#Alleycats

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Monster Track NYC 2022: Alleycats are Alive and Well

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Monster Track NYC 2022: Alleycats are Alive and Well

In 2011, a little over a year after I found my passion for cycling through riding fixed gear bikes through the concrete jungle of New York City, I found myself, camera in hand, at Monster Track. The event is one of cycling’s most famous, most dangerous, and most significant alleycats in the world. Fast forward to 2022, and here I am again, camera in hand, at the 23rd edition of the annual brakeless urban street race.

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Bicycle Kingdom Ep.2: Riding in NYC – Monster Track

In this episode of The Pro’s Closet Bicycle Kingdom, we explore the intricacies of Monster Track. Monster track mirrors the chaos of the city it takes place in, New York City. It is the pinnacle of Alleycat racing. It’s part party, part race, but in the end, it’s all about community.

Disclaimer: Riding bikes is inherently dangerous. That said, while we are not encouraging people to ride fixed-gear bikes in a crowded city, we do see value in sharing this story of a longstanding subculture in NYC and cities around the globe. Be careful. Ride respectfully. Spread bike love.

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The Radavist Presents: Monster Track 2015

Monster Track is arguably the most intense and highly regarded annual street race in the world. Throughout its history, racers have been inspired to travel from all over the globe to compete for the title. In it’s 16 year history, no out of town racer has come out with a first place finish.

It can be difficult for someone to appreciate Monster Track and understand what makes it such a special race for its participants without actually being there. This year, Monster Track is told through the experience of its past champions, native citizens of a city that allows for a race of this caliber, and its visitors.

Video:
Quinn Gundersen
Website: http://www.fundersen.com
Instagram: @fundersen

Photos:
Chris Lee
Website: http://www.theotherchristopherlee.com/
Instagram: @theotherchrislee

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Monster Track XV Trailer

One of the world’s most infamous alleycats gets some love from some of Mexico City’s bike messengers in this trailer for a forthcoming full-length feature.

The 2014 All City Championships Weekend: Alleycat – Chris Lee

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The 2014 All City Championships Weekend: Alleycat – Chris Lee

The 2014 All City Championship Weekend: Bandit Cross
Words and photos by Chris Lee

The third and last segment of the All City Championships got off to a wet start. With isolated thunderstorms all morning, racers began to trickle in to the start at One On One.

After a quick briefing of the rules and some last minute instructions, racers ran to their bikes for the le mans start and started knocking out checkpoints from their manifest.
In the end it was David Smith and Chelsea Strate that took the win for men’s and women’s category, respectively.

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Follow Chris on Instagram and at his Flickr account.

Chris Lee at Monster Track XV

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Chris Lee at Monster Track XV

Monster Track. The world’s most infamous, dangerous and in my opinion, most significant alleycat. In the 15 years it’s been thrown in New York City, it never ceases to surprise its contenders. There are only a few rules, the most important being two words: NO BRAKES.

Typically, there’s a weeding down process, at the hands of multiple manifests. Everyone starts with one, but only a select few make it to true completion by filling up to three. This year, mother nature smiled on the event, delivering somewhat favorable conditions (when compared to previous years being riddled with rain and snow). At the end of the event, the winners of Monster Track XV were Cooper Ray and Hannah Todd.

On the scene at the event and working the Williamsburg Bridge checkpoint was Chris Lee, who provided a few photos from the event. Check them out in the Gallery!

Boda Boda NYC: The Rookie Race

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Boda Boda NYC: The Rookie Race

To avoid your bank accounts being drained by the queues of NAHBS builders, I’ll start dropping in normal content these next few days…

The Rookie Race is the “warm up” to Monster Track. So once again Boda Boda took to the streets to cover another fast-paced alleycat in NYC but this one’s got an unexpected ending.

Remember, in Boda Boda videos, #neverreadthecomments

Beat the Clock Cycling Urbocross Week 01

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Beat the Clock Cycling Urbocross Week 01

Each Wednesday night, for the next three weeks, Beat the Clock Cycling will be throwing some short and fun cross races in Austin. Dubbed “Urbocross”, this series is part alleycat style race and part traditional cross circuit races. Last night, a good number of people showed up as the sun was setting on the east side of town to take part in the 20 mile race. Sure, speed counts, but like all alleycat races, your route will make or break you. That and making sure you get your manifest signed at all the check points…

I had fun shooting this race and everyone had fun racing. That’s a win / win if you ask me. See ya next week, Austin. Check out more photos in the Gallery!