Happy New Year

Yeah, yeah, yeah. We all went off and got big-boy jobs and computers died, and dogs ate things, and everybody hates ftw, and we've got excuses.
Bright side is, we've also got Baltimore Sam in a GTV3 shirt by Roll Deep on a Milwaukee Bruiser won at Grand Theft Velo....

Grand Theft Velo 3 in pictures (vol.2)

via Prolly...




On flickr:

via NoDeadPedestrians...











rest of the set here.


via BMORE SAM...








via Justin Keena, here ("spaceballed")


via Octopist 'n Skquid...






Aaron Meberg's (8th place) race route on gmap-pedometer


From Scorchers Boston...
You're going to have to check out this one (NSFW) by clicking

Links to photos. GTV, Valley Kitten, Haven Death Rail Jam

Found via RE:New Haven, Kama's Flickr. He's also got pix from the start of the Valley Kitten (which, by the way, the Scorchers destroyed), but, alas, all his photos are "spaceballed" so you'll just have to follow those flickr links.

Tyrant's got photos up from Haven Skatepark's "Death Rail Jam" at their flickr.

Grand Theft Velo 3 in words (Volume 1.0)

Shoreline Drew, our man-about-forums, has found quite a bit of buzz around last weekend's Grand Theft Velo alleycat in New Haven. Wow! Thanks, everybody.
Here's a sampling...


"pretty place to ride around, and so easy to get to, I left and it started pouring a minute later! And wtf, best facial hair.? WHERE IS MY PRIZE? just kidding. Drew, pass my congrats to the organizers, they were really on top of their game!"
-Andras from NYC

"Indeed, that was a seriously originally thought-out race, great separation between manned and un-manned checkpoints... just a blast."
-Aaron

"Wooo!
I honestly did not expect so much awesome from New Haven, no, no I did not.
But these kids threw down hard, plenty of miles, and prizes to go 'round.
That race was long, taxing, complicated, and amazingly well organized.
Well worth skipping a road race, that's for sure."

AND

"I just wanted to thank you personally for a great time!
Speaking as the first ever West Side Invite champ, I really appreciate a long, yet very interesting alleycat.
I could dig on New Haven.
Best race yet."
-Josh "Robot" from Boston

"A great time. Thanks to (Shoreline) Drew for giving me a couch to crash on and showing me around, Zack from Open, Justin from Boston, Justin from New Haven, the scorchers, everyone who rode, bmore for crashing and Drew Haven for getting naked at the bar and pissing the Yalies off.
My wrist is bruised and it hurts to ride my bike!
hahaha "
-Prolly
(Prolly also did a nice writeup on his blog about the weekend.)

"I have to say thanks to everyone who put that together. That was my first time to New Haven and doing an allycat and I had a great time. Everyone I met was really nice and helpful. Also, I got some nice stuff to take home. I will definitely be back to do another race."
-Jenny B. from Boston

It probably goes without saying, but I'm gonna say it. Maybe I'm just weak, but this was the HARDEST alleycat I've ever done, hands down. My legs are still sore today. Thanks for putting together such a bad-ass race. You all know I love long events, this one was dope! Hopefully we can put together something ridiculous and fun for KONE!
-Matt from Ghostship

You guys really knocked it out of the park on this one. Serious good times, good manifests, good checkpoint workers, fucking killer prizes... I got caught on the drawbridge, I rode down stairs, through a tunnel, on a dirt path, up a mountain, pushed my bike for a few miles, talked to liquor store owners... Such a good time.
My only only beef is that I'm from Bristol, not West Hartford. :)
Can't wait for KONE!
-Aaron from West Hartford Bristol, CT

I had a lot of fun and can't believe I pushed myself so hard (with a bad back to boot). But psyched I didn't get raped and killed riding the back way up east rock with no light in the fog, doubly psyched I won the cannondale bike (!!?), and triply psyched Eric and I can walk through our sun porch now that all the dozens of boxes of prizes and wheel sets have nice happy homes!!
BIG THANKS again to of course my sweetie Eric, and my other sweetie Drew Nemetz for getting SO many ridiculous prizes (?!?!) and Justin and Amity for the frames and everything else and Brian and all the scorchers for sticking with it and everyone for coming out and making it a killer time !!!!!
I think I just got all my energy back....
-Pandalicia

i want to say thank you to drew, eric and uva for taking my baby and making it a monster! this shit was crazy. and to the rest of the crew, racers and workers, fucking awesome. this was the best race new havens seen and hopefully the foundation for the races to come. on to the next epic chapter of scorcherdom!
-Sean Milnes, Scorchers/OPEN Bicycle rider


This race was a blast to host -- possibly more so than it was to race. Last year's participants asked for it to be longer. Yep, it was longer. First Place (Raf) finished in just under 3 hours, and there were people who were still working on their first (3 or 4 total) manifest. The DFL crew came in well into the afterparty.
Congrats to all, and a huge thanks to all who helped, raced, sponsored, or bought Drew drinks!

