On Saturday September 11, 2021 San Jose Fixed Gear presents the 15th Anniversary Alleycat Race. Registration begins at 11am at the Plaza de César Chávez. Race begins at 12noon. Race ends at 3pm with prizes and raffle to follow. Fixed Gear/ Single Speed bikes only. $10 entry fee per 2-person team.
This will be a DOUBLES alleycat race where each team will consist of two riders. Checkpoint clues will be given on our IG page instagram.com/sanjosefixedgear in the days leading up to the event. Golden route will put you under 30 miles to finish. Race will finish at 3pm.
Finish line and post race happenings are T.B.A. (We might be getting a potluck together)
Please read the Anniversary Alleycat Waiver prior to registering. We will require a signature on the day of the event.
Prizes: There will be cash prize and table prizes for podium + each sequential finisher will be able to select one item from the prize table until we run out.
To set the scene, we had been checking the forecast several times throughout the day in the week leading up to the event. Even on that Saturday morning, we still had rain coming down until about 10:00 AM. Daily anxiety for sure, but in the end the skies cleared. It turns out the fixie gods wanted this event to go on, but not until the track on Swift Avenue was washed clean. The track was a 0.2 mile segment on a street that was sandwiched between cars speeding down Capitol Expressway and private planes taking off at Reid-Hillview Airport. We couldn’t have picked a better spot. We did however wish we were on the other side of this pandemic, but fortunately for us our cycling family values our community’s health. Just about everyone set a great example masking up and keeping distance from others. Someday we will be able to have a proper after party but today we kept our planning focus on the race and safety.
Sprints are a special thing because during an alleycat race or a Tuesday Night Ride or even weekend rides there are plenty of times where you look at the riders next to you and wonder where you stand on the totem pole of speed. Not that we are overly competitive, but it would be nice to know given the chance to properly measure how fast one is. Luckily 37 racers from all over the bay, a crew of volunteers, and a fantastic group of vendors and sponsors came together to find out.
Photo Credit Fweago Photo
Some came to a SuperBowl Sunday Sprints preview the week prior to ride the track and calculate where would be the most strategic spot to put the best effort forward. One of those at the preview was our champion but we’ll get to that later.
After randomizing our list of racers, we started a qualifying round that had 4 to 5 racers in each heat. We had 9 heats and two racers from each heat advanced to the tournament. 1st and 2nd from each heat were put on opposite sides of the bracket.
Photo Credit Fweago Photo
The tournament was fun to watch, especially our cool down races that gave our riders time to rest between races.
Photo Credit Fweago Photo
The Weed Race was a crowd favorite because it gave our attendees a chance to sidewalk slam a beer, hop on their bike and race to the finish line where they could take home some of Yabba Dabba Extracts crumble samples. Yabba Dabba Doo! The winner of that race was Daniel. We had a longest skid contest where Nam slowly and smoothly skidded to victory. The wheelie race was something I really wanted to see this one make it down to the end of the race but Noah Lee made short work of just being the only one to hold the wheelie.
Photo Credit Fweago Photo
The Women’s bracket was fielded by 3 of our favorite bay area street riders. This was the closest finish we had all day where Bibi nearly took it from Natalia at the finish line but Natalia was able to get across the line by half a wheel. We had to look at it a few times and it’s easily our favorite IG story to watch.
Photo Credit Fweago Photo
The Overall bracket came down to some great races with Kevin Nguyen (San Jose) vs. Rony Guzman (San Mateo) and Taj (Oakland) vs Javier (San Jose). Taj and Kevin would advance to the Finals. Ultimately, Taj would beast through his out of saddle sprint for the 5th time earning the Overall Category Championship.
Here’s a link to the bracket to see how it broke down.
Photo Credit Fweago Photo
Each Champion took home $50, SJF mask and a choice of 2 items from the table. Prizes were distributed based on placing. There were so many prizes all of those that entered walked home with something from the table.
We took the after gathering to Park Station Hashery for a chill meal to end the day over smiles and beers.
