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Pittsburgh Tag-O-Rama!

I tried to start this on Facebook and Facebook once again proved to me how much it sucks. So by someones suggestion I am creating this game here.


They do it on motorcycles, why can't we do it on bicycles?


http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=372674


Rules are easy (although wordy, it is not hard to play)...


#1 - Find the tag and get a picture of your bike in the same location (as best as possible). The first person to post a found tag gets to place the next tag. If you get a tag, but somebody else posts their picture first, you lose - you've been Bruced. In order to post pictures on the page you must hit the "like" button first.


#2 - Take the tag to a new location, get the photo and post it here. Try to keep the tag within Pittsburgh city limits and the surrounding neighborhoods. Give a few hints so the next person can figure out where the tag is located. Try to place the tags in interesting locations, somewhere historic, etc. Remember, the point of the game is not to make the clues difficult to figure out. It is about riding, not Googling.


#2a - After you pick up a Tag a new tag must be placed within 36 hours. If new tag is not set within the time limit, the first Bruce posted gets the tag. If no Bruce was claimed, tag will revert to the previous tag, and somebody else will get their chance. If you won't have the time to drop off a new tag, don't pick it up to begin with.


#2a.1 - This rule is intended to keep the game moving. If the overdue tag is posted before somebody grabs the reverted tag, then the new tag will stand. However, giving the overdue tagholder a load of crap is highly encouraged.


#3 - Tag must be findable - don't make your tag so obscure that no one will find it. Make sure to let folks know what riding conditions are involved to get to your tag.


#4 - File photos are NOT permitted. You gotta ride to play this game.


#5 - The bicycle in the picture must get to the tag location under its own power.


#6 - No whining.


A photobucket, smugmug, or other similar online photo hosting site will be needed to play. I am new to posting photos on here and it looks like you need to copy and paste the HTML code from the photo to post on here. I am use to using the IMG code on other forums.


Stay tuned, I will post a couple pics and show you how the game is played.


jwright
2010-09-06 22:40:32

Here is the first tag:


Photobucket


It is near a local cycling attraction, so it should be pretty easy to find.


jwright
2010-09-06 22:43:45

David found the tag and posted this:


Photobucket


It was located at the Zone 5 Police station near the Cycling oval.


jwright
2010-09-06 22:45:34

Here is the tag the David dropped:


Photobucket


His clue is: You can catch a movie or get some Taco Bell/Pizza Hut if you like.


jwright
2010-09-06 22:46:35

So that is how the game is played. Now go find David's tag and move is somewhere else!


jwright
2010-09-06 22:47:14

This looks like fun!


lou-m
2010-09-07 00:33:46

It does. I'm tempted to go grab that tag right now. I almost think that's too easy to find tho.


Eh, Washington Blvd after dark is a bad idea. I'll wait for another one.


lyle
2010-09-07 02:11:51

Eh, Washington Blvd after dark is a bad idea


Looks like that bus shelter advertisement is in the right place then.


dwillen
2010-09-07 03:28:49

this does look like fun. i can't wait to see all the bikes.


hiddenvariable
2010-09-07 05:04:04

The current tag is not Washington Blvd. It is the bus shelter that David posted (not too much further away).


jwright
2010-09-07 12:00:42

That St. Margaret bus shelter is far, yes?


Is there a geographic limit to this? I don't want Dan or some other randonneur trekking into central PA and leaving the tag around a Holstein's neck...


Funny, but not fun.


sloaps
2010-09-07 13:23:12

It's not that far. It's just I would have to use W.Blvd to get there, which I didn't want to do after dark, see.


lyle
2010-09-07 13:49:53

As far as a geographic limit, lets keep it close to Pittsburgh for now. Pittsburgh city limits and surrounding neighborhoods. I think that will make the game move faster.


jwright
2010-09-08 01:03:59

Negley > One Wild Place > Butler > .... > BEAN BURRITOS!


noah-mustion
2010-09-08 01:09:28

St. Margaret's is (believe it or not) within the City of Pittsburgh.


atleastmykidsloveme
2010-09-10 03:04:07

I believe I just saw someone taking a picture with their bike in front of this stop...will the game continue?


lou-m
2010-09-13 23:15:29

"I believe I just saw someone taking a picture with their bike in front of this stop...will the game continue?"


