www.dublinmessengers.org

just to let anyone that might care know, I've been tinkering and you can now access this site through www.dublinmessengers.org. Yay!

Global Global Gutz Results

Here we are... scroll down to find yourself. 16th is the best Dublin time. i don't know what we have to do, but we have to completely re-think the nature of the course if we want to start posting quicker times. Seems we're stuck in a rut...
Congratualtions to all the racers.

1 Jens Reinert Hamburg 0:30:59

2 Daniel Hamburg 0:31:00

3 Irek G Warsaw 0:31:21

4 Mrówa Warsaw 0:32:15

5 Bandit Warsaw 0:32:19

6 Prettyboy Sydney 0:32:39

7 Doddy Sydney 0:33:24

8 Big Rob Sydney 0:33:45

9 Simon Lieberg Bremen 0:33:52

10 Alexander Drögmöller Bremen 0:33:52

11 Georg Hasselmann Bremen 0:33:52

12 Daniel Heisler Bremen 0:33:52

13 Ralph New York 0:35:14

14 Andrew New York 0:35:35

15 Matt Brisbane 0:35:38

16 Kropa Dublin 0:35:46

17 Lizard Dublin 0:35:47

18 Piki Warsaw 0:35:50

19 Maciek Warsaw 0:35:50

20 Daz Dublin 0:35:52

21 Sean Dublin 0:35:52

22 Tomas Warsaw 0:35:59

23 Janek Warsaw 0:36:11

24 Mlynek Warsaw 0:36:12

25 J.T New York 0:36:27

26 Crihs New York 0:36:30

27 Jacobs Boston 0:36:50

28 Someone New York 0:36:50

29 Frankie Nun, el Divino Santiago 0:36:56

30 Croth Boston 0:37:10

31 Olli Hyytiainan Winnipeg 0:37:11

32 Miler Warsaw 0:37:19

33 Mark Leoppky Winnipeg 0:37:36

34 Karl Brisbane 0:37:47

35 Jim Kuz Toronto 0:37:54

36 Pornosteve Zurich 0:37:55

37 Martin Larsen Toronto 0:37:59

38 Cris Cali New York 0:38:00

39 Samwise Sydney 0:38:03

40 Pinky Gaab Santiago 0:38:15

41 Will Melbourne 0:38:20

42 Mex Sydney 0:38:26

43 Link New York 0:38:33

44 Yatika New York 0:38:39

45 Eric Slowski Boston 0:38:50

46 Jorge Abarca Santiago 0:39:06

47 Glenn Macaulay Winnipeg 0:39:26

48 Benjamin Bloomfield Winnipeg 0:39:26

49 Jamie Vrooman Winnipeg 0:39:26

50 Jeff Kidder San Diego 0:39:30

51 Ernesto San Diego 0:39:31

52 Andino "guaraná" Reyes Santiago 0:39:32

53 Bryan F. San Diego 0:39:32

54 Vince Zurich 0:39:42

55 Steve Dublin 0:40:05

56 Emerson San Diego 0:40:08

57 Mario "velocity" Boldoy Santiago 0:40:16

58 Dave Brisbane 0:40:30

59 Ed Dublin 0:40:34

60 Lucasz Dublin 0:40:36

61 Aryeh Smith Toronto 0:40:38

62 Carlee (First female)

Toronto 0:40:42

63 Andy McGillioray Toronto 0:40:44

64 Pete Rubi Boston 0:40:49

65 Gary Bolivar Boston 0:40:50

66 Brendan Shea Boston 0:40:51

67 Beardo Boston 0:40:52

68 Simon Brisbane 0:41:00

69 Bidu Zurich 0:41:23

70 El Comelon Zurich 0:41:30

71 Nathan Brisbane 0:41:30

72 Paul Brisbane 0:41:55

73 Kevin Dublin 0:42:00

74 Jordan Field Toronto 0:42:01

75 Rob Zurich 0:42:06

76 Kerr Dublin 0:42:09

77 Ale Verdugo Santiago 0:42:12

78 Doctor Brisbane 0:42:19

79 Sam Brisbane 0:42:20

80 Noal Brisbane 0:42:21

81 Tom Brisbane 0:42:22

82 Damian Brisbane 0:42:22

83 Pete Sydney 0:42:23

84 Rangi Sydney 0:42:25

85 John Melbourne 0:42:34

86 Dan Melbourne 0:42:36

87 Josh Melbourne 0:42:39

88 Pete Brewer Toronto 0:42:46

89 Pascal Zurich 0:42:47

90 Cameron Hildebrandt Toronto 0:42:48

91 Tim Kassel 0:43:01

92 Ania Warsaw 0:43:02

93 Michel Santiago 0:43:04

94 Tobias Kassel 0:43:07

95 Bob Sutton Toronto 0:43:14

96 Jano "michelado" Montano Santiago 0:43:18

97 Matius Santiago 0:43:36

98 Steveiator Melbourne 0:43:40

99 Pablo Santiago 0:43:48

100 Johannes Zurich 0:43:48

101 Cordones Flojos Santiago 0:43:50

102 Steve Melbourne 0:43:51

103 Sewin on fire Santiago 0:43:52

104 Liam Melbourne 0:44:00

105 Jessie D Toronto 0:44:06

106 Kyle New York 0:44:08

107 Trek slick Santiago 0:44:08

