Surely you've seen on the streets of warsaw bicycle couriers, riding at breakneck speed. Are they always in a hurry to deliver the shipment? No, sometimes it just for fun.
What is Alleycat ? This type of cycling competition held in the city, taking place in normal urban traffic. The first race to be called "Alleycat" was held in Toronto on October 30, 1989.
Warsaw also has a significant contribution to the history of allecat. Before the war took place in Warsaw newsboys racing - WYŚCIGI MAJDANIARZY.Information on the existence alleycat brought to the Polish Maka, who was a courier for a time in Canada and he just started an event called - "Racing on Tuesday" can be considered the first alleycat in Warsaw.
Race styles:
Alleycats reflect the personality, contemporary environment and level of competition based on the organizer.
Checkpoints - The first checkpoint is given at the start of the race, and on arrival the next checkpoint is revealed to the racer.
Task Checkpoints - In some races upon arriving at a checkpoint the rider may have to perform a task or trick before being given the next location.
Checkpoints Up Front - A common format is for organizers to give the checkpoints/manifest few minutes (or seconds) before the start of the race. This allows the rider to choose the best route between stops.
Before the start of the race, each player gets "szprychówka". "szprychówka" is a laminated card, usually the size of the A8, which contains the name of the alleycat and graphics associated with it. Szprychówki usually inserted between the spokes of the wheel.
Participate in the event you can not compare to anything. Incredible surge of adrenaline. Seconds to decide. In the city traffic is no place for mistakes.
Foreign racing:
Warsaw race:
More information about the races on:
http://www.alleycat.waw.pl/
Race which I was the organizer:
http://www.alleycat.waw.pl/85_Redballoons/85_Redballoons.php
I dont know if you happen to watch "Dirty Jobs with Mike Rowe" on Discovery Channel sometimes, but the point is there was an episode about bicycle couriers there.
ReplyDeleteIt focused mostly on the job aspect of cycling but funnily enough one of people there said something like :
"Do you know what all those bicycle couriers do to relax after whole day of working on a bike?
They go and ride some more..."
So yes, I can imagine cycling is much more than job or even enetertaiment for some people. It seems to be more like a way of living.
Now as for danger aspects of whole that alleycat business.
Well, for sure its not the safest thing to do. Even without bikes its easy to land under car in one of those big cities like LA, or even Warsaw. Im sure all this gives you quite an adrenaline boost but...
Even greatest adrenaline surge will rapidly stop when you hit the door which suddenly blocked your way!
This actually sounds even more dangerous than off road motorcycling. At least thats the impression I get.
In the history of alleycats was only one case of serious accident.
ReplyDeleteOn February 24, 2008, while participating in the 'Tour Da Chicago', a winter alleycat series, Matt Manger-Lynch was killed by a collision with a car.
Eyewitnesses reported that Mr. Manger-Lynch had failed to stop for a red light.
In this case, when you say 'serious' you mean 'mortal'...
ReplyDeleteI wonder how does alleycat refer to law. If any driver wants to race with others on the street with normal traffic, he would be captured and punished. I understand that the alleycat cyclists do their best to obey the road law and they don't have any speed limit, but I'm sure it's easy to loose control when you want to win.
Also, in common traffic in Warsaw riding a bicycle is rather dangerous. I have never had a 'serious accident', but I have felt dread few times and I really regret that there is not enough bicycle paths in our city...
I only heard of "Warsaw Car Killers". That was a similar kind of race with checkpoints all over the city. I remember that in the interview one of the racers sad and i quote: " Those who will stop at red lights would loose" :)
ReplyDeleteIt's quite a nice way to spend some free time. And what
ReplyDeleteRadosław Parfieniuk said :
"Even greatest adrenaline surge will rapidly stop when you hit the door which
suddenly blocked your way!"
Remindes me of my brother who ones had this "pleasure" of hiting car door. In one second he was riding a bike while in next second he was
singing "I belive I can fly ... " ;].
Thank God it wasn't seriouse accident.
Well, never heard of alleycat thing so thanks for some information on that. The idea is quite fun so I think it shouldn't be limited only to messengers, rather be available to all cycling enthusiasts.
ReplyDeleteHow often such races are organised? I have never heard about that.
ReplyDeleteIn general I see not so many bike curiers, I know about their existence, but I think they are niche.
Hello,
ReplyDeleteI haven't heared about messangers race, but yes I know a lot of couriers that drives from point A to B every day. When I speak with them about their job they seem to be fascinated with it despite of the weather.
I wish somebody would have told me in private when these races would take part.
JACEK
I have not heard about alleycat cycling. It seems to be good fun, but also quite dangerous like in attached recording.
ReplyDeleteI also haven't heard anything about such races and luckily haven't seen any on Warsaw's streets. It seems to be extremely dangerous not only for riders but particularly for pedestrians. I understand that feeling of speed, freedom and supremacy over car drivers surely are encouraging but in my opinion not worth the risk, particularly on Warsaw's roads which aren't friendly to anyone:)
ReplyDeleteI've seen bikeriders groups many times in Warsaw. Nice way to spend free time and also good way to lost few kilos :) Better than sitting whole day in front of computer. I like the idea of getting info about next checkpoint when you get to one - never know when you will go, no chances to plan your route or even know if it will be difficult. Great idea :)
ReplyDelete