Considering the way people drive in New Orleans, seeing a bloodied bike sloughing through the French Quarter might not surprise too many. Come Halloween, however, a legion of biking zombies is set to descend on the Quarter with a thirst for blood and thrills.

Bikers can delight in two special events this Halloween. Nola Bike Race is sponsoring Cycleterror, a “zombiecat bicycle race” based on the popular alleycat race format.

“Think high-speed scavenger hunt, in the street, on bicycle, in any weather,” Robin Jean Gruenfeld, University of New Orleans geology senior and race organizer, said.

Nola Bike Race celebrated several holidays with competitions this past year, including Cancel Christmas, Eliminate Easter and F!*$ the Fourth, their Independence Day race. Alleycat races challenge bikers to speed to checkpoints around the city, completing tasks at each. Eliminate Easter, for example, sent riders on an Easter egg hunt, while F!*$ the Fourth saw participants bob for lemons and limes. Every race ends with an after party, contests and prizes.

The race and its final destination are top-secret before the start, but “because of the nature of Halloween, this one will definitely be more whimsical than past races,” Gruenfeld said.

If racing is too intense, bikers can opt for the free-form Critical Mass ride, also this Halloween. Due to the nature of Critical Mass, there is no leader and no route, but due to the nature of New Orleans, it is a safe bet to expect everyone dressed up in their best costume.

Both events start in Jackson Square at 6 p.m. and are open to everyone.

Tom Macom can be reached at [email protected].