108 Pip Melbourne 0:44:23

109 Udo Dada Santiago 0:45:14

110 Brett Brisbane 0:45:17

111 Britlee New York 0:45:25

112 Quintrileo Santiago 0:45:28

113 Casco Giro MSN Santiago 0:45:29

114 Dan Brisbane 0:45:38

115 Jaime Santiago 0:45:40

116 Bado Sydney 0:45:42

117 Niall Dublin 0:45:56

118 Pete Brisbane 0:45:58

119 Stefan Kassel 0:46:08

120 Marty Kassel 0:46:11

121 Sebi Kassel 0:46:12

122 Zeb Sydney 0:47:08

123 El-Jeffe San Diego 0:47:15

124 Stan G. San Diego 0:47:16

125 Dennis-Johnycrash-Tha Mennice Frankfurt 0:47:18

126 Moritz Mindnmatter Frankfurt 0:47:23

127 Mace Brisbane 0:47:27

128 Paragon Sydney 0:47:33

129 Natalie Dublin 0:47:46

130 Chris Dublin 0:47:46

131 Tom2 Brisbane 0:48:00

132 Chris Streetfighta Frankfurt 0:48:13

133 riley Adelaide 0:48:22

134 Sketchy Rick San Diego 0:48:41

135 Mattallica San Diego 0:48:42

136 dannoz Adelaide 0:49:00

137 Chris Dinsmore Norfolk 0:49:03

138 Rastas Santiago 0:49:08

139 Mayobike Santiago 0:49:12

140 msn lentes Santiago 0:49:13

141 Rene-Schwanenflug Frankfurt 0:49:36

142 Dennis Cologne 0:50:09

143 Rupe Cologne 0:50:12

144 Fabián Santiago 0:50:16

145 short amarillo Santiago 0:50:18

146 Andy Brisbane 0:50:20

147 James Brisbane 0:50:21

148 Carolina Santiago 0:50:28

149 Negro "fantasma" Pablo Santiago 0:50:44

150 Michelle Dublin 0:50:55

151 Lawrence Santiago 0:52:12

152 PPVaz Santiago 0:52:30

153 Wes Cheney Norfolk 0:53:21

154 PedroXT Santiago 0:53:30

155 Nata de Leche Santiago 0:53:34

156 Anette Zurich 0:53:48

157 Osita Santiago 0:53:58

158 Robert Kurtz Norfolk 0:54:01

159 JotaPé Santiago 0:54:58

160 Aaron Brisbane 0:55:39

161 C.J. Brisbane 0:55:41

162 Juan Madrid 0:55:42

163 Federico Madrid 0:55:45

164 Anja Cologne 0:55:54

165 Coco Madrid 0:56:02

166 Marcel Essen 0:56:49

167 Noah San Diego 0:56:50

168 Tim Essen 0:56:51

169 Guillermo Madrid 0:56:56

170 Jochen Essen 0:57:25

171 Alvaro Madrid 0:58:21

172 David Madrid 0:58:23

173 Lars Kassel 0:58:58

174 David Buchta Norfolk 0:59:36

175 Laura Caughey San Diego 0:59:57

176 Albano Madrid 1:00:00

177 Aitor Madrid 1:00:00

178 Elise Melbourne 1:01:48

179 Alberto Madrid 1:02:00

180 Andre Cologne 1:04:31

181 J. Jitensha Norfolk 1:05:28

182 Dirk Essen 1:05:59

183 Philipp Essen 1:06:20

184 Martin Essen 1:07:27

185 Henry Essen 1:07:36

186 Markus Essen 1:07:39

187 Sarah Melbourne 1:09:06

188 Clara Madrid 1:10:00

189 Rafa Madrid 1:10:00

190 bowie fist Adelaide 1:10:00

191 big mick fist Adelaide 1:10:00

192 antoin fist Adelaide 1:10:00

193 Edu Cologne 1:33:31

194 Jane Zurich 1:50:13

195 Denis Zurich 1:53:07

196 Chrisiaan Zurich 1:54:43

197 Mats Zurich 1:54:53

Janka Cologne DNF

Gaku Cologne DNF

Uula Cologne DNF

Hans Cologne DNF

Eik Cologne DNF

ErasMostro Santiago DNF

Xerófito Santiago DNF

NN Santiago DNF

NN Santiago DNF

Mattias Zurich DNF

Marc Zurich DNF

Tobias Pohl Bremen DNF

Clint Sydney DNF

Paul Sydney DNF

Rocco Dublin DNF

Tim Dublin DNF

Gary Dublin DNF

Tomkow Essen DNF

Jepp Essen DNF

Oliver Essen DNF

Alex Heimkind Hamburg DNF

Alf Tejaoa San Diego DQ

Global Gutz Results

16 racers, 21 kilometres, some beer.
1: Kropa (and 1st fixed): 35:46
2: Lizard: 35.47
3: Daz: 35.52.2
4: Sean 35.52.8
5: Steve: 40.05
6: Ed: 40.34
7: Lucasz: 40.36
8: Kevin: 42.00
9: Kerr: 42.09
10: Niall: 45.56
11:Natalie (1st female): 47.46
12: Chris: 47.46
13: Michelle: 50.55
dnf: Rocco
dnf: Tim
dnf: Gary

And here is the course: http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=1803514

Check the global Gutz website here over the next few days to see how you fared on the worldwide scale.

