A6633Gabe trying out Andrew Low’s new geared prototype cross frame. Will be rad to see more of these at the races next season.2T1A6726Chas was loving the perfect conditions in the park. DFL always helps open up and clean up a few trails in the park that will be later enjoyed by daily riders.2T1A6903For those who may not know, this underground race series has had the same policy since it’s inception twenty years ago. Dress in drag and race for free, or pay $5. It’s simple.2T1A6994Travis knew this wet root section was faster to run up. It finishes on a root system on a hard right turn.2T1A6939Derek riding the ridge along the golf course.2T1A6835This swim suit has more miles on it than most of the kits I own. Maybe the sixth time I have seen it modeled over the years.2T1A6785One of the best things about bike racing is racing with your friends. With an open format, it’s a chance for men and women to be on course together in a racing situation. Rubbing shoulders with friends we usually only see from the other side of the tape.2T1A6956Embracing the white beard.2T1A6556Always fun to be out with John Reiss at the races.2T1A6531A few years back, we started noticing bikes being stolen for the parts alone. Cutting the frame is easier than cutting the lock. Brue brought his Hunter CX to have Rick bring it back to life.

2T1A6510Up