Grand Theft Velo 3 in pictures (Volume 1)

Some photos posted so far from this weekend's Grand Theft Velo 3 in New Haven, CT....


from the Tyrant BMX blog and Tony's flickr.



NH Scorcher Dan Nugent vs. Austin Scorcher Dan Nicely. Battle of the Dans!
from Sara T.'s facebook


Scorcher Drew Pattison (5th Place) at Fort Nathan Hale


West Coast Scorcher Lily DiMauro reaches Nathan Hale. Look at that fog!



Rich House (6th Place) and Mr. Lucas Brunelle. Photo from Rich's facebook



The early scene outside Rudy's (372 Elm St.). Photo from Mark M.'s facebook.



"celebrity" blogger John "Prolly" Watson and "celebrity" alleycat documentary producer Lucas Brunelle bunny hopping Boston's Justin Keena. Photo by Tyrant via Prolly Is Not Probably.



Raf getting his Bianchi Pista Concept for taking 1st place. Look at all that swag! Organizer Justin Bagnati gives out. Organizer Eric Jennette on left.


Amity Bicycle, Team Scorchers rider Justin Bagnati having his final manifests checked by organizer Matt Uva. Justin came in 2 minutes before Raf, but missed one tiny detail, resulting in a DQ. Robbed!


West Hartford's Aaron Meberg had some technical difficulties. He took Uva's bike to keep racing, then traded it with Phil Lique to finish. "Musical Bikes" scored him 8th place overall.


"Chefpants" from the Baltimore Scorchers.


NH ScorcherDan Nugent working towards that Bruiser.


Boston Scorcher, Justin Keena, forgetting the "wheels down, helmets up" part.


Francesca from the Boston Scorchers working that map. Many checkpoints were foreign, even to locals.


Ghostship Clothing's Matt Lolli, during his "oh sh!t" moment, realizing that the "bonus" manifest for the top 15 added 21+ miles to his ride. Prolly and Chris Wielk in the background.


He rode it well. Here he is receiving his prizes (no Ghostship swag) for 13th overall from organizers, Scorchers NYC's Brian Kaspr, and NH's Matt Uva and Justin Bagnati.


25th place finisher and token vegan straight edge Scorcher, Anthony Acock

Thanks to Tony Tyrant for that batch of photos




The Water St. Legal Wall checkpoint, mid project. Photo by Hillary Stearns via her facebook.


More to come!

Grand Theft Velo 3. Final Results.

Grand Theft Velo 3 was a blast! Thanks to everyone who raced, worked a checkpoint, or sponsored the event! We'll get you a full race report soon, but for now the final results (of those who finished):

1. Rafael Cornier - Scorchers New Haven - 2 hours 52 minutes
2. Brian Hornby - Scorchers New Haven
3. Brian Kaspr - Scorchers NYC - 1st Out of Town
4. Sam Hansen - Scorchers Baltimore
5. Drew Pattison - Scorchers New Haven
6. Rich House
7. Pandalicia - Scorchers New Haven - 1st Ladies
8. Aaron Meberg - West Hartford
9. Dan Nicely - Scorchers Austin
10. Danny B - Scorchers New Haven
11. Dorothy Fortenberry
12. Colin Wambat 11&12 were on a date
13. Matt Lolli - Ghostship Clothing
14. Bill R.- BikeNewHaven
15. Lily DiMauro - Scorchers West Coast
16. Marty Waters
17. Dave Walker
18. Jim Fitzpatrick - Scorchers Boston
19. Kale
19. TIE - Marcus Leitch
20. Robot - Boston
21. Leslie Blatteau
22. Ethan
23. Andras Ordrevesz - NYC - Best Facial Hair
24. Jay Kubeck
25. Acock - Scorchers New Haven
26. Britney Fielstra
27. Paul Osborne
28. Roxy Zuckerman - LA - Furthest Traveled
29. Sarah Kirshner
30. Patrick Dole
31. Bill O'Grady
32. The Shockers MTB Team
33. Andy Horvath
34. Pat Hoey
35. Chefpants - Scorchers Baltimore
36. Francesca - Scorchers Boston
37. Greg Robillard
38. Craig Cronin
39. Rebecca Goldberg
40. Cait Dooley - Best Crash + Hit By Car
41. Zack Virgilio
42. Alex Graupner
43. Ryan Taylor
44. Jen Baudanza
45. Mollie Detmers DFL w/ completed manifests

Honorable Mention: Andy Dutkanicz - didn't register, but rode the whole thing as a domestique

Thanks to DJ's Zark, Luis, and Budzy
Extra thanks to the Pedalphiles Crew for the checkpoint support!