Thanks to everyone who came out to race, and everyone that helped out.

Track season/ polo season

With the evenings lengthening and the weather trying to warm up, fair weather cyclists are once again brushing off the cobwebs and lubing their bits for the season ahead... what that entails is that the call has gone out from the Track Federation and the Irish National Bike Polo Squad of Death.

They are both commencing their two wheeled festivities soon and would like the messengers of Dublin to get off their collective lazy asses and boost the numbers. Both activities are great, I highly reccommend trying them, proper track racing is hardcore and will show you up for the weakling you are, while grass bike polo with the pros will have you spinning your legs at a frantic pace and getting knocked around a field by large men with sticks.

Seriously though, they are both great pursuits and a welcome change from slogging around the city all day. Both groups of people, while having very different cycling habits, are friendly, enthusiastic, and are two of the only groups of people in Dublin that actually respect us! Chapeau!

Here be the details for the track:
From Hugh Byrne:
"This years Track Season opens with a training day for accredited riders on Saturday 3rd May. Sign on /bike hire etc from 10.30 but session starts at 11am sharp. Our Track League then starts on the following Wednesday evening and this is open to accredited track riders only. Sign on & bike hire/set up from 1830 but racing starts at 7pm. No accreditations on Wednesdays and Full Racing or Restricted Competition (Track) Licence is required for racing."
Full details can be found here.

As for the polo, Evan, who organises the affair, has in formed me that they will be meeting Thursday evenings. They also play on Sunday mornings, but we've never been good at that have we? They generally play from around 7 until the sun goes down. All you need to bring is yourself. They have proper grass polo bikes, wich are a lot of fun to ride, and they supply mallets as well. These guys often travel to international competitions and all are encoursged to join them. Remember bike polo was started in Ireland many moons ago, and has been played on the horsey polo grounds in Phoenix Park for a long time. Give me a shout if any of you fancy going up next week after work. We can grab something to eat and cruise on up as a group.
Bray seafront, 1908

Global Gutz details

Ahoy hoy...
So Global Gutz is this Saturday. We've decided to go for the 1pm start as we guess noone really wants to race at 9pm on Sunday...

I've to ride the course today to confirm the distance, but be prepared for 21k.

We've no prizes really, but hey, fuck prizes right? €5 entry, winner takes the pot, and is in with a chance of winning return flights to Toronto for this years CMWC.

This is not your average alleycat remember. For one, the course is designed to be simple, straight and as fast as possible, for once the race designer is not trying to make you cry. You are not just racing for yourself, but for your city. We all want Dublin to be well up there when the global results are posted. To this end it makes sense to work together as much as possible. Sprint at the end if you have the legs. I'm guessing this might be one reason some other cities do so well. Racing together will give everyone a better overall time... and I have a devilish finish in mind that will make for a great sprint finish if we have a bunch coming in together...

I hope to get off my ass and have flyers circulating this afternoon, Thursday at the latest.

Also, it is Kropas (Polish Chris) last day in Ireland on Saturday, so even if you're not coming out to race, perish the thought, please come and hang out. We're going to attempt to play polo afterwards, and of course go for a few beers, so come and join us.

Start place is Merrion Square East, inside the park. Be there AT THE LATEST 12.30pm for registration. Race begins at 1pm SHARP!!! No exceptions. One of the great things about this race is that we will be riding at the same time as people all over the world.

See you there.

Planning for Pedals

25 has just informed me that there is a lecture taking place in Trinity College on May 15th. It's the Dublin Cycling Campaign's annual lecture and is free of charge. The talk will be given by Dr. John Parkin and will encompass a wide range of topics encompassing the question 'what factors affect bicycle use?'.

Sounds like it might be worth a look in.
more details available here.

10 Commandments for Motorists

I missed this when it was reported last year, but Dave Moulton brought it back to my attention as I was scanning his blog. Interesting article from the summer of last year:

International Heral Tribune, 19th June 2007.

VATICAN CITY: The Vatican on Tuesday issued a set of the "Drivers' Ten Commandments," telling motorists to be charitable to others on the highways, to refrain from drinking and driving, and to pray you make it before you even buckle up.

An unusual document from the Vatican's office for migrants and itinerant people also warned that automobiles can be "an occasion of sin" - particularly when they are used for dangerous passing or for prostitution.

