May is alley cat awareness month in Hartford

Next month Hartford will host not just one but two alley cats. Both are special, in their own unique way: the Hartford Rally Cat on May 9 will be a mixed terrain race, and the Ladies First Alley Cat on May 31 will be, well, for ladies only.

  

The Hartford Rally Cat will feature checkpoints that require a little fun dirt and trail riding in cool spots in and just outside the city. Nothing too technical, and any bike will do. We've got some really great sponsors lined up, and there will be great prizes. Most importantly perhaps, there will be coffee at the start (81 Pope Park Highway) from A Happy Life!

Plenty of volunteer opportunities available if you want to be a part of these events but don't want to ride. Email Justin at eichenlaub@gmail.com if you're interested in helping out with the rally cat on May 9. Email Kate at kbergren@gmail.com if you're interested in helping out with the Ladies first alley cat on may 31.

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Here they come! Fair weather bikes join the party.

Hey y'all.  Wanted to share the following, since you're starting to think about bikes again.  The Spring Bike Frenzy is a seasonal disorder in CT.  Bikes are assumed by many to be seasonal, unless one happens to be poor.  We do love our fair weather bicycle compatriots, and understand that it's only a matter of time until the seasonal disorder deteriorates into a year round chronic illness.  Once that fabulous day comes, we'll have less S.A.D. and better cycling conditions for all - year round.

NEXT WEEK - The Connecticut Bike Walk Summit.  Thursday (4/23) is for city employees and Friday (4/24) is for advocates and ordinary cyclists.  This year the summit is nearby in Wethersfield.  You have to register online, and it's only $45 for Bike Walk CT members.  The summit includes lunch and an optional afternoon ride.  I've been to past summits, and I always come away on fire to make change.

NEXT WEEK - Bike (and Walk) to Work Breakfasts in Hartford and East Hartford.   On Wednesday (4/22) an informal group will be meeting before work to chat and socialize at friendly local diners.  Both establishments are "cash only" and have an ATM onsite for your convenience.  By the way, this is Earth Day.  What better day to promote healthy and sustainable transportation.

• 7:00AM-8:30AM at Maddie's in East Hartford.  On Main Street right across from P&W.  Next to Subway.
• 7:00AM-8:30AM at Ashley's in Hartford.  On Main Street just South of Downtown, adjacent to the Hook and Ladder restaurant.
• Discussion Topic - Let's keep talking about the East Coast Greenway.  How do we keep this on the front burner? East Hartford projects and the I-84 redesign can make significant progress towards closing the gaps.

Can't wait for the East Coast Greenway to go down Willow Street!

NEXT SATURDAY (4/25) - Detour de Connecticut.  This FREE, informal ride has been happening the last Saturday of the month for several years now.  If you go the whole distance, it's about 118 miles with half the distance on dirt and trails.  More info and cue sheets on the website.  If you like the D2R2 or other gravel grinder type rides, this is for you.  Bring lights, cash, and energy dense food.  The rain date is Sunday, and you can keep an eye on the blog to see if the date shifted.  Personally, I'm hoping for the rain date because I'm otherwise engaged on Saturday.

After finishing my first Detour in 2013.  

For those with a long attention spans, I want you to put this on your calendar now.  Last year was the first year for the Wethersfield Bike Swap, and we're excited to see it return.  Saturday, June 6th.  Save the date.  If you're interested in vending or displaying show bikes, contact Tom Brown.

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