327 Words "Patchkit" Alleycat

In celebration of bikes, bikeshops, beer, coffee, the 327 word essay, and to squeeze all the remaining fun from summer before college starts again, 327Words, in conjunction with supportive bicycle retailers, drinking establishments, and coffeeshops, presents the First Annual 327Words Patchkit Alleycat, to be held on Saturday, September 23, 2006, starting precisely at 3:27 in the afternoon.

Participants will be required to visit 3 coffeeshops, 2 bars, and 7 bikeshops to complete the race. Confirmed coffee stops include Victrola and Zeitgeist, bikeshops on tap include Velo Stores, Recycled Cycles, Free Range, and TI Cycles; bars to be determined; after-party, though, is scheduled to take place at Madrona Eatery.

At each bar, riders will be provided with a malt beverage, and at each coffeeshop, a cup of joe.

At the initial bikeshop--2020 Cycle--riders will receive an empty patchkit box. Then, at their six subsequent stops, they will pick up another item for the kit—vulcanizing fluid, patches, sandpaper, etc.—completing the race when their patchkit has seven components, including the box. Prizes are expected to be awarded for Fastest Overall Times, First Lady, DFL, and Miss(ter) Congeniality.

Entry fee will be a suggested donation of 10 dollars, which will cover each rider’s patchkit, beer, and coffee. No one, however, will be turned away if he or she really wants to ride; “scholarships” are available.

All-ages riders can drink soft drinks at the scheduled beer-drinking stops.

This ride is inspired by and the organizer owes a great debt of gratitude to the organizers of other delightful alleycats he has been fortunate to participate in, including R.E.Load Baggage's’ “Cops n’ Robbers” Alleycat, Chris from .83’s “Brews, Brewed, and Bruise” race, The Critical Mass Incident Legal Fundraiser Race, and of course, the Dead Baby Downhill and Messenger Challenge.

Details of the Patchkit Alleycat will be forthcoming as the date approaches. For more information or to volunteer, email Dave at dashap327@mac.com.

This notice itself is 327 words; well, now. Now.