Rat Race: Cape Town Alley Cat
The fourth instalment of Rat Race is here! A celebration of Alley Cat races in the Mother City.
So what is an Alley Cat? In the late 80s and early 90s bicycle couriers were a huge part of the infrastructure of cities all over the world. Lacking internet and other technologies, the delivery of documents and packages in congested cities could be a challenge. This is where messengers/couriers come in. Cyclists were able to squeeze between cars, people and narrow alleys to get packages to their destinations with incredible speed and agility. An underground culture was born, a community full of outcasts and rebels, and when they couldn’t find a niche, they made one.
Unfortunately, with the advance in technology, the need for bicycle couriers has faded over the years. What we are left with are Alley Cats.
An Alley Cat is a bicycle race, originally started to pit courier against courier in an urban sprawl of what resembles some kind of scavenger hunt. The aim is to find out who can navigate the city the most efficiently and the fastest. Ten to fifteen “checkpoints” are set up across the city, riders are usually given a “manifesto” just as the race starts, which has the checkpoints on it (riders are unaware of where they are going before this). It then turns into a mad dash as each rider attempts to find the best routes to the checkpoints and back to the finish line. Roads are not closed, no course is set. It is not only a test of stamina and strength but also how well you know your own city.
Although historically these races are usually for Fixed Gear riders (bikes which have no gears, no brakes and cannot coast), Rat Race wants everyone to be able to participate. As long as it’s peddle power, it’s welcome!
Rat Race is a celebration of urban cycling and should be treated as such, while people are welcome and encouraged to race, they are also welcome to take it easy and ride for fun. Not everyone wants to be gasping for air at the finish line. There are few things you can do with your clothes on that causes this much joy and excitement. So bring a bike, bring a friend, bring your best legs and let’s race!
In anticipation of this Cape Town-based Alley Cat race, we caught up with the man who "likes to race bicycles in the city" and the mind behind Rat Race, Kai Pringle.
SL: When and how did Alley Cats start?
KP: Alley Cats have been a huge part of fixed gear history, they were started in the early 90s as a way of pitting bicycle couriers against each other in an urban race format. We are just paying homage to those who came before us. The idea to do one in CT came about in October of last year though. I had met some rad guys from Ireland who were involved in some races over there. After a few rides along the coast and even more beers we hatched a hairbrained idea to start the first Rat Race. It went pretty well and we’ve kept them going every now and then, think we’re on our 4th race now!
SL: Why did you feel there was a need for a race like this?
KP: I’m not too sure if anyone “needs” to race around a bustling lil city on a bicycle, and I don’t even know if I’d advise it hahaha but it has some undeniable character and a certain thrill aspect to it. There’s nothing else like it happening around the city and I thought that was a pity. I think it’s also just rad to have a race that is free from the pressure of a larger more formal setting, it’s more of an excuse to hang out with like-minded souls and geek out over bikes.
SL: Is there any song you listen to or ritual you do to keep you hyped before a race?
KP: Honestly I just try to relax. I’m about to willingly put myself on a small metal machine without any brakes and attempt to race through traffic, it helps to be calm. Mistakes can be deadly.
SL: What do you feel is special about bringing people together through this type of race as opposed to a typical cycling race?
KP: I think cycle races can be rather intimidating and inaccessible for some, the swathes of lycra and spandex, R20000 helmets bobbing up and down on hairless humans and the thought of the daunting distance you’re about to attempt. We aren’t professionals, hell most of us are far from athletes and I think that takes the pressure off. We’re all a little strange, I think you have to be, and I feel we recognise that in each other. It’s a space free from judgment and expectations, you can ride weird bikes, ride as fast or as slow as you want and just enjoy it.
SL: What do you think makes the best checkpoints?
KP: They could be absolutely anything which keeps you on your toes but we tend to try use monuments, or cultural locations. You don’t want them to be too obvious though, gotta keep them guessing!
SL: What similar types of races do you look to for inspiration globally?
KP: There are some absolutely insane Alley Cats in New York that have been running for years. Monstertrack is definitely one of them and so is Track Or Die which happens in Mexico. I’d suggest having a look at some footage on YouTube of them before the race. Incredibly thrilling.
SL: What is significant about Alley Cat happening in a city like Cape Town?
KP: There just isn’t anything else like it. We’ve had a few Alley Cats over the years but nothing consistent. Mother Amateur Cycling Club host some amazing little races too but there aren’t many opportunities to race an Alley Cat or even race a Fixed Gear bike. It allows us to push each other in a setting we don’t usually have.
SL: What is different about the event this time around compared to previous year(s)?
KP: I think we are going to kick it up a notch with the amount of people entering, we’re a small race but seem to be gleaming more and more mainstream attention. Which we are excited for, of course, the more the merrier!
SL: What are unexpected challenges that riders should look out for?
KP: Cars. Hahaha. We are racing in the streets, roads aren’t closed and the margin for error is small. Trying to navigate to and from your checkpoints while keeping an eye on the road ahead is always a challenge, but I guess that’s the whole point.
SL: Why do you think this race is important in the communities we occupy?
KP: We need something to bring the fringe cyclists together. Commuters are often overlooked and under-appreciated. Navigating city streets on a bike can be difficult at times and much respect is due. A race like this allows people to showcase their abilities in a manner they aren’t usually able to. Dodging traffic is its own cycling discipline. At the end of the day, I think it’s making cycling cool again and we want more people interested and more people on bicycles.
SL: What do you hope participants take away from the experience?
KP: Hopefully all their skin and an experience not easily forgotten.
SL: Any tips for race day?
KP: Rock up early, socialise and try quell your nerves. Make sure you’ve got some cell data and know how to use your maps efficiently. Don’t take yourself too seriously, I promise that none of us are.
SL: What are you most looking forward to about the race?
KP: Super excited to see all the usual suspects and hopefully plenty new faces. Keen to find out who will podium for the Fixed Gear category as it’s been pretty dominated by the same few cats. Want to see them sing for their supper haha.
Rat Race takes place on 3rd of September 2023! Start and end point at Rook Cycles (173 Bree Str, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town).
Register via @cpt_rat_race DM's or register at Rook Cycles on race day from 3:30pm!
Photos by Jack Black Beer