Place
Name
IG Handle
1
Taj Bradford
@otf_taj
2
Kevin Nguyen
@cancerousoranges
3
Rony Guzman
@dabarony_
4
Javier Tapia
@javesec
QuarterFinals
5th
Jared
5th
Wagner
@wagnersousa737
5th
Mike P
@mikeprestano
5th
Candelario
@wesydebones408
Knockout Round
9th
Jeremy
9th
Brandon T
9th
Prince
9th
Rocky
@onlycyclingfans
9th
Joel
@nevergetgot
9th
Brandon R
@b.ruthless
9th
Bong
@photo_224417.jpg
9th
Winford
9th
Daniel
9th
Aaron
Womens
Place
Name
IG Handle
1
Nataila Cortez
@nataliusca_
2
Bibi Enriquez
@bb.yayarea
3
Devon Foster
@dev0nf0ster
Weed Race
Place
Name
IG Handle
1
Daniel Smash
@deesmash_
Wheelie Race
Place
Name
IG Handle
1
Noah L
@noah.reee
Longest Skid
Place
Name
IG Handle
1
Naman
@namanhunter
Thank you again for coming out to support SJFixed events.
A big thank you goes out to our volunteers: Eli, Wagner, Mike P, JohnJohn, Mike, Tom, Kosal, Quincy, Devon, Martin, Drew and DeeMartez.
A huge thank you goes out to our sponsors San Jose Bicycles, Phil Wood and Co., Park Station Hashery, DELUXE Cycles, Bicycle Express, Retrogression, the Heavy Pedal, King Kog Oakland, Yabba Dabba Extracts, Palma Photography, Masks by @kosalflores, Tankshit Box Truck, AlleycatSewing, and @Nicorette666.
On Saturday October 29, 2022 San Jose Fixed Gear brings you the Battle Cat 3 alleycat race. This is our 3rd year putting this down … Registration is live ONLINE and can be found at the link below. In-person registration begins at 11am at the Plaza de César Chávez. $10 donation to SJF Operations.
Race begins at 12noon. Race ends at 3pm with prizes and raffle to follow.
Fixed Gear/ Single Speed bikes only. Mens & W/T/F Categories.
Finish line and post race happenings will be at Park Station Hashery (1701 Park Ave San Jose, Ca 95126) where food will be provided to all racers. Other menu items and wonderful beers on tap will be available for sale.
If you would like to be a vendor at our finish line, please reach out to tanner@sjfixed.org.
Official Race T-Shirts will be provided to the first 20 racers to pre-register. Please read the Battle Cat Waiver prior to registering. These will be filled out in person on the day of the event.
Prizes: There will be prizes for MENS and W/T/F podium + each sequential finisher will be able to select one item from the prize table until we run out. Check back here and the Sponsor Feature blog posts for more info on the what, the who and the why :
Castelli Cycling. Park Station Hashery. Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition. STYZPICS. Mike’s Bikes. SP2 Communal Bar and Restaurant. O’flaherty’s Irish Pub. 55 South. Dr. Funk. 5 Points.
As always, wear a helmet during the race. ALL riders must wear masks at registration and finish line areas to respect the health of our community.
On Saturday October 16, 2021 San Jose Fixed Gear brings you the Battle Cat 2 alleycat race. This is our second year throwing this race … here’s a look back at last years in this recap link. San Jose pulled together in a big way during the pandemic and we want that cycling vibe back again as we host folks from all over the bay area and beyond. Registration is live ONLINE and can be found at the link below. In-person registration begins at 11am at the Plaza de César Chávez. $10 donation to SJF Operations.
Race begins at 12noon. Race ends at 3pm with prizes and raffle to follow.
Fixed Gear/ Single Speed bikes only. Mens & W/T/F Categories.
Finish line and post race happenings will be at Park Station Hashery (1701 Park Ave San Jose, Ca 95126) where food will be provided to all racers. Other menu items and wonderful beers on tap will be available for sale.
If you would like to be a vendor at our finish line, please reach out to tanner@sjfixed.org.
Official Race T-Shirts will be provided to the first 20 racers to pre-register. Please read the Battle Cat Waiver prior to registering. These will be filled out in person on the day of the event.
Prizes: There will be prizes for MENS and W/T/F podium + each sequential finisher will be able to select one item from the prize table until we run out. Check back here and the Sponsor Feature blog posts for more info on the what, the who and the why :
Castelli Cycling. Park Station Hashery. Deluxe Cycles. San Jose Bicycles. Jacks Bar & JTown Pizza
As always, wear a helmet during the race. ALL riders must wear masks at registration and finish line areas to respect the health of our community.
