The last race of the S.F. Alley Cat Challenge, Biketoberfest, was Saturday, October 27. 13 riders participated in a race that would take them thru such far flung parts of the City as the Mission, the Excelsior, the Sunset and finally to Golden Gate Park. There were only 6 check points, easy enough. But three of the check point required items to be aquired in route; a bottle/can of Germain beer to drink with their sausage and sourkraut on Munich Street, a custome (fangs, horns, a mask, or the like) for trick or treating at Becky's, and a pumpkin to decorate on Taraval. Plus they had to aquire a fortune at Musee Mechanque, bob for apples at Rev. Jim's and have donuts and cider at Stow Lake.
Once again we saw the same fimilar faces cross the finish line in an order that has become the norm through out this Alley Cat season. Super Mike proved that he truely is a master of speed and quickness of thought, beating out a determine Godspeed colleague, Brandon, for first overall. Had it not been his willness to resort to pure thievry, a more honest Brandon may had won his first alley Cat. But the victory was Super Mike's, his 4th of the Challenge, and in the process wrapping up Grand Champion of the Alley Cat Challenge with a commanding 21 points. That left a an intense race for 3rd overall, where Richie capture not only that but also the crown for 1st fixie and 1st runner up of the Alley Cat Challenge, leaving a tired but not dispirited John Z. for 4th place in the race and a 2nd runner up in the Challenge. Special prizes were awarded also to Richie for best decorated pumkin and Justin for largest pumpkin. Lance, riding the race on his high-wheeler, captured the prize for most creative forgery of a manifest. While last and surely least Bryce hobbled across the finish line to capture DFL.
Super Mike, Richie and John Z. all recieved specially made hoodies and trophies for the placing in the Alley Cat Challenge, as well as gift certificates from the Sport Basement. Congradulations to all three.
Special thanks to all members of Team Biketoberfest; Becky, Celest, Megan, Dave, Chalkhead, Rev. Jim and of course co-organizer Nice Tim. Thanks also to Danny Boy for designing the Gravy Cat, the offical logo of the S.F. Alley Cat Challenge, to Chris Hsiang granting use of the Gravy Dog image, and Mike Richie for creating the hoodies, and all of those who put on a race as part of the Challenge. We had 75 racers participate in 8 distinct races. A lot of sweat was produce, beer was drank and good times were had. Complete results of all races are now final. Hope you all see your names somewhere on the list and that you get out and race again in the future. Ciao-B.
back to the main alleycat page