Rider Profile: Christina Peck

Meet Christina Peck, a Sweep racing powerhouse who gives the strongest of women and men a run for their money!

Photo by: Jonathan Koshi

Name: Christina Peck

Sweep Categories: Speed-Women

What was the race equipment you used? 

I first did the Sweep in 2007 and I was trying to find a photo from then because I feel like I rode my track bike, which was so normal at the time but sounds so foreign to me now - definitely with a large-sized Freight bag though. I remember the scope being slightly smaller though - out to the Marina and up to Twin Peaks. In 2014, I rode all the way to Sausalito for the big points and last year it was down to South San Francisco. Both years I had my size large Mer Bag backpack but last year, that barely cut it. Any future years, I feel like I would need to use a front rack or some modified set up - riding back in on rainy Junipero Serra with 60-70lbs on my bag was pretty tough. For the two more recent years, I was riding my All-City Mr Pink road bike. 

Why is the Sweep important to you? 

The Sweep is important because it's a huge event with a whole bunch of friends throwing it for all the right reasons. Encouraging cyclists to do what they do best but channel that into donating a whole bunch of food to fill the SF Food Bank is pretty incredible. I have been so impressed at those organizing this event for the past 10 (!) years, because it obviously involves so much behind the scenes work. It is such a great twist to traditional alleycats too - there are a bunch of strategic moves in how to get in and out of stores quickly and how you route based on knowing you will be carrying a ton of weight towards the end. 

Favorite Sweep moment/memory? 

Favorite Sweep memory was probably 2014 riding across the Golden Gate to Sausalito. I'm usually kitted up and just starting a ride when on the bridge, but weaving through bike traffic with messenger bags felt so odd but so perfect in the moment. In 2007 I have this distinct memory of riding in a huge group of 7-8 and trying to round up receipts and pack bags at the Safeway out on Sloat. All the passerbys were so confused. While it was totally herding cats, it was so much fun. 

You're a well renown courier both nationally and abroad. How do you approach the Sweep versus other alleycats? 

I approach the Sweep pretty similarly as I would other alleycats - route smart and ride hard but be realistic about your timing and ability to carry that much weight without making it miserable for yourself. 

Any tips for someone considering racing speed for the first time? 

For speed: Have a good system for keeping track of your receipts! I got disqualified in 2011 for losing one receipt. Never again (I hope). For fundraising: start early! There are a few steps to setting up your donation page and approval can take a day or two, so don't wait til the last minute.

To sign up for the speed race, register HERE!

Have a favorite Sweep story you want to share? Send us an email at supermarketstreetsweep@gmail.com

Rider Profile: Katie Styer

You are in for a treat this week. Meet Katie Styer! She's a Sweep veteran who's no stranger to the podium, and has been on the top step three consecutive times! She went above and beyond to give you not one, but TEN tips to help you do well and have fun at the Sweep!

Left to right: Katie Styer, Sam Bell. Photo by: Jonathan Koshi

Name: Katie Styer

Sweep Categories: Speed-Women

What was the race equipment you used? 

Why is the Sweep important to you? 

The SMSW is a rad event that brings together every section of the bike community, based on our mutual love of the bicycle. However, the reason the SMSW is so popular is because it taps into our desire to do good and show love for our fellow humans. I grew up in a culture of giving and providing for those who are in need or unable to provide for themselves. I guess the SMSW lets me practice that, while having a lot of fun, winning rad prizes and blowing off some competitive steam.

Favorite Sweep moment/memory? 

When Laura Schnied-WEED won the Speed Lady category, and when Chris Phipps won the men’s speed category. Laura and Chris were so near to the top step of their respective Speed Categories, feeling their excitement and success felt a lot like feeling my own, but way, way better. 

Biggest thing you've learned since the first time you participated in the Sweep? 

“Have fun and stay calm.” The Sweep allows you the space to have maximum fun without having to get too competitive. If you don’t want to be competitive, the food you do collect for people still matters, the sights you see are still amazing and if you ride with a group, the memories you make are long-lasting. If you want to be competitive, stay calm—it’s a really long race.

Any tips for someone considering racing speed for the first time? 

Oh man. I don't have one but ten tips for all the new-junior-baby-street-sweep-racers out there. Check it:

1. It helps to take a second to plot out in what order you're going to visit each grocery store. You may want to deviate from this plan mid ride, but DON'T unless you are very, very, very sure that it is the correct move.  Beware the red herring checkpoint. If it looks extra juicy, it might not be worth it. I’ve never used a smartphone to plot my routes but I hear they help.

2. Don't let that nervous energy take over, but do let the adrenaline flow! Skitch, especially uphill!

3. These races have only gotten harder and harder in terms of what you carry. I recommend going with a large backpack. Sling bags are a killer if you aren't used to carrying 80 pounds on one shoulder. 

