Most Fun Wins

The alleycat scene has grown and matured simultaneously with the contraction of the bike messenger industry that spawned it. Despite the valid criticisms of the renegade events, over time they have become an inseparable part of urban cycling culture. They have provided an accessible competitive outlet for a wide range of people who might never have found themselves engaged in racing or bicycle culture otherwise. The challenge and community has brought people together, with the last decade’s alleycat boom providing a jumping off point to a bike lifestyle for many
riders.

“The track bike was the way in, and now everyone is stoked on road and ‘cross bikes, and that’s a wonderful thing. So many people have rode in an alleycat, had some fun, decided they wanted to try harder—and now those people are racing road and on the track and in cross and because it is so accessible,” says Frane. “You can get last place in an alleycat and no one gives a shit. Most fun wins.”