It warned about the effects of road rage, saying driving can bring out "primitive" behavior in motorists, including "impoliteness, rude gestures, cursing, blasphemy, loss of sense of responsibility or deliberate infringement of the highway code."

It urged motorists to obey traffic regulations, drive with a moral sense and to pray when behind the wheel.

Cardinal Renato Martino, who heads the office, said at a news conference that the Vatican felt it necessary to address the pastoral needs of motorists because driving had become such a big part of contemporary life.

He noted that the Bible was full of people on the move, including Mary and Joseph, the parents of Jesus - and that his office was responsible for dealing with all "itinerant" people - from refugees to prostitutes, truck drivers to the homeless.

"We know that as a consequence of transgressions and negligence, 1.2 million people die each year on the roads," Martino said. "That's a sad reality, and at the same time, a great challenge for society and the church."

The document, "Guidelines for the Pastoral Care of the Road," extols the benefits of driving - family outings, getting the sick to the hospital, allowing people to see other cultures.

But it laments a host of ills associated with automobiles: Drivers use their cars to show off; driving "provides an easy opportunity to dominate others" by speeding; drivers can kill themselves and others if they do not get their cars regular tuneups, if they drink, use drugs or fall asleep at the wheel.

The document calls for drivers to obey speed limits and to exercise a host of Christian virtues: charity to fellow drivers, prudence on the roads, hope of arriving safely and justice in the event of crashes.

And it suggests prayer might come in handy - performing the sign of the cross before starting off and saying the Rosary along the way. The Rosary was particularly well-suited to recitation by all in the car since its "rhythm and gentle repetition does not distract the driver's attention."

The document is intended for bishops conferences around the world, and as such offered recommendations for their pastoral workers.

The "Drivers' Ten Commandments" as listed by the document are:

1. You shall not kill.

2. The road shall be for you a means of communion between people and not of mortal harm.

3. Courtesy, uprightness and prudence will help you deal with unforeseen events.

4. Be charitable and help your neighbor in need, especially victims of accidents.

5. Cars shall not be for you an expression of power and domination, and an occasion of sin.

6. Charitably convince the young and not so young not to drive when they are not in a fitting condition to do so.

7. Support the families of accident victims.

8. Bring guilty motorists and their victims together, at the appropriate time, so that they can undergo the liberating experience of forgiveness.

9. On the road, protect the more vulnerable party.

10. Feel responsible toward others.

Belated Paddy's Day Massacre results

Better late than never...

Fri. Night/Rubber Side Down alleycat:
1st: Rocco
2nd: Ed
3rd: Oisin

Sprints:
Rob

Skids:
Rob

Backward Circles:
Daz (30 circles, probably an Irish record)

Trackstands:
Rob

Footdown:
Daz

Sunday alleycat:
1st: Ed and Eoin
3rd: Kropa

1st female: Lola... the only female entrant in any event over the weekend, what's up with that???

Overall Massacre winner: Aaron. He competed in every event, and was technically our only out-of-towner, chapeau!

Big thanks go out to everyone that organised a race, or a party, or helped put in any way, you know who you are. Thanks to all the racers, it would be nothing without you after all. Thanks to Cuan for bringing us loads of schwag from Toronto to give away, Kate for making those awesome caps, Aaron for the leftie Timbuk we still have to find a home for, CCB for the stunning bag that Aaron won, and last but by no means least Xander from House of Pistard who made the cross design for the shirts and gave the limited edition hoodie that Rocco won for the Friday night race.

See you next year.

Global Gutz

We're getting near that time of year again, the worldwide alleycat that is Global Gutz.
I've registered us for it so tough doo-doo you're going to race it, for the greater glory of Dublin and all who ride in her... or something.

For those who don't know Global Gutz is an annual race that takes place in cities around the world at the same time. Every city must design a 21km course in as straight a route as possible, incorporating 5 checkpoints. This means that every city has to ride the same distance.
Male and female winners will win return airfare to this years CMWC in Toronto.

The course we used last year left Dublin's first rider across the line, Lizard, in 14th place worldwide, but the time was 6 minutes off 1st place. In a medieval city like Dublin it is hard to make a course that doesn't involve a lot of junctions etc. so we are at a disadvantage. I still have last years course saved so we can use that, but if someone would like to come up with a new one get in touch.

All you need to know is: 5 checkpoints, not including start/finish. Flat as possible to aid the riders, remember we're trying to help them win this one, 21km measured pretty accurately, and make the course as simple as possible so that there can be no short cuts taken, fairness is the key.

Check the link to Global Gutz in the sidebar --> for more info and previous results.

Tosser

Ok, maybe I'm projecting, but I had to ride back and do a double-take when i passed by this Porsche in the nether regions of Ranelagh this morning...

How good was that track cycling last week? Chris Hoy is a superhero and that's all there is to it. If you want to relive his winning ride in the individual sprint you can check it here. The cocks have disabled embedding.

Brilliant April Fool's from Brooklyn Machine Works on bikeforums.net.

Fuck that wind, I'm so tired.

Full Paddy's Day results will be up soon... I promise.

Cranks yo!

