By Lauren
So you have decided to race an alleycat race! Congratulations! Here are some tips from a 4-time Babes in Bikeland participant, Lauren. She learned it all the hard way, so you don’t have to.
Before the race
Drink plenty of water the day before and day of.
Make sure to eat a quality meal. No ramen or microwave burritos, but something substantial that will power you through 3 hours of bicycle glory. I like the classic rice and beans. You don’t want to regret that rice krispie lunch crash around mile 15.
Perform a quick check on your bike to make sure that your tires are inflated, brakes are working, and lights are not out of batteries. If you don’t have a bike pump, you can swing by your local bike shop on the way, they usually have them avaliable for the public to use. Finally, make sure you feel comfortable on your bike. (Lucky duckies: Grease Rag is this Thursday in Uptown, 7-9!)
Bring a pen and bike map (or smart phone, but they can be slow/fail) for preparing your route. Also, you should have working lights, a bike lock, multi tool (if ya got one) and a helmet. Safety first! And a water bottle/snack. You are going to get thirsty and you might want a snack after you are done leaving it all on the asphalt.
Make sure you have a good place to stash your manifest. You will need easy access, and its best to have it in a place that won’t get wet/sweaty (I really don’t recommend stuffing it in your bra…). It will need to get stamped at every stop, so you don’t want to have to fiddle around with your bag to get at it. But also make sure it is secure so it doesn’t fly out while you are riding around.
Wear a talisman/lucky undies/decorate your bike/find your jam. Do what you need to do to PUMP IT UP!!
During the race
Communicate with your partner. Make sure you are both on the same page with the route and pace. Keep checking in with each other, and whatever you do, do not lose them! Being speedy is great and all, but it’s not worth making the day a total bummer for your friend.
Don’t be a jerk in traffic. You may see some people blow through red lights and make sharp turns, but that doesn’t mean that you should as well. Know what your are comfortable with and stick to it.
Observe other riders. If you are lost and can’t find the checkpoint, it never hurts to just see where everyone else is heading. But beware, they may be just as confused as you…
Be nice to the volunteers. Sometimes things can be a bit rush and sweaty, but don’t take it out on them. Being patient makes a difference. Also, make sure to check your manifest to see if they stamped it right. Mistakes occasionally happen, and you will want to get it fixed at the stop, because you won’t be able to later.
If you see someone in a jam, offer to help. Even if you are a major novice, it is just a nice gesture to make. And sometimes two heads are better than one for coming up with a solution. But if you don’t know how to do something (like fix a flat) then don’t offer to fix it for them. Just be supportive and help with what you got (which sometimes may just be a few kind words).
Know when to call it a day. Sometimes, the manifest gets lost, you get a flat, or just wipe out. Try your darndest, but no race is worth tears. Don’t be afraid to let go of your speed dreams and just hit as many stops as you can and enjoy the ride.
Tips specific to Babes in Bikeland
Feel free to get a group together, zip tie a boombox to your handlebars and wear costumes. Unlike most alleycats, Babes combines both hard core racers, newbies and those just there to have fun. So if speed isn’t your thing, have fun and bring the party to the checkpoints!
At most checkpoints at Babes there activities that you have to complete in order to earn your manifest stamp. The volunteers at the station will explain everything to you when you get there. Some past year’s activities were spraypaint bloomers onto an eisel, pose with your bike and a picture of Rosie the Riveter and walk through a short course with a balloon held between your knees. Try to get them done as fast as possible so you can jump back onto your mighty steed. Or stay and have a beer with the dudes. It’s up to you.
The most important thing to remember? EVERYONE was a rookie once (Really! Even the most tough and thick-thighed among us had to start somewhere…), and you can go much, much faster and farther than you think. Trust me on that one.
Have fun!! WOOP WOOP!