BIKEPGH MESSAGE BOARD ARCHIVE

Cool! Now all we need is a heat for unicycles, too.

So glad this is happening again.

Brad, what issue of UV had article about crits in it?

#14, July 2009.

Written by Steevo: http://www.urbanvelo.org/issue14/urbanvelo14_p38-39.html

"Criteriums are like early Black Flag: short, fast and aggressive."

Great stuff, Steevo.

Thanks, Brad. I thought Steevo wrote it, but I wasn't sure.

This is a really cool venue. Head down to check it out even if you don't race. A few photos from 2008:

So, I've never done anything like this before. Does that mean I'm in the Mens 1/2/3 or is there some other "open" race? Do you start out as a 1 or have to earn the 1 designation?

A good summary of road categorization:

http://www.neworleansbicycleclub.org/uscf.htm

Thanks. I had it backwards. So do I need to pay to get the 5 designation ahead of time, or when I sign up for this event, am I grated a one-day cat 5 status. I'm not really looking to do enough racing to pay the $60.

You can buy a one day CAT 5 license for 10 dollars before any race. If you plan on racing more than 6 races thats when the 60 dollars makes sense.

One more elementary question. When you say I can buy the $10 license before any race, do you mean that I can buy it at the event or do I have to do it online sometime before the event?

You can buy it before any USCF race, which this is. Keep your receipts - if you choose to race more this year, the $10 is credited towards the $60 it costs for a full race license.

At the event. Good point on the USCF.

it looks like that bird is going to attack jake in the picture above.

To me, the bird is the only one in the pic that looks like they are having fun.

To bring this one back from the dead, 1 Month and counting to the showdown. Hoping that the weather for it will be like today with sunny sky and warm temperatures .

If you don't plan on racing come down and enjoy the Tailgate, we will have food, music, race announcers, bike vendors and more, in a family friendly atmosphere.

We already have 95 pre registered at bikereg.com just a warning for those who might be tempted to register day of, there is a good shot that we will fill fields and have a waiting list for a few of the races.

Banner on the Roberto Clemente Bridge

bump because it's this Sunday!

looks like we're going to be setting up a couple pinball machines alongside the Full Pint Brewery keg. come play!

I signed up for a one day license and for the CAT 5 race. I am very excited for this! I hope the training over the Winter paid off.

Sunday looks like a free day for me, so I'm gonna come watch!

I'm helping set up and will hang out and watch if it's nice out!

Can anyone tell me the starting time for these races? Is there a web site for them? Thanks.

first post in this thread

Make sure to check out the 20+ tents that will be set up down at the race tailgate.

We are also happy to announce that we will be raffling off a New 2010 CAAD 9 hand made in PA Frame, Sram S30 Wheels ($1000 value) and much more to non racers.

Looks like great weather for a bike race, help us make this a Pittsburgh Tradition by telling your friends and coming down race day.

Do you still need volunteers? I can help early, but need to leave by noon.

Most Volunteer spots are assigned but I'm sure we will need help with things day of. If you are interested in volunteering for the day, please contact us at steelcityshowdownvolunteers[at]gmail.com.

How fast do you think women cat 4 go? I have never raced before. I think it would be fun but I dont know much about it. I think i would be embarrassed. I don't think I would wear anything other than regular clothes. Any women here race? My husband suggested that I start with races at the oval before i attempt something like this.

Out of curiosity, are you (organizers) doing anything about the expansion joints on the bridges? I realize that road hazards on a race course are just part of the deal, but those wave exp joints could F some people up, esp in a crit situation.

barring disastrous weather, i think i'll head down to watch as well. i'll see if i can bring some friends, but my friends are lazy chumps.

@stefb While I think it would be awesome if you did race you might find the track a lower key way to start. Also, you should really make a point to attend this:

http://racing.steelcityendurance.com/2011/03/28/team-sce-womens-racing-clinic-on-saturday-may-7/

It's super well done, I think women only. (a couple of guys on the team may help, not sure)

@Edmonds59 The mid span joints aren't really an issue. It's not that bad. In any case in 2008 they were covered in friction tape or something close to it. I was told it was very well done. I helped with the collegiate D race and didn't have any problems.

I need to fix my rear wheel today. Don't know if I'll do any racing but I'm going to at least ride down to check it out.

@edmonds59 they're being covered

anyone available to volunteer for a few hours as a course marshal please email steelcityshowdownvolunteers@gmail.com ASAP. Thanks.

Thanks for the info, chris. I if I am available I will go. Pehaps I missed it, but what type of bicycle should I bring? SS, fixed, carbon fiber geared bike?

I think I am going to watch tomorrow, unless I am just unable to get myself out of bed that early.

@stefb must have a freehub and front and rear brakes.

We're live at http://www.steelcityshowdown.com/live.html. If you're on the Twitter, tag with #steelcityshowdown to contribute.

man i got dropped like a rock, but so did two-thirds of my field so no big shame.

This was awesome. Well run event. Hopefully a new Pittsburgh tradition of sorts.

Ted, what class did you ride in?

cat 3/4.

You racers were awsome yesterday! I had a hard time standing in that wind, and several times the metal fences were blown over too.

A big thanks to everyone who made it out to the race yesterday.

Racers, Friends, Family, Enthusiasts, I am grateful to have all of you yesterday who came out to support cycling and support amateur bike racing.

Can't wait to see you out there again for an even better 2012 Showdown.