It is that time of the year again for the Steel City Showdown, Pittsburgh's premier bicycle race.
$4,000 is up for grabs again this year in what will be some exciting racing over the bridges.
Also very excited to announce a new public ride in addition to racing from 3- 4pm. Come on down and ride the bridges in a safe car free environment.
We are also in need of some good volunteers to help us with pedestrian crossing for the course and ensure that we have a safe time for everyone. If you or a friend might be interested send an email to mike@thelanterne.com We really need the help to insure a great event.
Check out more info up at steelcityshowdown.com
So if I can convince anyone to help volunteer we really need a a few people to help people cross the course during racing as well as with set up and take down.
We will have coffee/ doughnuts in the AM, Lunch from Dominic's, Tshirts, and hopefully 6packs for each volunteer.
The biggest job that we need help with is marshaling crosswalks. If you can help out at all please let me know.
@unicyclemike I like this race and will gladly volunteer.
Sent you e-mail.
I volunteered last year and had a good time & I plan on helping this year too.
BTW, the racing was fantastic last year with lots of bike-stuff to look at too, so if you can't volunteer I recomend at least stopping by to watch.
Link: http://www.steelcityshowdown.com/
Mike,
Are volunteers needed for Sunday only? I'm asking because I want to volunteer, but I am running a fundraiser Saturday, so I want to make sure I can commit to what is needed. Pending a discussion with my wife of course.
Hopefully it is warmer this year than last.
I volunteered last year and enjoyed it. I would do it again if it was for the CtC conflict.
I definitely recommend volunteering.
We will have a few volunteer spots for Friday and Sat getting ready for the event on Sunday, but most of the work is on the 29th.
The event is from 8-4, but that means that people will be there setting up from 5am and clean up goes till about 6pm.
If you shoot me an email I can get anyone more specifics. I really do appreciate all the help from the community that goes into these projects.
Mike
Thinking about adding a prize for 1st CtC finisher. Must ride from philly, must do 1 lap.
Thinking about adding a prize for 1st CtC finisher. Must ride from philly, must do 1 lap.
I approve of this concept. May I suggest an nice "Iron Taint" trophy?
Hmmm...come to think of it, how early on Sunday can one do the lap? I'd expect plenty of Saturday finishers...
@ reddan I'd expect plenty of Saturday finishers...
What better way is there to relax after the stress of CTC than taking a nice bike ride the next morning?
What better way is there to relax after the stress of CTC than taking a nice bike ride the next morning?
Eggs-actly. Wake up, have a nice cup of coffee and ~3000 calories worth of bacon and eggs, then hop on the bike and stretch out the legs a bit.
Ideally, I'd like to see someone finish CtC on Saturday and actually race on Sunday. (No, it shan't be me.)
@dan sounds like a challenge for steevo
@dan not sure our trophy guy is willing to create an iron taint sculpture.
We are going to offer a college discount for any student who would like to race but is also available to volunteer.
$10 , we have breakfast/lunch coffee and beer with id.
email steelcityshowdownvolunteers(AT)gmail(DOT)com to get the code.
This is happening now
Did any CtCers show up?
Adam N was present, stopped by immediately after finishing. Did not race.
he wasn't even dirty, I think he faked it
All that and chatting up the ladies. Hero.
I smelled and I had dirt and food around my mouth. I was smiling and excited when I got in, but then I realized I was getting a cold and my body hates me. So are there any more crits in the area anytime soon? I never saw one. Congrats to all competitors.
I stopped by this for maybe 20min before work, and seeing 20plus bikers coming into a corner at 30ish mph was insane. I've never really watched races in person. But hearing all those cassettes,wheels,the wind..Wow. Def. an awesome sight!
There are crits every Tuesday and Wednesday night down at the oval. If you want to take spectating to the next level, you can donate a prime and watch people sprint it out for your $5, brownies, 6-pack or whatever.
This was my first time seeing a race in person also, I am hooked!!! It was a very awesome site to see. Here is a link to some of my photos. I'm not a pro but I'm learning. Maybe someday I will be as good as John Pratt and you other pros out there. All comments welcome.
http://s1038.photobucket.com/albums/a462/racedoug/Steel%20City%20Showdown%202012/#!cpZZ1QQtppZZ24
good stuff, the lighting on the first corner was brutal. my only suggestion would be to keep shooting...and I'm no pro...haha
thanks though.
They look good to me as well. I agree with John; the lighting in the first corner was brutal, and it grew progressively harsher through the day.
(No pro either).
http://www.acaracing.com/sched.html:
2012 ACA Summer Criterium Series
Tuesday Beginner/Women/Junior Racers
Bud Harris Cycling Park
Sponsored by the Allegheny Cycling Association.
Sanctioned by the United States Cycling Federation.
USA Cycling Race Permit 2012-907
0.5 mile banked oval.
Series Schedule
Every Tuesday beginning April 10 through September 4, 2012.
Registration begins at 5:15pm and closes at 6:00pm.
Required new rider training and clinic program begins at 6:00pm very promptly.
Races begin at 6:20pm (Women/Juniors) and Immediately following (Cat C).
Entry Fees
Entry fee $10..includes USCF and City of Pittsburgh surcharge.
Categories
Beginners Instructional Program, Women's Open Race, USCF Cat 4-5 (C) Race.
You will be able to purchase a one-day Cat. 5 license to race for an additional $10.
Categories are strictly enforced.
Distances depend on light conditions.
Field sizes of 35(C), 35(Women/Juniors) are strictly enforced
2012 ACA Summer Criterium Series
Wednesday Intermediate/Advanced Racers
Bud Harris Cycling Park
Sponsored by the Allegheny Cycling Association.
Sanctioned by the United States Cycling Federation.
USA Cycling Race Permit 2012-908
0.5 mile banked oval.
Series Schedule
Every Wednesday beginning April 11 through September 5, 2012
Races begin at 6:15pm very promptly
Entry Fees
Entry fee $10..includes USCF and City of Pittsburgh surcharge.
Categories
USCF 1-2-3 (Class A), 3-4 (Class 
Race.
Categories are strictly enforced.
Distances depend on light conditions.
Fields may be combined according to field sizes, weather and light conditions.
Field sizes of 40(, 45(A) are strictly enforce
http://www.abraracing.com/Schedule.html has its own series at the oval on Satutdays. In addition:
6/10/2012 and 7/29/2012
Aliquppa Criterium - ACS #2, #3
8/18/2012
California Grandprix - ACS #4
California, PA
6/3/2012
Fort Classic Road Race APRRS #4
Fort Cherry, PA
7/22/2012
Mapletown Road Race - APRRS #5
Mapletown, PA
There is a very interesting cyclocross series during fall.
Thanks for the info. So are there results somewhere from the race on Sunday?
Thanks again to everyone who came out to race, take photos, or just watch some bike nascar.(although I think nascar turns left)
We are hoping that in years to come we can make this into much more of an attraction for cycling and sports fans just looking to see someone from Pittsburgh win at PNC park.
If you came down to the race I would love to hear your thoughts, comments and feedback on what you liked and how we can make it better.
Mike
