Tuesday Night Ride this week we headed to “Comm Hill Jr.” Camden Hill. It’s hard to find hills to bomb but we know where to find them. We’ll mash down Meridian to make it to Park Station Hashery before they close for the night.
Thursday Night Social we will be doing the “social so nice, we’re doing it thrice” They seem to like us over at JTown Pizza so we’ll be heading back over to enjoy the pie, drinks and good times.
This Saturday we got a little weekend work ride called Hill-a-Ween and features the eastside hills of San Jose. We plan to finish around noon. Check the route and flier below.
The canopy was blue and clear and the few gentle clouds that came to see the pre-race soon left the scene. It was forecasted to be a 73° clear day in the 408. The Plaza at Cesar Chavez Park gives a clear view to watch as riders arrive from all compass directions. We showed up to pop up registration at 10:15 and riders were already on site ready to give morning greetings … and to size up the field. A few early riders were getting some laps either to warm up or get out the pre-race jitters. I decided not to ask so I’ll never know.
It had been about 4 years since there was an alleycat in San Jose. Riders still talk about the early days, or the iMINUSD era or even the last time we dropped a shirt 6 years ago. No one knew how this day was going to play out, who was going to show up and besides a couple of clues no one knew what to expect from the manifest. Nonetheless, 41 riders, about 15 volunteers, plenty of friends and family, and a few sponsors showed up to find out!
After a brief volunteer meeting, registration began. Arriving to the table were plenty of veteran alleycat riders, bike messengers and a slew of first-timers. We even sent a minor home to bring his father to sign the liability release. I didn’t know if he would come back, but he returned with parent and his dad supported him through the entire race, even up Comm Hill.
photo credit Miguel Ozuna Photography
Riders circled up to hear details about the manifest and told to pay attention to hear any of the curveballs that might be thrown by the race at high noon. I would tell them the checkpoints would be like a donut where the inner hole would close at 1:00 p.m. while the rest of the donut would remain open until 2:45 p.m. Riders routed on the smartphones, while others planned to follow the pack until they couldn’t anymore.
Riders were informed this race would begin with a rolling start, a couple of neutral laps around the park that would soon turn into an all out scramble for the nearest checkpoints. The laps had a wonderful calm to them. I think riders, especially the locals, were satisfied to enjoy this moment of solidarity with the track bike scene in San Jose, something familiar in these strange times.
I’ll let the riders and their Strava tell the race stories. At the finish line at about 1:45 elapsed time, 3 racers would arrive, 2 in tandem and 1 from a different direction. Javier, Eli and Patrick. Out of breath and ecstatic that race was over, their faces would turn to confusion and disgust when I announced a ninth checkpoint for the top 3. They were told to bring a skeleton from the nearby Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum that they could find laying at the center of the labyrinth. They rode off and after about 5 minutes Javier would return to claim the top spot. He would make it even before anyone else finished the race. Patrick shortly behind and Eli following him. The podium was set.
The rest of the racers would trickle in including Ray “PapiFixed”, a youngbuck from SJ and Rossi, president of SFBMA. Brandon, Joel, Isaac, Martin and Nam. More drinks, food, and race tales were shared as riders would arrive over the next hour or so.
The podium payout was $200 for 1st, $120 for 2nd and $80 for 3rd including being able to pick an item from the prize table. Prizes were distributed based on placing. There were so many prizes, even volunteers and DNF riders were able to take something home.
Mission: Since 2012, San Jose Bicycles has offered new bikes, parts and accessories, and repair service. Guaranteed satisfaction on all bicycle repair work! One block East of the Santa Clara Fairgrounds on Tully Road, and around the corner from Costco. We love to ride, just like you!
Why did you chose to support SJF?
We ride with SJFixed and have for years. We are always down to help out local cycle events. We have hosted SJFixed races and competed in them as well.
Thank you to San Jose Bicycles for for believing in what we do and sending us this generous kick off to our SJF Battle Cat Sponsorships. Battle Cat racers you are competing for any of these prizes donated by SJBikes to our cycling community:
2 Kali Helmets
2 Saddles
Cateye Lights
Pedals MKS, BMX, Origin 8
Bar Tape
Pake Straps
Water Bottle
San Jose Bicycles Shirts and Socks
Get your Battle Cat info and registration info here.
On Saturday October 24, 2020 San Jose Fixed Gear presents the Battle Cat 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.
Mission: Friendly casual neighborhood restaurant serving fresh, flavorful foods with excellent wines and hand selected craft beers – “A different kind of eatery for everyday life.” – Park Station Hashery
Why did you chose to support SJF?
Park Station Hashery believes in supporting the cycling community of San Jose.
Park Station Hashery is also known for their weekly TWO WHEEL TUESDAY that offers delectable sounds from local vinyl djs (two turntables=two wheels) and 2 for 1 beers for cycling patrons. It’s a local favorite end spot of Tuesday Night Rides mostly because of how welcoming their staff and Louis is to SJF.
Thank you to Louis Silva and Park Station Hashery and for for believing in what we do! Park Station Hashery is not only providing SJF with a venue to host our finish line and post race happenings but also providing racers with FOOD to make up for the calories spent during the 30 mile race. Other menu items and beer will be for sale.
Mission: Jacks Bar great neighborhood bar and local hangout. Enjoy a shot and a beer or a few cocktails. There isn’t a bad seat in the house to watch a game. Huge Soccer Bar – Official U.S. Soccer, American Outlaws, Earthquakes, and Gooners Supporters!
JTown Pizza is your neighborhood pizza joint with full bar, craft beer & wine, video games and 3 patios. Plus beer & wine to go!
