Sweetpea Bicycles

Portland averages more than 7 bike events per day–rides, races, and random bike fun. Yesterday there was one bike event that encompassed all those categories and more: the third annual S.S. Pussycat. The S.S. Pussycat has an alleycat (bike messenger style) race format and is organized for all women/transgendered bikers. All the fun without all the testosterone! This year’s race included scavenger hunt and a speed categories in addition to the mandatory stops, so everyone could compete based on their strengths. (Austin’s strength, well, being a boy, was as a volunteer. Thanks Austin!)

I raced the scavenger hunt category with my friend Caitlin, employing our messenger cunning and cat-like scavenging reflexes. Sure, we almost merged onto the freeway in North Portland and I nearly crashed into a parked car trying to identify an oak tree for the scavenger hunt, but we ended up intact at the end of the race. We came in third and fouth overall, and were the first scavengers to finish. After unloading traffic cones from our handlebars and yarn, used gum, and other loot from our bags, we took up residence on the couch on the porch and watched the rest of the riders roll in.

The big winner was Bethany.

Legend has it that she was out until four in the morning the night before, went to class at 11:00, showed up for the race and (in the words of the race director) “spanked it”. The band aid on her shoulder is from the previous night’s Chunkathlon. The tiara goes without saying. As this year’s champ, Bethany gets to organize next years race.

It was also a big day for Sweetpea Bicycles. We were race sponsors for the first time ever. Looking over the crowd of super-tough, fun-loving ladies at the finish it was clear that they are the very reason we are in business.