Nice!


jwright
2010-09-14 13:28:36

Ok I'll play.




johnwheffner
2010-09-14 15:35:06

Here's your new tag, somewhere on Stanton Ave. Go get it.




johnwheffner
2010-09-14 15:36:35

Nice tag. I might have to go get it in the morning if it is still there.


jwright
2010-09-14 19:01:45

ooof that's a climb. enjoy, hardier souls.


noah-mustion
2010-09-14 20:48:50

This wasn't easy...




lou-m
2010-09-14 22:36:32

[img src="www.picture.com"]

except replace the [] with <>

rubberfactory
2010-09-14 22:44:53

River to a river...




lou-m
2010-09-14 22:46:53

oh snap. I just got the stanton tag & was about to upload!


quizbot
2010-09-14 22:49:50

ahhhh, I'm so leaving early for work tomorrow to get that.


rubberfactory
2010-09-14 22:53:40

dammit that one's easy for me too...


noah-mustion
2010-09-14 23:24:55

oh snap. I just got the stanton tag & was about to upload!


You could be evil, and use it after you get another tag? :)


dwillen
2010-09-14 23:27:15

I've got something more evil in mind now that I see how this is going >;)


quizbot
2010-09-14 23:53:16

So excited this is taking off!


peaceturkey
2010-09-15 00:17:38

Jeez...I rolled by there not more than an hour ago on my way home this evening.


sloaps
2010-09-15 00:38:39

I did bike rack counts within 50 yards of either side of this site earlier today. Hadn't checked the tag o rama thread first. Shoot! But, I can tell you that this bike was not parked at either of the two Convention Center - river side - bike racks at mid-afternoon!


swalfoort
2010-09-15 00:49:39

No it wasnt'...stopped by on my way home from work.


lou-m
2010-09-15 01:34:32

alright!


too lazy to flip


rubberfactory
2010-09-15 11:05:14

Honey, this town is a prison, with its four walls closing in.



rubberfactory
2010-09-15 11:05:59

Whew... early riser!


lou-m
2010-09-15 11:23:32

this could be a prime candidate for a sticky thread?


I'm just excited that I can actually identify many of these places :D


ejwme
2010-09-15 12:35:34

Whew... early riser!

Actually, I slept in today, heh. I work anywhere from 3:30am - 6:30am


rubberfactory
2010-09-15 17:39:50



pseudacris
2010-09-15 20:31:34

oh, dammit, you beat me.


lyle
2010-09-15 20:40:44

::::::::::: WHERE'S THE BEEF? (served with basil, mint + onion...):::::::::::



pseudacris
2010-09-15 20:41:43

Nice work. Liking the fact that the next image is nowhere near the first!


lou-m
2010-09-15 20:44:51

Thx! I had to speed home since my mb upload doesn't seem to work. The Beef is in the East End.


pseudacris
2010-09-15 20:50:11

I know exactly where that is, and I am totally there...


noah-mustion
2010-09-15 21:03:20

is that a block of plywood on your handlebars?


dwillen
2010-09-15 21:07:31

Snap


lyle
2010-09-15 21:12:40

"This image or video has been moved or deleted."


rubberfactory
2010-09-15 21:18:52

@dwillen: yep. a modest attempt at a tripod.


pseudacris
2010-09-15 21:19:37



noah-mustion
2010-09-15 21:31:54

Nice!


pseudacris
2010-09-15 21:33:44

Awww snap! That was quick!


lou-m
2010-09-15 21:34:24


I highly recommend this piece of land as a nice place to park your bike....


noah-mustion
2010-09-15 21:40:25

Although I know where that's at...that one could be tricky!


lou-m
2010-09-15 21:43:25

Nahhh, it's an easy spot to reach.... I love to go up there and lap up the scenery, makes me go round and round :)


noah-mustion
2010-09-15 21:45:19

Ok, we'll play it your way. Had to race for this one.



lyle
2010-09-15 22:07:59

AWESOME


I see you did "bruce" me now that your photo works... all's well....


noah-mustion
2010-09-15 22:14:17

Wow! These tags are not sitting for very long.


Lyle: Drop a new one! Also, when you pick up a tag, maybe mention where it is at. I have never seen that tunnel before.


jwright
2010-09-15 22:28:40

It's in Highland Park, it goes beneath the loop on the SW side... the one before that was Kubideh, an Iranian food place at Baum & Highland in East Liberty...


noah-mustion
2010-09-15 22:31:21



I was banking on barbecue but got lost. Might have been better for my health. Just some food for thought.


lyle
2010-09-15 22:44:48

I arrived at the HP tunnel just as Lyle was posting. Pipped twice at the post in 2 days!


quizbot
2010-09-15 22:48:01

I know where Lyle's new tag is... and it's not in Frick Park :P


quizbot
2010-09-15 23:00:21

Yeah, I thought "hot dogs? No, ribs!"


lyle
2010-09-15 23:30:03

Carnegie Library, Homewood branch on Hamilton Ave.