To go with your nice new frame you might be looking for some shiny new cranks? Keirin Culture have started stocking some own-brand Kazane cranks. 'Better than Sugino Messenger and a better price' apparently. One thing they are is cheap.

Can't vouch for these at all, but they sound worth a shot at the price. I've ordered from these guys before and they are cool to deal with. They also stock steel track forks, frames, hubs, all at very reasonable prices.

Sparton

I came across these frames a while back but just did a little research tonight, and I have to say, if you are looking for a steel, lugged, hand built track frame and fork, you really need to check these out. Made from Chromoly, so not the lightest, but so wha!

They are made in Chile and have only recently been made available outside South America.
I had a chat with the US Importer, Jorge Espina, and they will ship to Ireland for $79.
Frame and fork are $249, with custom paint $65 extra. Add this all up and you are looking at around €250 and that's including shipping! If I really didn't need another bike I'd be ordering one immediately. Anyhoo, I thought I'd pass on the info.
Check their (limited) website here.
Contact the US importer at: jespina@spartonframeusa.com

Yikes!

My heart jumped when I watched this the first time... sketch!

World Track Championships...

...start today in Manchester.
I'm very excited. If you've never watched track cycling before do your best to try and catch some of the action, it's ridiculously exciting.
Eurosport are showing most of it live in the evenings so rush home from work to watch it and get the beers in for the weekend.

Ireland have one rider representing, David O'Loughlin, so cheer him on when yuo see him. Considering the Irish only have the crumbling mossy wreck that is Sundrive Park to train on, and have to travel to Manchester to get some real time on the boards, this is an achievement, and however he does kudos to him for getting on the world stage. He currently holds the Irish record for the 4k pusuit at 4min 29sec, so keep an eye out for him in that category.

Great Britain, of course, have the squad to beat them all. The superhuman Chris Hoy, an awesome beast of a rider, watch him in the Keirin, and of course Bradley Wiggins and Rob Hayles. In the womens they have the indomitable Vicky Pendleton and the young BMX star Shanaze Reade competing.

UK track riding has gone to the top of the world in the last 10 years due to massive investment in great facilities and coaching staff, here's hoping we can some day see soemthing like that in Ireland, it disgusts me that, even as a small country, with our proud cycling heritage more money isn't channeled into this noble pursuit.

Anyhoo, try and find a tv with Eurosport and enjoy 5 days of the most exciting bike racing you can find.
Check here for timetables and a full list of competing riders.

Another Stolen Bike

Massacre results will follow... as soon as my noggin gets back in order. If anyone has any snaps they want to send me that'd be nice, I left the camera at home all weekend.

Anyway, for now just a little news. 12 Tony(delaroni) had his bike nicked today from the Church Street area I believe. Blue and silver Trek 1000, all stock except for the wheels which were blue Mavic somethings, quite recognisable.

Hopefully we'll find it as it's especially painful for a working messenger to have his bike half-inched.

Rain rain go away...

Last night was a great success, about 35 racers and a lot of new faces. Everyone got back safe and had a good time.

Unfortunately, Dublin being Dublin, it has decided to piss down on us all day. No point in trying to skid etc in this crap so we're postponing all todays events.

As we have the bank holiday this year we have another day to play with so we're going to push all the events back one day.

So tomorrow 2pm Wilton place for all the side events, and 5pm for the Mel Gibson Logistical Challenge alleycat. And if people are up for it we can go to the track on Monday and have a few races there too. The weather looks good for the next 2 days, fingers crossed.

We still have the Bernard Shaw tonight, so try get in by 8.30 for the reserved seats, I'll be there anyway. It promises to be a fun night, hope to see you there.

Paddy's Day Massacre Timetable *Update*

Boom... So Saturday night we have some seats reserved in George Bernard Shaw. Wanna be in there by 8.30, should be plenty of time as the race starts at 5pm. If you're in there early, the seats are reserved for Graham White, whoever that is, so ask for them...

Friday night we finish at Wood Quay, so I'm guessing Dice Bar has always been good to us, lets go there... there is also a good breakbeat night in Voodoo which I'm quite tempted by so there's a couple of things to offer around the area. Check out the dj's here.

Here ye be...
Party venues to be confirmed, but as of now it's Bernard Shaw, Anseo, Dice... something like that. I'll update as soon as I know the score...


Click on image for awe-inspiringly large view...

If anyone needs any more details or low-down send us a mail or comment and I'll help in any way I can.
Anyone coming from afar for this one? We've got couch space so don't be shy...

Guardian Article

Compounding my laziness at actually writing any original material for this blog, here is an article from the Observer today. Piece of crap fluff, and is just another compelling argument for ingnoring the press, as they're just going to write poo no matter what you tell them. Yes... poo.

