I’ve been commuting by bike for about a year and a half now. But by no means am I a black belt when it comes to the fixed gear scene. If I had to guess I’d say I’m closer to the white belt range of the spectrum, maybe working for my third stripe (by Ernie Reyes West Coast Tae Kwon Do standards).
Since I am the ranking officer on this blog about these affairs, allow me to drop some knowledge on a young padawan. First off, you get one gear, that’s it – you wanna climb hills with your bike, eat your Wheaties before hand and hope you were blessed with redwoods for thighs. Next up, no coasting. Alongside having to be built like Hercules, you better pray for Mercury’s endurance because when that bike is moving so are the pedals.
If you’re thinking about getting into the scene, don’t fear baby deer, there are no tests for your white belt and everything else on a fixed gear is about the same as your garden variety bicycle.
Photo: iMiNUSD
Now that we’re all up to speed, let’s talk a little about It’s a W.R.A.P. Alleycat Series Finale, hosted by local fixed gear boutique, iMiNUSD. This “fixed only” bike race, or alleycat, is a point to point race traversing the Silicon Valley urban landscape – requiring townie-navigation-skills, not to mention Amtrak-type locomotion to the pedals.
It’s a W.R.A.P., as the name implies, is the last hurrah to a series that began early this year where racers were met by challenges at each checkpoint. These challenges, while presented in good fun, range from the culinary (downing spoonfuls of cinnamon) to the transsexual (see Back-to-the-Fashion post on “manscara”).
Despite wrapping up the racing in Portlandesque riding conditions, racers still came out of the gates in the fashion that the fixed gear community is known for.
This is a great snapshot of fixed gear fashion. Both guys fit into the genre and show where the roads split. Andrew (right) is slated in standard cycling gear, save the cut-off jeans. To his left, flannel and cycling cap keep this rider warm and fashionable while riding.
Henry, representing SJ Fixed with pride, has on a messenger bag with seatbelt-style buckle – a popular feature on fixed gear styled bags.
Pavel’s got on a water-proof shell that’s great for riding when the skies are looking grey. He’s also got a marled beanie on – one trend this season that I’m falling in love with.
Photo: iMiNUSD
Photos from iMiNUSD are labeled.
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