quizbot
2010-09-16 02:50:18

You can't get any higher between the rivers.




quizbot
2010-09-16 14:51:22

WOW! You just upped the ante all the way, pal...


noah-mustion
2010-09-16 14:53:07

Oh, man, that was the one I was going to do next! I might have to leave work early today, depending on the weather...


lyle
2010-09-16 15:18:21

That's the first one I have no idea where it is. Can the scooper please clue me in when you post it?


ejwme
2010-09-16 15:47:48

you need to haVe A good perspective to figure out where that one is


noah-mustion
2010-09-16 15:51:12

I'm not sure I'm reading Noah's clue correctly but if the CAPS are signifying the location I'm not sure that's correct.


lou-m
2010-09-16 15:59:11

@Noah: And if you don't have quite the right perspective, you can end up riding around in circles (or ovals), eh?


reddan
2010-09-16 16:03:31

Oh - ok, I do know where that is, and it's awful close to where I live...


ejwme
2010-09-16 16:09:26

Hmmm...I don't know I think you guys may have it wrong. Think of a "bird" that's on a hill...but misspelled.


lou-m
2010-09-16 16:32:22

Yeah I'm double wrong. I thought that was the VA hospital (wrong), and the similar-looking water tower isn't even at the VA but across the river in Fox Chapel (wrong again)


noah-mustion
2010-09-16 17:53:47

On further consideration, I was mistaken about which water tower that is. Which means mine is still safe. But do I want to go out in the rain just for this?


lyle
2010-09-16 18:09:42

You can see it from a VA hospital, just not that VA hospital.


johnwheffner
2010-09-16 19:34:44

Hell you can see it from all over town really... that's one of my landmarks (much like fatty water tower in Garfield)


noah-mustion
2010-09-16 19:40:41

I know where it is but I am not telling, nor am I hauling my ass up there to go get it. :)


rsprake
2010-09-16 19:49:15

My chances of nabbing that are zero, but just for sake of ID, would a Tippy Top Ride have gotten me there?


stuinmccandless
2010-09-16 21:48:40

Patience. Somebody will nab it soon. Not tonight for me, though.


lyle
2010-09-16 22:55:34

I will say that there's a street nearby named after a constellation.


quizbot
2010-09-16 23:08:26

And another named after a beer.


lyle
2010-09-16 23:50:27


Riding to the top of Herron Hill in a thunderstorm was probably not the smartest thing I've ever done. To my credit, the lightning didn't start untill I was almost to the top.


I'll have to drop a tag tomorrow. No way I'm putting those wet clothes back on tonight :-)


dwillen
2010-09-16 23:59:17

Nice! Did you go up Bryn Mawr or the Milwaukee side?


quizbot
2010-09-17 01:12:11

I went up Bryn Mawr... Cobbles were a little dicey when they were wet, so I used the sidewalk much of the way. I'd like to do it again on a clear day, during daylight.


dwillen
2010-09-17 01:53:54

dan... speechless.....


noah-mustion
2010-09-17 02:09:36

I should warn yinz that I'll be scouting the Dirty Dozen for the next month or two. Better start playing keep-away!


quizbot
2010-09-17 03:54:54



Click for full size.


You must journey to top of the field of green where you can find the intersection of these two streets, one of which shares a name with an ancient kingdom of Anatolia, the other could be renamed to more accurately reflect its horizontal position in the neighborhood as the altitude here is only ~50 feet below the previous tag.


If (unlike me) you ride up there when it isn't raining, you will have a nice view of the city.


dwillen
2010-09-17 15:15:17


Greenfield's Bigelow at Lydia


bikefind
2010-09-17 17:59:11

I thought Dan's written location description was great....


swalfoort
2010-09-17 18:04:38

Thanks Sara! and nice climbing to the top of greenfield on that mountain bike bikefind!


dwillen
2010-09-17 19:48:23


people are dying to get in here, it's near frickin perfect.


bikefind
2010-09-17 19:54:40

I will have missed the flock for this if I can't catch them.

Killing.jpg


lyle
2010-09-17 22:20:31

this is too much fun to watch happen. also: realizing that after living here 4 years, I haven't been anywhere in the city.


rubberfactory
2010-09-17 22:53:10

I searched low and high but couldn't catch a glympse of the flockers.

/


lyle
2010-09-18 00:37:13

I did a little Photoshop on the photo. I am still unsure where it is.