"by Alice Fisher
Style Correspondent
Riding a bicycle without brakes sounds like a rash move, but a new wave of cyclists is eschewing traditional bikes for a stripped-down machine known as a fixed-gear.
It is one of the most basic machines you can build with two wheels. A fixed-gear bike – or fixie – has no derailleur as it has only one gear, so as long as the wheels turn, so do the pedals. Its rider can’t freewheel and the only way to brake is to stand on the pedals.
The fixed-gear’s renaissance supposedly stems from West Indian immigrants in New York working as cycle couriers in the Eighties. They had used them at home because they were cheap and easy to maintain, and continued using them in the US. Their popularity spread throughout the courier community, crossing to the UK and other countries.
As the fixie craze has taken off so has the number of new riders who enter ‘alleycats’ – unofficial road races consisting of a series of checkpoints on a set route. Alleycats originated in America and were organised for and by cycle couriers but now inexperienced riders participate. Last Sunday in Chicago, Matthew Manger-Lynch, 29, was killed in a collision with a four-wheel drive vehicle after running a red light. He was competing in an alleycat known as Tour Da Chicago. A similar race – the New York Monstertrack, normally the biggest annual alleycat in the US – was scheduled to take place on 8 March, but was cancelled after the Chicago death. These races now take place in British cities and threaten to colour public opinion of the growing urban cyclist subculture. Around 30 cyclists took part in one organised by art students in central London last Thursday which finished with a party at a bar in Hoxton.
Roxy Erickson, 28, who is part of the women-only Trixie Chix collective, said: ‘Media reports don’t show the community spirit or the eco-friendly side of cycling. A working messenger [courier] who got hit by a double-decker bus wouldn’t get as much news space.’
The strength of the fixed-gear community is demonstrated on the messageboards that are full of updates on the welfare of cyclists injured in accidents, invites to parties and gallery openings as well as alleycats, which are often held to support injured cyclists or promote causes such as the war on drugs.
Andy Ellis, 28, who is part of the London Fixed Gear collective and builds fixies, explained why the bikes were so popular. ‘You can’t get more linked to a bike than on fixed-gear. There are aspects which compare to skateboarding. You enjoy travelling through the city in the same way, but on a fixed-gear, it’s faster and you have more control.’
The fixie’s simplicity and grace appeals to the fashion conscious, many of whom take customisation to extravagant levels, creating bikes with imported track-bike frames and hand-built wheels that cost thousands.
Ellis said: ‘At first it was anything to get them on the road, but I’ve built three bikes for one guy in the last year and every time he comes back he wants something more exclusive.’
The international fixed scene is now getting mainstream attention, including official sponsorship from bike companies. A cyclist known as Superted – part of the Fixed Gear London collective – is sponsored by cycle brand Charge Bikes. There’s also the Bike Film Festival, now in its fourth year, which showcases films documenting cyclists’ tricks and agility.
The most successful fixed-gear film is Mash SF, which features the Mash SF collective riding in San Francisco. ‘It’s the first big film about fixed-gear trick riding,’ said Laura Fraser, the London producer of the festival and a fixed-gear rider. ‘It’s gone around the world.’
Tom Bogdanowicz, of the London Cycling Campaign, the largest urban cycling organisation in the world, says: ‘Fixed is enjoyable and good for fitness, but you have to acquire riding skills. Once mastered, the bikes are good for urban cycling as they make you very aware of the road and you can maintain speed at a level that’s suitable for traffic. They make you think ahead.’ He suggested that anyone wishing to try fixed in London should go to Herne Hill Stadium where low-cost training sessions were on offer."

Blah...
Read a great deal of reaction to this 'article' on the london Fixed gear and Single Speed Forum here.

And one of said Londoners had me dribbling snot with laughter at this. Pure gold:


click to enlarge

thanks to Buffalo Bill and the ever excellent Moving Target, from which all of the above has been unceremoniously plagiarised.

Alleycat Death

So this is old news to some, but others may not have heard. During an alleycat in Chicago last weekend a racer breaking a red light at a 3-way intersection was struck by an SUV and killed.

While the initial reaction is to feel saddened by the death and sorry for the guys family, we must also stop for a minute and think of the driver. They did nothing wrong, in fact they may have been swerving to avoid other riders before they struck Matt. This driver has a death on their hands for the rest of their lives, and that's pretty fucking horrible to contemplate.

While nothing like this has happened 'yet' in Dublin, I think it is about time we took a look at ourselves and where we are going. For a while now I've been questioning some of the starting points and routes of alleycats in Dublin, in fact for the St. Patrick's Day Massacre the traditional out-of towners sprint up and down the quays has been knocked on the head. It just doesn't make sense to ask people to go through that many big, dangerous junctions on a Saturday afternoon, in fact I think it's irresponsible.

Maybe I'm getting old, but I believe first and foremost alleycats are a way for messengers to come together and have fun, to relieve the stress of the working day, and to get to know each other better. Nobody should have to prove anything. We take enough risks just by being on the streets 9 hours a day, 5 days a week. And maybe it's selfish of me, but I don't want someone to die or get seriously injured in a race I organised, I don't think I'd be able to live with myself.

Monster Track, one of the largest alleycats in the world, has been cancelled, due in no small part to this tragedy. I had the good fortune to be in New york for the race last year. Over 120 riders, all fixed, no brakes. There were some bad crashes. I think they were expecting over 200 competitors this year, and I think it was a brave and wise decision by the organisers. All the side events will still take place, and hopefully this will keep people from being too disappointed.

