What If We Brought Back the Alley Cat?

It was one of those ideas that just kind of happened. A hot August afternoon, eleven years ago. A small crew of riders gathering downtown, looking to shake things up. No medals, no entry fees, no finish-line arch—just a city to explore, a list of checkpoints, and bikes ready to roll.

That was the vibe behind a spontaneous Alley Cat race that unfolded in Little Rock in 2014. Riders plotted their own courses, darted between landmarks, picked up tokens, and raced the clock (and each other) through the heart of the city. It was gritty, a little chaotic, and completely unforgettable.

Now, with cooler weather on the horizon and a growing interest in grassroots cycling events across the state, we’re wondering—what if we did it again?

Not a Formal Race. A Local Adventure.

Alley Cat races aren’t about closed roads or fancy jerseys. They’re urban scavenger hunts on two wheels, equal parts navigation and speed, with a dose of creative problem solving. And best of all, anyone with a bike and a sense of direction (or adventure) can join.

There’s no single format. Riders might have to:

• Snap a photo with public art,
• Pick up a playing card from a business,
• Solve a riddle to find a hidden checkpoint,
• Or just prove they made it to a local trailhead.

And that’s the fun of it. You get to experience your city in a new way—quick decisions, unexpected turns, quiet backstreets, and maybe a few shortcuts only locals know about.

More info on Alley Cat Races.

What It Could Look Like

We’re not saying this is happening… but imagine this:

• Fall afternoon in Little Rock (or Conway, Fayetteville, Hot Springs—your call).
• Riders gather at a local café, bike shop, or park.
• Everyone gets a manifest—a list of checkpoints and maybe a few quirky tasks.
• Choose your own route. Maybe you go for the quickest line. Maybe you go for the most scenic.
• You hit the finish line with stories, laughs, maybe a busted chain… and definitely a deeper connection to your city.
• It’s not about who wins. It’s about how you get there.

Just an Idea… For Now.

We’re floating this out there because Arkansas is full of passionate riders, hidden urban gems, and communities that love a good DIY challenge. We’ve seen gravel races grow into full-blown festivals. We’ve watched group rides turn into advocacy. And we’ve seen how one small idea—like an unsanctioned race in the middle of summer—can become a lasting memory.

So what do you think? Should we bring back the Alley Cat?

Let’s start the conversation. Maybe you have a location in mind. Maybe you want to host a checkpoint. Maybe you just want to ride and see what happens. That’s how these things start—with a simple idea, a couple of friends, and a spark.

Here are links to a couple of Little Rock Alley Cats from years ago (check out the videos):

• Last Shaker of Salt
• Pajama Picnic

Let’s talk.

Comment. Share. Tag your crew. Reach out if you’re curious—or ready to help us put something together. No promises yet… but the gears are definitely turning.