Photobucket Pictures, Images and Photos


jwright
2010-09-18 12:51:59

Given the orientation of the skyline I'd say somewhere on the Northside.


noah-mustion
2010-09-18 13:46:42

Figured out where it is. I'll have to make a run for it later if it's still there.


quizbot
2010-09-18 13:54:18

I think I have it figured out. After playing with Google earth for a few min. I think I duplicated the skyline. The only down side is that I will not be able to get it till almost 3:00. I hope it is still there.


Photobucket


peaceturkey
2010-09-18 13:58:55

@peaceturkey - that's how I figured it out too. 3d buildings & panoramio photos layers FTW.


quizbot
2010-09-18 14:26:17

This looks fun! I'm afraid a lack of technology will prohibit me from playing.


(Also, a lack of Pittsburgh knowledge. But, that can be helped easier than the technology problem. For example, I've never been to that first Greenfield one and I live here, so I'm now determined to find it!)


jeg
2010-09-18 16:49:10

Tag


Photobucket Pictures, Images and Photos


jwright
2010-09-18 18:24:09

Scenley park, near the oval


jwright
2010-09-18 18:24:59

pipped yet again...




quizbot
2010-09-18 18:43:58

wow. navigation fail on me... oops


noah-mustion
2010-09-18 19:06:52

Cool, I knew you guys would figure that out, though I was expecting someone to use celestial navigation and draw a straight line through the sunset. I overlooked google earth. Incidentally, Quizbot got the right tree.


lyle
2010-09-18 19:22:24

Let me know if you need any clues.


Photobucket Pictures, Images and Photos


Photobucket Pictures, Images and Photos


jwright
2010-09-18 19:50:29

That's a good one. Right there but just out of te way enough that most people miss it.


cburch
2010-09-18 20:28:21

This is the first one I can't figure out. Someone better go get it before cburch takes it to some unholy mud pit!


quizbot
2010-09-18 20:40:23

He was giving me crap today for not saving my tag for the bottom of Dr. J.


dwillen
2010-09-18 20:46:17

nevermind, I found it. I'm not going to go get it today though. I have dinner plans. :)


tabby
2010-09-18 20:51:02

Remember. Frick is inside the city. :D


I have a few other tags in mind that won't involve knobby tires.


cburch
2010-09-18 20:58:17

I thought I knew where this was.

/

I hope I can reach the next tag before dark.


lyle
2010-09-18 22:27:56

where was that?


bikefind
2010-09-18 22:36:42

station square


tabby
2010-09-18 22:42:42

It's tucked around the back of the big parking lot. Far north east corner.


cburch
2010-09-18 23:04:01

This might shock you, but my bike is actually higher than quizbot's. Closer to god than ewjme, and you don't even have to get dirty to find it. Hallelujah! But beware of dog.


/


lyle
2010-09-18 23:39:29

@quizbot - pipped indeed, but hats off for framing the skyline with your bike frame...


pseudacris
2010-09-19 00:48:26

@pseudacris - thanks... I was just trying to keep my composure after being robbed :)


The new tag is vexing... is it at the top of a 2,000 lb cleaning instrument? Also thought it could be related to Aerosmith, but that doesn't work either. Scouring google maps & street view for blue things on hilltops... can't quite pin this one down.


quizbot
2010-09-19 02:15:06

Oops. The clue ought to have read "closer to god than bikefind." Not to impugn ewjme's sanctity, but it makes more sense this way.


The blue object is a water tower. I had hoped to get it all in the frame but that would have required standing in the yard of an apparently vicious dog. If the text doesn't provide enough clues, I'll post another photo. Careful attention to the gearing might help too.


lyle
2010-09-19 02:25:10

Ya, I see where that chain is :)


quizbot
2010-09-19 02:52:10



Bah, bruced. Just joining this party - seems really fun!


alnilam
2010-09-19 12:46:57

/


lyle
2010-09-19 13:48:25

is that atop mt. washington?


noah-mustion
2010-09-19 14:13:13

No.


lyle
2010-09-19 14:17:41



behind calvalry cemetery.

we're supposed to be saying where these are when we find them, right?

and lyle, that dog was a sweetie.


bikefind
2010-09-19 14:30:16

also, you'd have to make quite an effort to be less close to god than bikefind, but I know what you meant.


bikefind
2010-09-19 14:31:36

Damn, I should have know where that is. I used to live near there and ride right past there a couple times a week while doing laps on Flowers and Tesla.


jwright
2010-09-19 14:38:59

"This might shock you"=Tesla. I love it. Great clues Lyle.


noah-mustion
2010-09-19 14:40:38



less than one mile from the last tag as the crow flies.

you might feel like you've been here before, but you'd have it backwards.


@Jason: thanks for starting this!


bikefind
2010-09-19 15:30:48

So I happened to be home and online and used to walk by the back of that (yellow) building on a daily basis.



