2nd Annual Black History Month AlleyCat brings Pals Together for Haiti relief.

By Dan McCauley

Pal’s Lounge on Auburn Ave. hosted on Saturday night what turned out to be a challenge of both speed and knowledge of Black History.  Three dozen or so racers navigated their way to four checkpoints spread out across the streets of downtown ATL.  At each stop, oxygen deprived brains were put to the test, required to answer mind wracking Black History Questions.  For example, there was the question, “What was the significance...

“...of the Candler Park Golf Course [before yuppies invaded with clubs and balls]?” Or “What was the historic importance of 503 Peeples St.?” Was it Reverend Martin Luther King’s father’s House, or a kindergarten?

Team Dreadnok’s Rob “The Rocket” Evans, Jason Atwood, and Faster Mustache’s Kan de Man Dan formed an alliance to work together before the start. Unfortunately, Atwood slipped back slightly and lost contact with his compadres. “The Rocket” and “Kan de Man” were the first back to the finish. The duo clocked a time of only 36 minutes. Evans was one of only a select few who got all four questions correct. NICE. Rolling in shortly thereafter, Atwood hammered to an impressive 3rd overall. A three-way tie for 4th was fought out between Babski, Angel Luis Poventud, and Mike Woz, who each posted a time of 43 minutes. The threesome was given a bonus question by Atlanta’s Finest. “WHY DID YOU RUN THAT LIGHT?” Luckily, one of the officers must have recognized Angel as Creative Loafing’s Cover Star and sent them on their way with a, “Sorry for holding you guys up; now go win that race!”

Stewart Haddock of Race Riot! was the next to roll in, 7th O.A. on his fixed gear with brakes. After finishing, and several beverages later, Haddock had an epiphany. “This town needs an AlleyCat Championship Series!” proclaimed Haddock. His head was spinning with thoughts of how the points system should work and another brewsky. Haddock was so impressed with this race he felt it warranted the honor of being the first round of the newly formed AlleyCat Championship Series to be held here in Atlanta. The official name for such a prestigious series is still in the works. “The Dixie Cup AlleyCat Championship” or “The ATL Mean Streets AlleyCat Championships” were two names tossed around.

In the disputably most important competition of the night, Tylar outwitted Jordan for 1st Fixed with three correct answers.

First Overall Female Honors went to Kay with a smokin’ hot time of 51 minutes. She was rewarded for her terrific ride with a set of trendy white tires as well as a very nice bag.

Perhaps the highlight of the evening was the participation of The President of MACC, Greg Masterson. The Prez was accompanied by his personal Body Guard, Neil “The Rookie” Walker. “Drafting behind Walker is very similar to riding behind a MARTA bus,” said Masterson. “But without those annoying exhaust fumes.” The MACC representatives made this event special as they themselves are making Black History in Atlanta. As an example, Masterson won the Georgia Games Road Race Championship.

FM Sponsorship Director, Jim “The Kid” Hodgson, was on hand providing and having a good time, as always.

So to wrap things up, everyone made it to the finish at Pal’s safely, money was raised for The Haiti Relief Fund, and Pal’s reached its quota of dudes in lycra for not only the month, but probably the year. Photojournalist / Artist Alexander Acosta shot portraits of the riders at the finish. Hopefully, these outstanding pictures will be posted on his website soon.

I would like to personally thank RFM Bags, Trash Bags, No Brakes, and, most importantly, Robael for putting together a challenging as well as fun race. The next round will be served at SOPO’s Broken Hearts VI 3.6.10.