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Here comes the SS Pussycat: No boys allowed

Buffered Bike Lane with a bike symbol and arrow pointing forward


Action from the ’05 SS Pussycat.
(The guys are just volunteers.)
(Photo: Tori Bortman)

This Saturday’s SS Pussycat is a great opportunity for ladies and transgender cyclists to strut their stuff.

The event — which is strictly “no boys allowed” — is styled after alleycat races made popular by bicycle messengers. Participants will receive an “assignment” and then venture through the city, stopping at predetermined checkpoints along the way.

But unlike most alleycats, at the SS Pussycat the focus is on fun, not speed.

With a “get wet!” theme, this year’s event is The Fountain Ride and most of the stops are water-related. The course rolls through the inner eastside and takes place mostly downtown. A party will follow at the finish line in Sellwood Park.

PDOT, BTA bell giveaway on the Esplanade
When Bethany Berson is
behind an event, you know
it will be fun.
(Photo: Jonathan Maus)

Riders can choose to race for “speed or spirit” and women with children are encouraged to participate. Event organizers say, “Ladies, you are encouraged to wear a costume, bring water toys, tow your kids, ride with a friend, and otherwise express yourselves. MEOW!”

The ladies behind the event have lined up some awesome prizes including a frame-building workshop with Sacha White of Vanilla Bicycles, a professional bike fit, and tons of bike parts and other goodies.

To be part of the action, show up to Jamison Fountain (NW 11th and Johnson) at 12:00 this Saturday (8/25). You can learn all the details on this handy PDF of the official event flyer.

*Organizers could really use a few more volunteers. Either come to Jamison Fountain at 11:45 or email Tori Bortman at gracieswrench [at] gmail [dot] com .

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