Ghostship Trick Jam, Prolly shows, brings cops

Tony from Tyrant came down to the Ghostship Trick Jam last night and snapped some photos...



Milnes @ Beinecke


Prolly 180 Stairset


Milnes' newest trick:
the one foot flat o' death


Damn BMXers always show up 'n make us look bad
Brian Arnwine (who has his own line of cardigans)

We got run out of the Beinecke spot by the cops who were on the lookout for menacing kids on 700c wheels, or something.

Thanks to Ghostship for putting the jam together...







Grand Theft Velo weekend is underway!

Getting Around New Haven

Here's a quick map with a few points of interest on it for Grand Theft Velo out-of-towners...


View New Haven for Grand Theft Velo in a larger map


On it you can find the start location, train station, after-party, and some bike shops for last-minute supplies.

Last minute Grand Theft Velo shop sponsors come out in droves! Trackstar, Affinity, King Kog, Eighth Inch, Shop Gentei

Grand Theft Velo 3 promises to be bigger than ever, and we've got the last minute sponsor add-ons to prove it!




TRACKSTAR is one of NYC's preeminent (and one of the oldest) fixed-gear-specific shops. They've helped us out in the past, and we couldn't be more psyched that they're helping again. Back during the original Route 1 Stage Race leading up to the CMWC's in NY, we had the opportunity to hang with Team Trackstar. Trackstar is a rad group of guys 'n gals.




AFFINITY CYCLES has a knack for custom builds, and rarely shy away from finding some ultra-rare parts. They're keeping pace at the Kissena Velodrome as well. They've also emerged as a frame builder of some of the most sought after bikes on the East Coast.




KING KOG was one of our earliest event sponsors for the original Grand Theft Velo, signing on over 6 months before the race. They've been a force in the NY scene for some time now, and currently kill it with their sponsored riders, most notably Austin Horse and Sarah Murder.




EIGHTH INCH is the fixed-specific wing of the Wheel & Sprocket Co.. They carry a ridiculously large assortment of everything you would need for your whip, delivered to your door. They've also entered the frame and fork business with their Scrambler.




SHOP GENTEI may be the true originator of the Track Boutique, placing as much emphasis on the fashion and culture surrounding the urban cyclist as the bicycle itself. It's a business plan that's worked, as they now hold two locations -- Baltimore and Towson, MD.


GTV3 is THIS Saturday, so get on it!

Raw Revolution in as a sponsor.

Raw Revolution, makers of raw, organic, vegan food bars just sent a 20 lb. package for pre, during, and post race fuel for all the GTV racers. I recommend the spirulina/cashew one as long as you don't mind having green teeth right after you eat it.

Grand Theft Velo 3, May 16th, New Haven, CT

Grand Theft Velo 3 is right around the corner. Here's a li'l update for y'all...

Grand Theft Velo 3
May 16th @ 4pm
Wooster Square, New Haven, CT

keep it tuned to www.scorchers.tk or email us for info


Grand Theft Velo is an annual alleycat based loosely on the video game of similar name. Just like the game, riders will complete a series of "missions" complete with tacky story-telling and silly gang-names in order to open the next area of the city. As the rider gets further into the game, the game gets harder. There are "bonus missions" and "cheat codes", but sadly, no dead hookers. Bring a lock, bring a pen, bring $5, and bring a map. We'll have some, but probably not enough, so we'll probably try selling them -- gotta love Capitalism.
All types of bicycle are welcome, as are different skill levels, although a degree of comfort riding in urban traffic is paramount.

The success of previous years has solidified GTV's standing as one of the Must Attend events in the Northeast, with last year's winner traveling from Baltimore. As a result, we have seen some serious support from sponsors, both traditional and non-traditional. You can check the left-hand column of this blog for a fairly complete list of sponsors, as well as applicable links.
Some changes to the sponsor list that you should note: Chari & Co has dropped out, Horroh, Feetbelts, and Shop Gentei have been added.
If this hasn't excited you enough, First Place is heading home with a Pista Concept, First Place Ladies with a Cannondale Capo, and somebody else is getting a Pake. Riding fast not your thing? There's a trick/tarck/track omnium sponsored by Ben's Cycle / Milwaukee Bicycle with a top-secret prize deserving of a First Place finish. I can't officially disclose the exact prize, but let's just say it begins with a "B" and ends in an "R", and while it'll give you one, it definitely ain't a "boner".
The top 65 finishers are guaranteed a prize, and New Haven always does something special for DFL.
If you're looking to bring friends or are unsure if you're riding, we ALWAYS need checkpoint volunteers, and we've designed the event so you won't be sitting on a corner in a bad neighborhood for 3 hours. Volunteers are very important to us, and will be treated as such.

