327 Words Half-Century Ralleycat

In celebration of 50 years on the planet and the considerable joy that bikes, bike-riding, and bike riders have brought in those five decades, 327 Words is pleased to invite cyclists of all styles to participate in the first (and probably only) 327 Words Half Century Ralleycat, to be held at 1:19.57 PM on March 31, 2007 from 2020 Cycle in Seattle’s Central District.

This modified alleycat race and rally will challenge riders to reach as many on a list of 16 different checkpoints as they can within 3 hours and 27 minutes, covering up to 50 miles total along the route.

Each of the checkpoints features an historical structure built in 1957, giving riders a fresh perspective on how well brick, glass, and mortar have weathered the last half-century and ample means to compare the years’ effects on human beings who also mark their beginning five decades ago.

While the precise route is still to be determined, confirmed checkpoints range from Columbia City to the south, Lake City to the north, West Seattle out west, and Kenmore towards the east. Speedy riders can probably hit all stops AND cover 50 miles by averaging just under 16 miles an hour, but doing so might make them miss surprise libation and safety meeting stops along the way.

Prizes will likely include fifty dollar awards for most stops (men’s and ladies’ division), and most miles, as well as other demi-themed items like 50-tooth chainrings and half-racks of favored quaffables.

An odometer will be required for competing in the most miles category; we hope, though, to provide cheap ones as part of the sliding-scale entry fee.

Five bucks suggested donation gets you into the race; probably another ten if you want a cyclocomputer.

Sign ups start at 12:00 noon on 3/31; race at 1:19.57 sharp. Get there early-ish if you need and need to install your computer.

After party at race end starts at 4:57.

More info: email dashap327@mac.com



Let’s ride bikes!