4. If you have a choice in clip-less shoes, go with the mountain option. Often it rains during these races and road style shoes on wet grocery store floors will be really, really, slippery. They'll slow you down because you'll be walking so carefully in order to avoid falling and breaking an ankle. Mountain shoes let you run! If you ride with straps and cages on your pedals, all the better! Again, wear shoes that won't get slick in the wet. Avoid shoe laces. Bag your feet if you don’t like soggy tootsies.

5. Don't forget to have a snack and drink some calories in the middle of the race! This will keep you going strong to the end. The 3 minutes you spend eating and drinking will be well spent if it keeps you from losing all your energy in the last 45 minutes of the race.

6. This race is fun with buddies! If you want, go it alone, but having a partner really helps to keep the morale high. Just make sure you ride similar speeds and are on the same page about routing.

7. Hip bags are the best! You can keep your money, receipts, and u-lock all in one place - having to dig in your bag is a time waster for sure. Try to grab one of those plastic coiled bracelet key chains sold at hardware stores. Put your U-lock key on it voila! You never have to search for your U-lock key again!

8. Your vagina is going to be angry. Make sure you ride your favorite, most comfortable, most broken in saddle and your best chamois. Use cream if that's your thing.

9. If you have 30 minutes to go, you might be able to make one more checkpoint. If you have 15 minutes to go, you might want to be on your way in. The 4PM deadline is real. Also, wear a watch, it's easier to check while riding.

10. If you have to decide between taking the short way UP the steep hill or the longer, gradual way around the hill, go the short way up. It hurts, but it's usually worth the time savings.

Good luck to everyone, have a blast, stay safe and keep it rubber-side-down!

To sign up for the speed race, register HERE!

Have a favorite Sweep story you want to share? Send us an email at supermarketstreetsweep@gmail.com

Rider Profile: Bridget May

Meet Bridget May, a Sweep regular and four-time women's cargo champion!

2010 - 13th Place with 24 lbs

2011 - 1st Place with 111 lbs

2012 - 1st Place with 282 lbs! Photos by: Jonathan Koshi

Name: Bridget May

Sweep Categories: Cargo-Women, Fundraising

What was the race equipment you used? 

I ride a Hunter touring bike, which is pretty sturdy and can handle a lot of weight. I have racks on the bike which I load down with front and rear Ortlieb panniers and I have a Burley Trailer ( I won it, in a previous SMSW; Thank you Burley!), which is attached to the rear triangle.  I really recommend a trailer if you want to be competitive. :) Oh, and I carry a big-ass backpack too. Ouch! 

Why is the Sweep important to you? 

The SF-Marin Food Bank does so much good for so many people and it is really important to remember that not everyone has the good fortune to have enough to eat everyday. The Super Market Street Sweep raises money and food for people in need but also raises awareness of this important issue, hopefully being a friendly reminder to donate to your local food bank.  On top of that it is super fun, especially so if you have a great team of people to ride with who know the city well.

Biggest thing you've learned since the first time you did the Sweep? 

The first time I did the race, I did not have a sense of how much I could carry, or how much the food would cost. I didn’t have a trailer but I tried to carry as much as I could and probably ended up spending about $75.  In later years I got people to donate money to my food campaign and I was able to buy more. Last year I had two fundraising campaigns. One to raise money to buy hundreds of pounds of food and one for money that would go directly to the SF Marin Food Bank.  

Favorite Sweep moment/memory? 

Well I love to win things, so it is a great feeling to physically work really hard and then have praise and prizes showered upon you! But it is also a great feeling to raise money to give to a great organization like the SF-Marin Food Bank and make a real difference in our community.

Speaking of winning, I’ve noticed in the last couple of years the competition in the Women’s Cargo category has gotten fierce.  My days of being on top are probably over but it makes me very happy to see so many strong women coming out to kick butt in the cargo category. I say: Bring it On!  Let’s break some records this year, ladies!!

Any tips for someone considering racing speed for the first time? 

1. Make sure you give yourself enough time! Even though it’s not a speed race you still need to be back at the food bank by the cut off time or you will be disqualified.
2. Don’t lose your receipts!  
3. Riding with a fully loaded bike is very difficult, especially starting out from a stop at at red light.  Don’t put too much weight on the front of your bike, or your bike will become very dangerous to navigate!  Unless your bike has independent steering (like a REAL cargo bike), put most of your weight in the rear of the bike. Trust me.
4. Make sure to drink lot’s of water and eat a little something while you’re riding. It uses up a lot of fuel!

To sign up for the cargo race, register HERE! For details on fundraising, read our step-by-step instructions HERE or DONATE to an existing fundraising team!

Have a favorite Sweep story you want to share? Send us an email at supermarketstreetsweep@gmail.com