Why did you chose to support SJF?
We decided to support the race because SJF has supported the Japantown businesses as well. They have made Jtown Pizza a pit stop to fuel up with food and drinks in between their routes. We are happy to provide a safe, clean environment and a spot to park their bikes. We enjoy having the crew stopping by and helping them quenching their thirst, whether it’s a beer, a shot or cocktail. And because Tanner is cool, duh!
Thank you to Jordan, Rina and Jack’s Bar and JTown Pizza for for believing in what we do! JTown Pizza and Jack’s are providing $100 towards T-Shirt Sponsorship AND 2 $50 Gift Cards for the their fine establishments!
Get your Battle Cat info and registration info here.
On Saturday October 24, 2020 San Jose Fixed Gear presents the Battle Cat 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.
I’m writing to you on behalf of a group of riders called San José Fixed Gear, founded 14 years ago by fixed gear riders who live, eat and breathe in the South Bay. We primarily ride bikes with a fixed gear, bikes with a drivetrain that have no free-wheel mechanism. The fixed-gear bicycle is the standard in track racing design. In short, these bikes are built to ride fast. In addition to track bikes, we are inclusive of all riders and bikes that can keep pace. We host events regularly that bring people together who love their bikes.
This year we will be hosting our first annual Battle Cat Alleycat Race. An Alley Cat race is an informal bicycle race that takes place in urban cities. The common format is for organizers to give the checkpoints/manifest 5–30 minutes before the start of the race. Routing is up to the rider and the winner is determined by route, speed, and bit of luck.
The thing that brings riders out the most is PRIZES and SWAG (stuff to take home). It creates hype, buzz, and gives riders another reason to be competitive and participate. In return, you’ll get exposure of your product/business to our group members and friends bringing you more business and good PR. It’s a win/win situation. We have locked in food for all competitors, other bike related prizes and racer registration will pay for the cash prize.
The reason why we are reaching out to you because the more riders we get, the more of an impact we can have on our community and the bigger the cash prize becomes. We plan to use the shirts as an incentive to get riders to pre-register for the event.
GOALS
We are hoping to design and print t-shirts and stickers for all the first 20 racers , supporters, workers, and volunteers who have helped make this competition happen. We intend to purchase 30 shirts to give to the participating riders and the volunteers that help work each of the checkpoints.
SPONSORSHIP DETAILS
To fund the full cost of printing 30 shirts & some stickers, we need to raise $500. On the front of the shirts will be the official BattleCat logo; on the back of the shirts we are selling “tiles” of ad space.
Each tile costs $50. Via Cash, Venmo or Paypal. (Card payments will be $51.75 to cover fees)
Once a sponsor has made the decision to purchase ad space, they will be required to send an email to tanner@sjfixed.org and include the desired existing logo/business image file as an attachment or downloadable link.
We accept cash or online payment and are open to business & individual sponsors alike.
Mission: Since 1876, Castelli has been the tailor for cycling champions. It’s single-minded obsession is to make the most innovative clothing for the cyclist seeking maximum performance.
Why did you chose to support SJF?
Castelli USA is dedicating a portion of it’s yearly budget to support local groups and events that help the community. We know that SJF is a group that helps cultivate young riders and teaches them bike etiquette and creates a welcoming and inclusive group of riders.
Thank you to Castelli Cycling for for believing in what we do and sending us this generous kick off to our SJF Battle Cat Sponsorships. Battle Cat racers you are competing for over $1000 in prizes from Castelli Cycling:
3 Premium Bibs
3 Jerseys
1 Jacket
6 Pair of Merino Socks
4 Cycling Caps
2 Baseball Hats
Get your Battle Cat info and registration info here.
On Saturday October 24, 2020 San Jose Fixed Gear presents the Battle Cat 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.
Tuesday Night Ride this week we will head to Los Gatos via a cool windy but fun route via Dry Creek Rd. It’s not well lit so please invest in some lights because rides will be later and darker. We’ll mash down Winchester to make it to Park Station Hashery before they close for the night. I’d like to mention that alleycat clues SJF BattleCat are lying in wait at these TNRs. Pay attention and you might pick up on something that may save you some minutes and miles.
Thursday Night Social we will be doing the “social so nice, we’re doing it twice” They seem to like us over at JTown Pizza so we’ll be heading back over to enjoy the pie, drinks and good times.
On Saturday October 24, 2020 San Jose Fixed Gear presents the Battle Cat 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.
This will be a traditional alleycat race with 78 checkpoints. 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 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.
Official Race T-Shirts will be provided to the first 30 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 cash prize and table prize for podium + each sequential finisher will be able to select one item from the prize table until we run out. Check out the Sponsor Feature blog posts for more info on the what, the who and the why :
Here are some mini-clips from this week’s rides. Plus I just opened a proper YouTube channel for all your sharing purposes. If you are interested in putting some edits together for SJFixed, drop tanner@sjixed.org a message. We’ll make it happen. Enjoy and come ride!
Tuesday Night Ride this week features two nice overlooks of the city. Yerba Buena is fun climb and descent and Fowler is like a long driveway with a nice view at the top. We will take Capitol Expressway back so please make sure you bring your lights! I’d like to mention that a few of these routes feature key bikeways for the upcoming alleycat SJF BattleCat. Pay attention and you might pick up on something that may save you some minutes and miles.
Thursday Night Social we will be chasing down a Food Truck of our choice. Make sure to bring lights and chill vibes. Ha. Last week was a good time so let’s keep them rolling.
sjfixed.org 