To celebrate 15 years of SJF we collaborated with local San Jose painter/artist/designer j.duh to create a simple but striking design to represent our fixed gear family. j.duh has been around since the early days of SJF and is stoked to see this community still thriving 15 years later. Go check out his website and also enjoy some of his works below.
Whether you were on OG from the way back or a newcomer fresh to to the locked cog, this shirt will definitely get you in the vibe.
ALL shirts will be printed using REFLECTIVE INK so that you will be visible while riding at night.
We picked a dope long-lasting shirt from to make sure that it lasts you through ALL the riding you will be doing.
Shirt description: Relaxed fit, Crew neck, Heavy weight, 6.5 oz/yd2, 22-singles 100% combed cotton (heathers 15% viscose) Neck ribbing, side seamed, shoulder to shoulder tape, double needle hems, preshrunk to minimize shrinkage
Shirts will be released at an event later in April for local pickup. Shipping costs are $5.00 per shirt.
What makes alleycats special is they are a bigger representation of what it’s like to ride a track bike in the moment. You have a general direction, forward, but so much depends on your ability to read and react and make split-second decisions deciding your fate or in this case the order you finish in. Riders zig-zagged across the downtown grid in search of San Jose legends; Babe the Muffler Man, Dollar Dan, Stephen’s’ Dancing Pig, the Neon Theater in Willow Glen, the elusive OSH Arrow and a final adult toys sign down San Carlos that asks the simple question “why not?”.
Photo Credit Dan Salcedo
As our city landscape changes, we have these landmarks to remind us of who we are and where we came from. Orchard Supply Hardware went out of business not too long ago, but it’s enduring green and red neon reminds us that this valley was once covered in beautiful orchards. The park we gather at weekly for rides is itself a landmark named after a hometown hero that stood for farmworkers’ rights. Even though we are in the middle of a pandemic the Garden theater sign recalls a time when families would gather at the cinema when Willow Glen was not a part of San Jose and a thriving community on its own. Even the Y NOT sign takes us back to when the Bascom Avenue area was also booming and had a night life all of its own. Take the time to appreciate these signs and you will appreciate a little bit more the part that you have to play in San Jose’s history. If you want to live here, have your kids grow here it’s important to have a bit of perspective. Western Appliance, Stephen’s Meats, Dollar Dan … all businesses that have faded but their influence is remembered. You’ll be thankful for how far we’ve come and remember that those that pioneered this area were creative, innovative and making big moves in the world. A trend that would pave the way for San Jose becoming the capital of Silicon Valley. I thought it’d be a great idea for a theme for this race. It brought riders 15 yrs old to 50 yrs young out to have some fun on a Thursday night.
Photo Credit Dan SalcedoPhoto Credit Dan Salcedo
The sun began its journey west as riders arrived at the Chavez Park registration table. In the distance skaters and FGFS kids were ripping the plaza. The usual pre-game beer banter and track bikes spinning Fish ‘n’ Chips over the fountainheads made this meetup all too familiar. Yet today would be different. It was fitting that as competitors arrived the lights began to flicker and wake up signaling that nightfall was near. It set the scene for this high adrenaline tour showcasing a few of San Jose’s most historical signs. It’s showtime. The 6 stop manifests were handed out around 6:30 giving the 27 riders a blink of a moment to strategize their route plans.
Photo Credit Dan SalcedoPhoto Credit Dan SalcedoPhoto Credit Dan SalcedoPhoto Credit Dan SalcedoPhoto Credit Dan Salcedo
When I put these stops together I wanted to make sure it could be completed in 90 mins. I didn’t imagine it would end victoriously for one rider in 36. Even though it was a short race, so much happens in the span of an hour that we end up trading tales over beers in the next months of routing mishaps, close encounters with automobiles, inevitable mechanical malfunctions. It’s my favorite part. That feeling of “we did it”, but also curious to know “how” it was done. It’s the time spent unraveling each riders story and how they make the leaderboard come alive.
