Alley CatA type of race that bike messengers partake in for fun that simulates the average
messenger's work day.
Most often,
alley cat races are designed as a "
checkpoint" race, meaning that racers must pass through certain points on the pre-defined route in succession before completing the race. Some check points require actually dropping off/picking up items or even completely silly games (like spinning around in circles and pinning a tail on a donkey) before receiving clearance to proceed to the next checkpoint.
Some races mimic "sprints" or "time trials" like those commonly found in professional bicycle races.
Cheating, taking alternative routes, or otherwise "breaking the rules" are generally acceptable as that
bike messenger culture can be highly competitive and require messengers to "do what it takes" to get the job done.
Awards are generally bragging rights in the forms of spoke cards. Before spoke cards were fashionable, these cards tended to
be regular playing cards from a deck. The winner (first place) usually receives an Ace of Spades and can proudly wear it in the rear wheel. Instead of wearing numbers on their shirts or bags, spoke cards can be used to identify competitors at the finish line and check points.
"I was
on my way to work and was nearly run over by a pack of messengers
racing an
alley cat."