TOUR DE POLLO ALLEYCAT : RECAP

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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.

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.

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.

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