I don't think we need to hold off on any alleycats here, we don't get that many riders to begin with, and we aren't having a media spotlight on us at the moment the way they are in the US, but I do think that both organisers and competitors need to take a step back fro a moment and remember what the priorities are: Have fun, nobody get hurt. Simple yet important.

On a final note, on seeing the way the media has treated this tragedy, and the extra vilification of messengers it's undoubltedly going to bring, I think we need to revise the way we deal with the press, if at all. It seems cool to be in the papers and have a few photos to show the mates, but at what cost? At least twice a year, on a slow news week, some journo comes around looking for some column inches, and we're an easy target, at least we have been since I've been on the road. I don't know of one article in all this time that we've come out of looking good. Last years Totally Dublin was as close as it came, but even that had to sensationalise to a certain extent and talk about alcohol and drugs being a major part of the messenger culture. Shock horror! A group of 20-somethings in Dublin that are involved in drink and drugs! We don't need this shit, it does nothing for us except perpetuate peoples ideas of us as the wreckless, smelly, uneducated group that we most certainly are not.

If you want to read more about the tragic death of Matt, here are some links and accompanying comments:

One of the first reports to come out here.

Eye witness account:

"on the second stretch of the ride today, i was in the front pack, which was about 15-20 people. a fellow whom i'd only met that morning, a young guy named matt, passed me on the left, ... two blocks later, our pack was approaching a huge 5-way intersection (lincoln/irvingpark/damen), matt was in front. i was maybe 20-30 feet behind him, with a couple riders between us. matt proceeded into the intersection, probably assuming he could dodge traffic or (as had happened up until then that day), stop traffic dead, as they usually see a pack of unruly bikers and stop for us, not knowing what else to do. this time, in this intersection, that didn't happen. a GMC suburban SUV was coming from the right too fast - matt tried to swerve to miss it, but couldn't. i watched in horror as the suv plowed right over him and his bike, wheels rolling right over both. the vehicle pulled over at the side of the road; matt lay in the middle of the enormous intersection, bleeding, not moving. the other riders stopped traffic, and gathered on the sidewalk at the other side of the intersection. i called an ambulance. we didn't know if he was conscious or not - i tried, with the help of another rider (nico), to talk to him, shouting at him to stay awake, to stay with us, to hang on, to fight. there was so much blood. his helmet was ****ed on the front and the back, indicating that the wheel had likely impacted his head. he convulsed a bit, never opening his eyes, never responding to our cries. i now realize he was certainly unconscious during this time. police arrived quickly (we had passed two of them a few blocks before), and shortly afterwards a firetruck and then an ambulance. they took over dealing with him, put him on a stretcher and into the ambulance. the police kept asking everyone around if we knew him. no one did. a few knew his name, and gave it to them. no one seemed to know him personally. we tried to find any info we could about his contacts, his phone, his family. others were somewhat successful later.

we gave our names, and after much official delay, a few rode on to the hospital, and most of us went back to one of the rider's houses (stan + rachels). we waited for info. when it finally came, we were told he was pronounced dead on the scene. his wife had been found and had made it to the hospital. i can only imagine how she feels. my deepest condolences go out to his wife and family.

the scene of the accident plays over and over in my head. i don't know exactly at what point he died. i'm leaving the house now again, and heading directly to a bike shop to purchase a helmet."

First news report to mention 'alleycats' here.

ABC news video: 'The Alleycats' here.

Editorial Response from the Chicago Tribune:

Chicago Tribune, March 2, 2008

By Eric Zorn

"Bad news. Law enforcement officials tell me they have no plans to try to file criminal charges against the organizers of the Tour Da Chicago.

The Tour, an unsanctioned bike race through city streets, ended in tragedy a week ago when rider Matthew Manger-Lynch was struck and killed by a sport-utility vehicle as he rode against a red light through the six-corner intersection of Irving Park Road and Lincoln and Damen Avenues.

It was a tragedy for Manger-Lynch, 29, and his family and friends, but it could have been worse: The SUV could have swerved to avoid him and smacked into a hapless pedestrian, another car, a storefront or a concrete abutment. Bystanders could have been killed.

I drive through that intersection all the time and it's usually harum-scarum, with left-turners, right-turners, bus passengers milling about and customers from area shops crossing aggressively.

Those who planned to send bike racers through that spot or through any of the red-light intersections along the route showed contemptibly reckless disregard for public safety.

These events -- like outlaw drag races -- are exercises in selfishness dressed up in the self-righteousness of hard-core bicyclists.

"To blame the victim for dying such a tragic death, I think, is an injustice," a local cycling organizer told ABC-Ch. 7's Chuck Goudie. "It's an injustice that our culture is so embedded in auto use and the convenience of autos that we're willing to let our friends and loved ones be killed."

