Alley Cat Rides Brings out Beautiful Bikers
People Power's Alley Cat Race and Bicycle Scavenger Hunt on April 30th was a tremendous success with over 30 riders touring the county for an afternoon of bike advocacy, cycle crafts, and "where-to-ride-to-next?" riddles. Riders aged 6-60 met at the Hub, found a friend to ride with, and picked up their Alley Cat tool kit: chalk, a parking ticket, a flyer for the Rail and Trail Day, a crayon, an official RTC road hazard report, and a spoke card.
The event started with a parade up Pacific Avenue to the clock tower. Riders were then given their clue-sheets and rode off, trying to complete as many stations as they could in four hours.
The Mini-Cat ride was designed for families and leisurely riders who enjoyed many activities over the 5-mile course, including:
- Helping to rebuild a section of the guerrilla bike trail along the tracks at Seabright.
- Enjoying free enchiladas, music, and birdhouse making at the Live Oak Family Resource Center.
- Fixing a flat tire with a view of the lake at Amsterdam Bikes.
- Decorating a t-shirt with handmade bike-art stencils.
- Jotting a thank you card to politicians who helped secure funding for a pedestrian/bike bridge across the San Lorenzo River at Highway 1.
The Maxi-Alley Cat ride covered another 35 miles and took riders to many locations including:
- Wilder Ranch, to paint and erect a "ghost bike" sculpture with a sign that reads "Share the Road. A cyclist was injured here." Another ghost bike was posted at the corner of Soquel and Capitola.
- The UCSC Bike Co-op, for a Game Show about People Power's past gains and future goals.
- Arana Gulch, to make a cell phone call to the City Council supporting the proposed Broadway-Brommer bike path.
- Aptos, to hear a presentation from Dave about the Rail Trail and take a ride on a custom rail-attached skateboard.
- The Valero gas station on Soquel, for a pedal-powered protest of gas prices ("they're not HIGH ENOUGH to reflect the true costs of driving!"). Riders pedaled to generate the electricity for the megaphone, while many car drivers clapped and asked for more info about People Power.
Throughout the race, riders also collected scavenger hunt items, such as flat tire-causing garbage, bike decorations, and items for the Bike Church. Many sang a song in a public place or got a sticker from a bike shop they'd never visited before. They also left official-looking citations on cars for infractions such as: parking in a bike lane, using too much gas, or making too much noise. Later, riders chalked temporary signs on paved bike lanes, with messages such as: "Thanks for riding!" "Big Hill Ahead-DOWNSHIFT!" and "Enjoy the Beautiful View…you Beautiful Biker!"
After the ride, cyclists returned to the Hub where supplies were available to make bike chain jewelry. After all riders had checked in, prizes were given for speed and most stations completed. In a general drawing most riders got a prize. The afternoon was completed with music provided by three local bands and tasty food from local restaurants and bakeries.
People Power thanks everyone who volunteered for the event: Angela, Dana, Nick, Mia, Steve, Cary, Lisa, Gary, Dave, Greg, Ms. and Mr. Wesoloski. Thanks also to coordinators: Micah, Tim, Dustin and Jeff. We'd also like to thank our sponsors: Amsterdam Bikes, Another Bike Shop, the Bicycle Trip, The Bagelry, Beckmann's, Ped X, Zachary's, The Bike Church, The Buttery, the air we breathe and the water we sweat.