Registration for the 2009 Snake Alley Criterium is open. This is one of the most exciting and fun events in the country. Imagine the thrills, intensity and novelty of Hillsboro-Roubaix compressed into 1 mile and 30 minutes. Plus, more cowbell.

As far as I know, registration is mail-in only.

Here’s coverage of 2008’s edition. More than any other race, success at Snake Alley hinges on start position, which here is determined in a civilized manner via registration order rather than the traditional guile and pushiness. This is the race before the race, and if your entry form isn’t in the mail by the end of today, you put your start in peril.