Despite the weather, BikeFest Kicks into gear

From the continual threat of rain to the occasional severe thunderstorm to a tornado warning, Pittsburgh cycling enthusiasts came out in full force this weekend.

BikeFest, our annual 10-day signature event to promote all things cycling in Pittsburgh, began on Friday the 29th and had an action packed weekend of some major events. If you don’t know what BikeFest is, please check out our calendar of over 50 events.

The first event on the schedule was the monthly Critical Mass, a ride that attracted hundreds of cyclists this time around. Also leaving around the same time was Pittsburgh’s first Critical Manners ride.


Critical Mass Riders take a break at Point State Park

Both rides ended up at the BikeFest CBGB, or Community Bicycle Gathering and Bash, Bike PGH’s annual fund-raiser and roof-raiser. This year, we upped the ante some and threw the bash on the sixth floor of a Downtown building with an incredible view of the Allegheny River and no less than seven bridges. Click (1) (2) to see some more photos of the party.

Raising the roof at the BikeFest CBGB Fundraiser
On Saturday and Sunday, the Tour of Pennsylvania arrived in town and brought with it some exciting cycling action. This first of it’s kind professional bike race brought in some of the world’s top under 25 riders in the world. Thirteen countries were represented over seventeen teams. The final two stages were here in town, with stage five ending at the American Eagle headquarters in the South Side, and stage six with a criterium race around Downtown Pittsburgh. Sunday’s race was hounded by heavy rain, creating some slippery conditions for the riders, especially on Grant St, a road that local riders know how dangerous it can become when those bricks get wet. The crowds on both days were large and extremely thrilled. Bike Pittsburgh headed up the Bicycle Valet Parking at Sunday’s Festivities in order to provide parking for the large number of cyclists that rode downtown to see the event.

Tour of Pennsylvania riders enter the Blvd of the Allies in Downtown Pittsburgh

Several other events took place over the weekend as well. Be sure to check out the calendar for the next seven days of action packed cycling fun!