No. It's an injustice that those who organize these illegal races that risk the lives of friends and loved ones all around can continue to do so without fear of prosecution. The arrogant fatuity of hard-core bicyclists was on display last night on ABC-7 news when Chuck Goudie interviewed "longtime cycling organizer Alex Wilson " about the death of a Chicago man Sunday who ran a red light while engaged in an illegal cycle race through city streets and was struck by an SUV:

To blame the victim for dying such a tragic death I think is an injustice. It's an injustice that our culture is so embedded in auto use and the convenience of autos that we're willing to let our friends and loved ones be killed.

No, we are not "willing" to let them be killed. We think it's contemptible and odious that organizers and participants in such races are "willing" to risk not only their lives but the lives of all innocent people in their paths to participate in this "sport."

I'm sorry to report that Chicago Police and Cook County prosecutors are not planning to pursue charges charges against those who organized Sunday's race."

Response from Alex Wilson to ABC's editorial, in which he states his comments were taken out of context:

Chuck,

I am disappointed with your investigative report titled "The Alleycats" about the death of bicyclist Matt Mager. I feel that my points on the dangerous environment that we all live in because of auto use were not represented and that your report misrepresented me as an organizer and supporter of these unlawful and dangerous races. I was skeptical to speak with you on camera during our phone conversation before filming and even asked what the tone or view of

what the piece would be about. You assured me that you were just trying to get details and perspectives on the event that led to Matt's death and that it would not be an editorial piece. The piece "The Alleycats" reported very little on the actual events involved in Matt's death and

chose to focus generally about unsanctioned bike races on city streets. Over the phone and in person I gave you my perspective that we live in a culture and infrastructure that has been designed to let tragedies like this happen. I brought up that we all know someone that has been

killed or severely injured because of car crashes and that as a culture we choose not to address the larger issues that car use causes, such as over 40,000 Americans being killed each year, hundreds of thousands severely injured, health related illnesses, environmental damage and

the poor political position it has put the US in because of our world policies to acquire resources to feed our car addiction. I also commented that it is your responsibility as a journalist to report this larger story to the public but I was skeptical that you would because of the media's funding through advertisements by the auto and oil industry. You assured me that your reporting is not affected by these influences and that my point would be fairly represented. Boy, was I

ever duped into being a sucker. "The Alleycats" report was a sensationalistic piece of work that took a complex issue and simplified into a radical dichotomy that quoted me out of context in order to make compelling sound bites that polarizes the viewing audience into believing that one individual interviewed was the "good" cyclist and the other the "bad" without ever really raising

my points. I am not an organizer of alleycat races, I do not advocate breaking the law and this was not clearly made out in your report. I have received several emails in response to your investigative report insulting me and the work that I do without knowing me or the true causes that I believe. I have been told in these emails things such as "Do us all a favor, Alex.....hop on your bike, and ride into the lake.", "You have to be kidding, because if not, you should just die

now." and "Any decent attorney is going to tell you that your appearance on ABC 7 opens you up to a "deep pockets" liability suit to be brought by anyone who was injured by one of these unsanctioned, illegal races that your store clearly supports.". I don't believe that any of these people received the message I meant to purvey and surely viewed me in a poor perspective because of how this report was presented.

Your report has damaged my and West Town Bikes reputation and done nothing for car/cyclists relations. I have learned to be even more skeptical of the media and not step in front of the camera especially if a controversial topic is being reported. You have also showed me that there really is no such thing as journalistic morals or ethics, just whatever it takes to write a story. I will look elsewhere for informative and unbiased reporting.

Alex Wilson

Finally, the organisers on Monster Track explain their decision to cancel this years race:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The organizers of Monster Track 2008 have decided, after careful consideration, to cancel this year’s main race.

This decision did not come easy and was debated at length. Our reasons are many but the overall factor was that the race has become unmanageable due to the large participation and our concern for the participant’s safety.

As many of you know, Monster Track started as a race held for a small, close group of NYC bike messengers. It has now become an overwhelmingly all-inclusive event. This, on its face, may seem like a positive direction for a race but in the context of a solely track bike alleycat it brings many problems. First and foremost, the safety of the racers is compromised. We believe that this is not a tenable position for race organizers.

Another Stolen Bike

Got a mail from a chap that had his bike stolen recently. Apologies Oli for the delay in posting this.
Here's what he has to say:

"... was nicked over the weekend after being left in trinity. she's an early 80s raleigh steel road frame conversion to fixie.

blue and white frame... blue front end graded to white at rear half

white selle italia saddle (from same era)

red drop bars

front brake

blue and black orium tyres

MKS pedals and clips (one clip broken)

chrome forks

if anyone is offered it then please let me know - welfareo@tcd.ie or olliewelfare@hotmail.com

live about 50m from the bernard shaw so if anyone if bold enough to buy and ride it there I will know!

if anyone is offered quick deal on it please please please ring... don't know what to do without it as am on it every day, and can't afford to shell out for new stuff...

Thanks so much

Oli Welfare"

You know the pain of losing your only means of transport, and for many of us our means of earning a living. So keep your eyes peeled for this one.
Thanks.