Photo Credit Dan SalcedoPhoto Credit Dan SalcedoPhoto Credit Dan Salcedo
Quincy took the top spot coming in a whole 2 minutes before the next rider displaying that he not only had the legs but the golden route to get it done on his own. Coming in hot in a pink kit at number two (and cursing one routing mistake that probably cost him the race) was an SJF OG Maurice who made the trip down from SF. He still got it. Ray aka “papifixed” zoomed in at number 3 finally silencing the haters. This young buck is indeed fast when it matters most. Johnny and Kevin, a dynamic duo were seconds behind in tow taking 4 and 5. I love that these dudes don’t always make it to TNRs but definitely put in the weekend work on the track bikes to take 2 spots in the top 5. The rest of the field would trickle in over the next few minutes but the top 5 definitely plenty in the tank to finish this zig zag sprint in quick time, some barely breaking a sweat!
The PODIUM Photo Credit Dan SalcedoThe Race Results and time in / Race Started at 6:30 pm
The prize haul was composed of some very special pins from the Preservation Action Council of San Jose and some unique San Jose neighborhood stickers by DJ TooTall. Other prizes were from San Jose shops Bicycle Express, San Jose Bicycles, Phil Wood and Co. and restaurant Park Station Hashery, that offered 15% discount to all riders and volunteers. What can we say? We love our town. Other prizes included some dope shirts and cycling caps from DELUXE Cycles.
Photo Credit Dan Salcedo
A big thank you goes out to our volunteers: Brandon, Eli and Charise, Albert, Devon, Natalia, Jesus, Bong, Drew, Joe P., Peter and Abe. Without your help, these events wouldn’t be possible.
Photo Credit Dan Salcedo
A huge thank you goes out to our sponsors San Jose Bicycles, Park Station Hashery, DELUXE Cycles, Bicycle Express.
To our photographers Dan Salcedo and @fweago_photo for capturing this event on film, Thank YOU.
On Thursday March 11, 2021 San Jose Fixed Gear presents the Signs of the Times alleycat race. Registration begins at 6:00 at the Plaza de César Chávez. Race begins at 6:30 pm. Race ends at 8pm with prizes to follow. ALL bikes welcome! $5 entry fee.
This will be a traditional alleycat race with 5 checkpoints. Checkpoint clues will be given on our IG page instagram.com/sanjosefixedgear in the days leading up to the event and also at preservation.org. Golden route will put you under 12 miles to finish. Race will finish at 8pm.
Finish line and post race happenings will be at Park Station Hashery (1701 Park Ave San Jose, Ca 95126). Menu items and wonderful beers on tap will be available for sale.
Prizes: There will be collectible pins, gift cards and other local bike shop items for podium + each sequential finisher will be able to select one item from the prize table until we run out.
Location: Swift Ave in San Jose, Ca near Reid-Hillview Airport (Ride to the Race. If you come late do NOT try to park on Swift Ave)
Registration starts at 11:00 a.m. sharp.
It will be a tournament bracket style competition. There will be a qualifying round as well as a 3rd Place consolation bracket. After qualifying round, races will be 3 to 4 up with top 2 moving on.
MEN’s and WOMEN’s prizes:
Men’s and Women’s racers will be combined. Head to head races for Semi-Finals and Finals in both categories. Cash Prizes for both champions. Sponsor prizes for other winners.
Everyone is encouraged to participate … especially since it’s cheap friendly competition. Come on out, love your bike and have some good times with the fam.
ALL riders must wear masks at registration and finish line areas to respect the health of our community.
Tuesday Night Ride is going to get moved to Thursday since the rain is going to be coming down tomorrow. As much as rain rides are fun, it’s cold. I’d rather lead a rain ride when its not freezing. Until then, get a fender and get used to a commute before we start scheduling parking garage rides like we used to.
Thursday will be a short SJC Airport Loop and then will connect to our social night at Camino Brewing. Their patio is actually the historic backyard of Faber’s Cyclery. They have different food vendors throughout the week and Thursday they will have some bomb Quesa Birria. Come get down with the get down!
This Sunday weekend work is back. We’re connecting with Phixed Kings Expedition to ride San Jose to Oakland. The plan is to meet at the Berryessa BART station at 9:45 and ride at 10:30 AM. After being in Oakland for a little while we will take the BART back and the ticket is about $8.50 for the ride home. Come out and join us!
sjfixed.org 