Friday. It happens on a Friday. Friday the last, longest busiest and hardest day of the working week. But on Friday when the moon sits full above the city, the Alleycats come out to play. This cat tries not to let dreams of the alley effect my work, but if I can take off early and make a dash for home, good. With Petrushka spreading rumours of 6:30 starts, that gives me time for a quick shower, smoke and a bite to eatmaybe. Then back to the dirty streets AND OF TO DA PUB!
The Pubıs where all good adventures into the alleys should begin. Once in the pub, this trippa makes himself well aquainted with a pot of Vic and a glass-o-scotch. This helps to set my mood..Scotch & Bitter. Time to mingle, talk shit and size up the opposition. More cats roll up, more beers are sunk and big Ben captures all those moments with his telescopic lens. Then Petrushka mumbles something and the commotion begins. -- -The cats are mounting their steeds- Then Petrushka mumbles something else about the race starting somewhere, in that direction, up the road somewhere vague, very vague.
The mob of freaks gather, and when I think of all the people Iım intimidated of racing, theyıre all there. Time to register, give my cash (a measly $5) and details to the pussywoman and in return I get issued a number and the magic Iım a Dog Tagsı with da facts. (The tag gives you your checkpoints and a series of items you must collect on the way. This is followed by a quick scrumage through the pockets to see what youıve got and time to think where to get what).
With nerves jostling we line up at the start. Petrushka mumbles something and weıre off. BACK TO ATTACK THA ALLEYS!!!
For this cat when the adrenaline kicks in, it washes over me and sinks in from behind my eyeballs until I have total clear focus. Rushing like a madman and back on the streets again, loveınıit. I need to give myself a quick mental check to remind myself I am mortal, that I donıt have the power to teleport through solid objects. I canıt let the excitement over-influence my better judgment, because if Iım too committed or miss time my gap, yeah then being hit by that car may just hurt. Donıt get me wrong, this adrenaline is a great thing, it gives me the power in the alleycats to do things I may not normally get to do. Like ride straight through malls or when I got to hit the stairs under Flinders st. station, full speed, pedestrians screaming and scattering. Maybe not the smartest thing in the world, but a hell of a lot of fun.
Strangely for me, I seem to lose all my other cats-within the first few blocks. Iım not sure if this is a good or a bad thing. I donıt mind the solo mission, but you canıt what type of pace is being set. But I do see the other cats out there on the road. I think it must look odd for pedestrians+spectators to see a herd of cats pour into that there establishment, raid some petty items and burn off again.
As you race from checkpoint to checkpoint, youıve always got to be on the lookout for your items, snatching shit where you find it (binıs are also the go). So with checkpoints complete (just love da Black fly stickers) and my pockets full of crap, itıs a mad dash for the finish line. Time to learn whether itıs glory or mediocrity. This catıs been lucky enough to have known both (Bloody Kosta). This catıs also been lucky enough to emerge out of the alleys with some cool cash. Iıve also been lucky enough to see anı do some cool things, like Matt thrashing around on his chopper, impersonating a gorilla, recite poetry on a camera, buy a stubbie from the carlton inn, scull a free pot at the public bar, and see Fuzzy Dave collapse on da 140 Willy stairs. All this plus the chance to burn around on my bike and terrorize the city all in very good fun.
There are also some prizes to be won. Good prizes too. Thanks should be given to all the sponsors and supporters. Thanks also to Petranovich (Snake Charmer) for putting in a mighty fine effort. And to all the cats that want to have a go. Till the next time we meet in a dark alley. Love Dave (trippa).