I will admit I didn't climb the hill in the picture, I went up the side. :P


I'll do one this evening.


jeg
2010-09-19 15:50:43

no problem not climbing the hill. (I figure it's my job to call that, since I placed the tag.) I didn't climb up greenfield/bigelow to get dwillen's tag, but I live up here and figure I've done that climb enough times to get home. I did hoosac though. Can't get enough of that street - I always feel like there's no way I'm not gonna die or make an idiot of myself when I get to that steeper part near the end. Always exciting to get to the top without either happening. (although the "not looking like an idiot" part is just my perspective. others may well differ.)


bikefind
2010-09-19 16:17:02

I actually tried, but this lady pulled up next to me asking for directions juuust as I started. So I got off, failed to give helpful directions, walked, and then went the other way instead.


Running up all the Greenfield hills is challenging enough for me. Less death and looking like an idiot when gravity wins on 2 feet compared to 2 wheels, at least for me. :)


It just so happens I already had a bike ride planned tonight for the next tag.


jeg
2010-09-19 16:29:07

2nd thx @jason... this is good fun! I put in about 35 extra mi chasing tags around last week. @lyle for great hints too.


quizbot
2010-09-19 17:19:24

I suspect a subset of this forum will recognize this rather quickly. Watch out for beavers!




jeg
2010-09-19 23:12:51

Hmmm, if I had a reason to go over that way I'd get it


sgtjonson
2010-09-20 03:43:37

Can you provide another clue? Is that Washington's landing?


jwright
2010-09-20 12:56:30

@quizbot and bikefind, thanks, I have been playing the tag-o-rama around the state of PA on Motorcycles for a while now and I thought it would be pretty fun on bicycles. It looks like you guys agree.


jwright
2010-09-20 12:58:48

/


This was surprisingly difficult. My first guess was the TRRA on Washington's Landing, so I hurried down there, couldn't find it, rode all over the island, asked a whole bunch of walkers if they had any clue, and the, finally, went back and looked harder.


lyle
2010-09-20 13:26:37

The people who should serve us treat our lives as worth scarcely more than a pile of dog shit. How can we get them into court before our public roads become slaughterhouses?




lyle
2010-09-20 14:41:54

wow, that's a really easy one... now do i feel like going over there...?


noah-mustion
2010-09-20 15:04:01

Yeah, but it seemed apropos. And easier than climbing Mt Washington this morning.


lyle
2010-09-20 15:21:40

oi, I have one packed weekend where I can't get online and this explodes. I might have to shed my luddite tendencies just to figure out how to play properly, because I'll never catch up at this point!


ejwme
2010-09-20 15:24:01

You don't have to catch up, you only have to catch one.


lyle
2010-09-20 15:41:38

Yeah - go and take this one...


noah-mustion
2010-09-20 16:19:58

Tennis courts on Washington's Landing




quizbot
2010-09-20 21:49:52

You're likely achin' to come up around here




quizbot
2010-09-20 22:44:10

its le tour de blue thingy!


cburch
2010-09-21 01:25:57

I know I don't have to do them all... But most are places that I look at and think "Hey, I know where that is, that'd be fun to bike to!" or "That's on my way to X, I should go there." And if I don't know it, that makes me want to go even more. Thus my list of places to go on a bike gets longer every time someone lays down a new tag. It's a personal problem I'll continue to battle on my own :D


ejwme
2010-09-21 01:53:21

Some of these I recognize, some not, this blue thingy, I'm pretty sure is emerald now. but I'm not going to get to it.


...edit... took a quick look at google satellite images ... totally misremembering. No, don't go emerald.


nfranzen
2010-09-21 02:27:49

@church - that's about an 8 minute ride for you. Giddyup!


Wondering about placements for tags... are we sticking to city limits proper? A 10 or 15 km radius centered on the point could make things pretty interesting.


quizbot
2010-09-21 02:37:15

I know this one.


lyle
2010-09-21 02:47:39

8 minutes huh? We'll see if I can do it in double or triple that time on the fixed commuter.


cburch
2010-09-21 03:42:38

I've been waiting for this one. It's on the friggin' bike map for pete's sake...


noah-mustion
2010-09-21 03:47:36

Achin is right. So are my lungs. Fwiw, this is just up from the garfield cmmunity garden.


/


lyle
2010-09-21 12:07:22

@quizbot: I was thinking about trying to keep it in or around city limits. I think if it gets too far out there it might sit. If you have a good one that you think people will go for, then throw it out there.


jwright
2010-09-21 12:17:35

This is a quiet spot for lunch that you can't find on StreetView.