Okay, okay, you've decided you're coming out. Great! Here's how to find us....

If you're using Amtrak or Metro-North...

Get off at Union Station, and use our handy Gmap-pedometer directions.
note: Metro North requires cyclists to possess a Lifetime Bicycle Pass, which can be purchased at your station's ticket counter. A receipt for said pass, dated between May 15th and May 16th is redeemable for 1 drink in New Haven (see a Scorcher for details). Metro North also only allows two bicycles per train car. Some conductors enforce this policy, some don't. Just buy the pass, son!

From points North:
Take I-91 South to New Haven. Take exit 2 for Hamilton St. Take a right off exit onto Hamilton, then next right at light onto Chapel St. Wooster Square (a small town-green style park) will be several hundred feet up on your right.

From points East:
Take I-95 South to I-91 North and immediately exit onto Exit 2 - Hamilton St. Take a right off exit onto Hamilton, then next right at light onto Chapel St. Wooster Square (a small town-green style park) will be several hundred feet up on your right.

From Points South/West:
Take I-95 North to New Haven. Take exit 46 for Long Wharf Drive. Take a left off the exit onto Long Wharf Drive and follow this road, which will become East St, until you arrive at Chapel St. There will be a traffic light and "Euro Auto" on your right. Take a LEFT here onto Chapel St. Pass the Devil's Gear Bike Shop and wave to Matt, then continue on Chapel several hundred feet to Wooster Square Park on your right.



If you're traveling from out-of-town, save toll-receipts, train tickets, or flight itinerary, as there will be a cash-prize for the rider who travels the farthest to help recoup your costs.



Here's a little New Haven 101 to get you situated...
New Haven is a generally flat city, with a thriving bicycle culture. We are home to Yale, Southern CT State University, Albertus Magnus, and Gateway Community College. We're a college-town. As a result, in addition to the New Haven Police Department, there are other Campus Police and Security departments who enforce (somewhat willy-nilly) laws pertaining to cyclists. Riding on sidewalks is frowned upon, and New Haven motorists are generally accepting of bicycles in the road.
We do have our share of crime, but most of it consists of "crimes of opportunity", so bring a lock, hide the bling, and carry your PW3 or pocket-lock somewhere where you can get to it in a pinch.
New Haven is fairly friendly, so get here a little early, schmooze, and secure yourself a couch or floorspot -- they're readily available. We've got inexpensive dining options for carnivores, omnivores, and herbivores. IMPORTANT: Alcohol in CT is purchased at "Package Stores" which close at 8pm and are never open on Sundays (hey, CT was started by Puritans). Bars are usually friendly and drink specials abound, we suggest Rudy's (372 Elm St. and home to our afterparty) and Cafe 9 (250 State St.). Both are open 7 days.

Local shops are: Amity Bicycles (18 Selden St., Woodbridge), College Street Cycles (252 College St.), and The Devil's Gear (433 Chapel St.)


If you're making a weekend out of it:

Friday Night
There will be booze cruises and late night sessions that will take you to some of the checkpoint locations and help familiarize you with our city. There's an art opening at Channel 1 (220 State St.) within site of Cafe 9, featuring works from a few of our own Scorchers, as well as some of the Graff Kings of years past.

Saturday Morning
There will be more opportunities to get acquainted with New Haven, as well as rides to local shops.

Sunday Morning
Amity Bicycle (18 Selden St. Woodbridge) will be hosting a velo swap, so dig up those old NOS/NJS/POS parts you've got laying around and make some beer money. There's no cost for a table.

Sunday Afternoon
Amity will be hosting some tricks, skids, etc. Possibly polo?

More Prizes...

More prize packs from our sponsors...some seriously sweet stuff!


-rad shirts from the gals over at Harlot.


-About 20 signed copies of Public Enemy #1 thanks to American Mule Entertainment.


-Dooooooope waxed cotton cycling cap from Outlier.


-Fresh shades from the folks over @ Smith Optics.


-All the way from Australia, a prize pack from the kind folks @ Knog.