SLUG Cat 2016

Bikes ruled the roads, changing lanes and running lights with abandon during the Fourth Annual SLUG Cat race. Racers registered at Saturday Cycles and relaxed in canopied shade before tackling their manifest’s challenges. With stops scattered around town from the Marmalade to Sugarhouse, riders had to plan their routes carefully or risk missing their cutoff time at 7 p.m.

Challenges included selfies at Porcupine Pub & Grille, cornhole at Salt Lake City Bicycle Co., skee ball at Proper Brewing Co., a quick trip on a GREENbike, and a memory game at Watchtower Cafe. From riders who purchased bikes recently to riders with trusty steeds from the ‘70s, the SLUG Cat competitors encompassed a wide variety of both skill and determination.

Darin’s flat tire derailed his cycle posse early in the race, so they took it easy and only hit a few Downtown stops on their manifest. Ian had a great time riding with his dad, Jeff Eggleston—a cyclo-kilted demon on wheels. Racers Amy Holmes and Mrs. Corn are both new to the Salt Lake bike scene, and they both enjoyed meeting riders throughout the day. Racer Adam Rosenberg put it best when he said, “It’s fun to ride bikes with goofy people having a goofy time.”

Behind Crank SLC, a wicked mini velodrome awaited race finishers and challenged them to complete three laps as a final challenge. An afterparty including tunes by DJ NixBeat along with a variety of prizes—both tossed and awarded—guaranteed that the SLUG Cat pleased all in attendance.

Sponsors included: SLUG Magazine, Monster Energy, New Belgium Brewing, Beer Bar, Cold Shoulder Bags, Crank SLC, Cranky’s Bike Shop, Fishers Cyclery, GREENBike SLC, K’UL Chocolate, Porcupine Pub & Grille, Proper Brewing Co., SLC Bicycle Co., Saturday Cycles, The Stockist, Velo City Bags and Watchtower Cafe.