2010-09-21


Fans of architecture and politicians will recognize it immediately.


lyle
2010-09-21 12:41:17

How about we keep it within the bike map limits?


rsprake
2010-09-21 13:28:50

@lyle: Great spot for the tag. I love that building, really cool.


@rsprake: Bike map limits sounds good.


jwright
2010-09-21 13:35:25

Crap! I can ALMOST get to that one. But my bike is four blocks in the other direction!


swalfoort
2010-09-21 13:36:09

Four blocks? I rode up to that godforsaken water tower. C'mon sara, you'll have to do better than that.


lyle
2010-09-21 13:44:05

around my meetings?


hmm, lunchtime now. maybe i have a window of opportunity here!


swalfoort
2010-09-21 15:59:37

Fans of architecture and politicians will recognize it immediately.


Criminals,too.


I mean, even the non-politician ones.


mick
2010-09-21 16:07:38

I got this one. l will need to get back in front of a screen before I can update with a photo.


rsprake
2010-09-21 16:34:45

Bike tag


rsprake
2010-09-21 17:06:00

This thread is moving fast! I have a good one, I think, but I have to catch another one of these tags first.


lou-m
2010-09-21 17:09:56

I so had this tag, but just spent the last 30 minutes trying to get a flicker account and then learning how to post a photos. As this game accelerates, us technological neophytes will be left behind.....! Oh well, I can still play vicariously!


swalfoort
2010-09-21 17:22:22

Here's a POST from before that tells how to post images, plus you can POST "test images" there too if you like to post your posting skills.


Old Posting POST


boazo
2010-09-21 17:58:52

I heard you liked posting so I posted about posting so you could post while you post


alnilam
2010-09-21 18:10:03

Bike tag


A section of park was razed to eradicate oak wilt right above here.


rsprake
2010-09-21 23:16:01

rsprake, your pictures are gorgeous!


bikefind
2010-09-21 23:22:04

Wow, I am surprised that this tag lasted this long. You guys can ride these trails with the skinny tires without much issue.


jwright
2010-09-22 00:37:06

Yeah maybe, but just now it's too Frikin' Dark out there.


ahlir
2010-09-22 01:23:32

Heh.


rsprake
2010-09-22 01:34:43

It's not too dark to go here, it's just too dark to get the picture.


lyle
2010-09-22 01:57:14

You can verify photo time & location EXIF metadata if it isn't stripped by posting the jpg thru a service (& if you have gps enabled on your device).


Or... you could take a really bright light.


quizbot
2010-09-22 02:10:33

If one wanted to cheat, one could find my photo on Flickr and see exactly where it is. :)


rsprake
2010-09-22 02:40:50

I'll have to try turning on the gps and seeing how that exif works.


lyle
2010-09-22 02:45:22

I checked the EXIF on your flickr page, rsprake, and it did not contain GPS coordinates.


dwillen
2010-09-22 03:15:35

I've been watching these tags and thinking, when am I going to have time to grab one of these. It turns out the time is now.


Where the trees are gone, the moon is bright.


Under the trees, a little flash, long exposure, some flashlight, no tripod, terrible photo



That's one of my favorite benches in Frick Park.


nfranzen
2010-09-22 04:06:58

Before I realized I needed the sleep (perhaps the same moment I saw you got the tag...) I was about to take candles and a tripod and play with some long exposures to get this tag. Kudos. I hope there's a tag left late tomorrow or the next day...


I can't wait to dip an oar or pedal or tag in here, this is a great goad to get out and explore. May this thread prosper.


gordonkirkwood
2010-09-22 05:07:44

This is a great idea! Very cool.


matthew
2010-09-22 12:24:49

Nate, don't forget to give Jupiter credit for some of that light! He's been on a real bright streak lately.


alnilam
2010-09-22 12:30:44

Hey, rsprake what kind of camera are you using?, that stuff is just luscious.


edmonds59
2010-09-22 12:50:50

He's got the contrast and color sat turned way up. You can do that with most cameras (but not phones, I guess), if that's to your taste.


I don't know why camera phones don't have any kind of lens covers. Mine always gets covered with schmutz.


lyle
2010-09-22 13:00:06

It's an iPhone 4. The light was bad in both of those so I boosted the contrast and saturation.


rsprake
2010-09-22 13:48:37


There's a certain timing element here. I highly recommend picking up this tag between 5 and 7 pm, when that door is open.


nfranzen
2010-09-22 14:24:50

HA! you go to the street view of this place and the door is open, there's a bike outside leaning against the wall, and another secured to a roof rack.


XD


sloaps
2010-09-22 14:38:06

So this morning when Nate told me the photo he planned to post, and what he was going to write, I said, "You'll need to say more than that. Nobody's going to know where that is."


Ha! Shows what I know.


mmfranzen
2010-09-22 14:55:21

I knew where it was before I even scrolled down to see what he wrote. Not sure that is a good thing :-)


dwillen
2010-09-22 15:02:50

I would not have recognized it without the text. I wish he'd posted it before I left home though. No way I'm going to be able to pick that up before someone else nabs it tonight.


lyle
2010-09-22 15:45:15

Sweet bike Nate. I know where it is, but I would imagine it will be gone by the time I can get over there.


rsprake
2010-09-22 16:06:23

I waited to post it in order to thwart you, Lyle.


nfranzen
2010-09-22 16:17:00

Grrrrrrrrr (?)


pseudacris
2010-09-22 16:24:31

East End Brewing Co, Susquehanna St




quizbot
2010-09-22 22:33:45

note the open door, yet no growler brought home for me...


ilikebikes
2010-09-22 23:01:38

My problem is that I finish the growler at home... I need to remember to bring the empty ones to work with me in the morning.


dwillen
2010-09-22 23:06:15

I'm surprised that the tag hung around all day. Just wait till you see the next one.


quizbot
2010-09-23 02:34:12

Could someone post a pic of the tag? I think my chances of picking up one of these is about zero, but it would be helpful to know what I'm looking for.


Or is it a virtual tag? Am I missing something here?


stuinmccandless
2010-09-23 03:11:05

The pic IS the tag. That's it.


lyle
2010-09-23 03:16:16

Though currently, there is no tag.. quizbot will post that soon.


dwillen
2010-09-23 03:33:11

@stu: I got confused about that too, when I read sloaps worrying about dan leaving the tag around a hostein's neck out in central pa.* But yeah - figure out where the picture was taken, take a pic of your bike there and that's it.


*an image that made me laugh every time I went back and read it, thank you.


bikefind
2010-09-23 11:22:34

changed my mind... the gates were open here this morning. you don't want to let this door close behind you.




quizbot
2010-09-23 13:47:46

Oh, man, you guys have to stop posting these while I'm at work!! I have that picture already on my camera at home, I could have saved myself the trip...


lyle
2010-09-23 14:16:18

More to follow./


lyle
2010-09-23 19:08:58

Allegheny Cemetery. /

Where some old lady in a car shouted "No Bikes!!!" at me as I left.


Next tag tomorrow sometime, not tonight. Unless I can use a different bike for the new tag?


lyle
2010-09-23 19:38:51

The same bike question has occurred to me too. As long as it is MY bike, does it matter if the same bike appears in both tags?


swalfoort
2010-09-23 19:49:16

No Bikes? old lady needs to check herself before she wrecks herself (or a cyclist). I'm going to have to look around there more often when I go through. It is the best part of any ride involving penn and butler.


ejwme
2010-09-23 20:12:50

Different bikes are fine. Just keep the game moving.


jwright
2010-09-23 22:39:29

Photobucket


It was necessary to carry my bike up several small sets of two-step stairs.


lyle
2010-09-24 13:45:14

I know where it is, but can't get over there until after work. Damn these 10am-5pm tags! :)


dwillen
2010-09-24 14:24:34

Grr... for the first time, I actually have the timing to maybe get this one first. Also for the first time, I'm stumped.


alnilam
2010-09-24 17:40:49

The Walled Garden at Mellon Park!



pseudacris
2010-09-24 18:59:28

Dinner suggestion: a shot of wheat grass, chased by a greasy dog named after #7. You'll find this between courses if you look 4 ways. Its about halfway between the factory and the beer cave.




pseudacris
2010-09-24 19:24:01

Hm. That's going to take a little bit of searching.


lyle
2010-09-24 22:15:24


This almost feels like cheating because it's so close to my house. (But not enough like cheating to stop me from grabbing the tag!)


Cromwell Street, between Pansy Way and Celeron. Property of Mike the Balloon Guy, who graciously shares his party equipment with the neighborhood at the annual block party.


mmfranzen
2010-09-24 22:35:21

I didn't know where that fountain was at all. I tried to imagine it in various places, including Mellon Park, but couldn't.


But, so then, later, Mary says, "Hey! we gotta go get the tag!"


It will move farther away tomorrow. Mary had a nice spot in mind, but I happen to know that several readers of this message board live within a block or two of that spot, so it's out.


nfranzen
2010-09-24 22:42:36

It moved to Abbot St by the time I made it over there




quizbot
2010-09-24 23:16:34

Nice to see some tandem cycles showing up in the tags!


The fountain @ Mellon was restored this summer. There's an interesting artwork buried in the grass around it. At night, a constellation lights up.


pseudacris
2010-09-25 04:14:53


With apologies for the poor picture quality. Our camera crapped out on us, so we wound up taking photos with our phones.


This *is* on the Bike PGH bike map. It was followed by quite a descent, where this stoker thought we went a bit too fast.


mmfranzen
2010-09-25 16:23:13

For your amusement, the gps did not die, and our whole route looked like:



so the tag should be easy to find now.


nfranzen
2010-09-25 16:59:25

I think it's in the upper right corner of the map?


marko82
2010-09-25 17:41:14

It would be instructive to know where, along your route, that photo was taken. I think with that piece of information, and guessing that the total distance is under 40 mis, I could locate it.


lyle
2010-09-25 18:16:29

It's not that bad, the building is distinctive.


NOT in upper right part.


nfranzen
2010-09-25 19:07:44

The building is more distinctive when viewed from its other side.


mmfranzen
2010-09-25 19:25:13

Ooohhh I think I got it. But it will have to wait until tomorow, if it lasts that long and Edmonds doesnt snag it...


marko82
2010-09-25 19:32:21

I hope this is right or I just lost a lung for nothing... WDVE



It would have been nice to have given the clue just across the street




marko82
2010-09-25 22:02:50

Bingo! Yes, that's the WDVE building in our photo.


We also could have posted this clue, taken in the same location from a different angle:


Did you come up Greentree Road from the West End? That was our descent.


mmfranzen
2010-09-25 22:20:04

Yeah, greentree's a real ball buster, especially since I have a nagging cold. It was fun though, in a masochistic kind of way. Speaking of which is the new tag.


You know WHERE it is, but HOW do you get there? I suggest starting at the academy of hard knocks. And don't forget to get some ice-cream on the way home. Mmmmm, Ice-cream :P



PS - I did it on skinnies but I suggest you use knobbies - it's a half mile of mountan biking trails.


marko82
2010-09-25 23:17:25

I know where that is. Ride the slick tires, c'mon, what are you.


nfranzen
2010-09-25 23:52:02

mmm, i was planning to do an early morning ride up that way tomorrow... :)


noah-mustion
2010-09-26 02:37:04

Nice to see the tag getting out there a bit.


quizbot
2010-09-26 03:18:54

I'm excited about this one; I've always wondered what's up on that hill.


alnilam
2010-09-26 13:48:02

There are many miles of trails up there. I usually hike them more than I bike them, but that's more a reflection of my MTB skills. It's bigger in size than Frick park if you include the steep front hillside (which is hikeable).


marko82
2010-09-26 16:06:54



Half a mile of mtb trails maybe. But I took the dumb way and basically hiked ~1.5 miles through the woods, down half a valley and back up, from the back end of the "park." Carrying my bike. I really enjoyed it though. Blew the minds of two ATVers who had come to the same tower and saw me emerge from the "wrong" approach.


A friendly, dog-walking dude told me there are over 600 acres of "no tresspassing" utility area up there that Baldwin residents basically treat as a park. Thanks for the discovery!


And, of course, how could I not take your last bit of advice.



alnilam
2010-09-26 17:48:43

@alnilam. Great job! The easier and flatter way in is to take the trail behind 'The Acadamy', which is a school for court adjudicated kids on Agnew road.


@Nate. Some of the burned out cars have been removed, but there are some that have been back in there since the 50's or 60's. I hope this place never gets developed.


marko82
2010-09-26 20:06:07

I might have to there for the tag... riiiiiiight, for the tag....


noah-mustion
2010-09-26 20:22:28

I was wandering in there a few years ago, and rode up on some people wearing blaze orange. Oops. bad season for riding in the woods. Yes, hunting is permitted there. Deer and turkey at least. I talked to the one guy about his slug shotgun, rifles not permitted there (so close to the city I guess). He referred to it as the old J&L land. J&L. That takes you back, don't it.


nfranzen
2010-09-26 23:44:05

I do recall some of the ignored "no trespassing" signs up there also carrying an apparently equally ignored "no hunting" message.


alnilam
2010-09-27 00:48:36

@Nate- He referred to it as the old J&L land. J&L. That takes you back, don't it.


The "Academy" used to be J&L's Graham Labs, where my father worked.


mick
2010-09-27 15:27:05

Wow, that was a cool spot for the tag. I am surprised it was grabbed that quickly. I have spent a lot of time in those woods. It is a cool little hidden treasure of Pittsburgh.


@alinilam: is the new tag the ice-cream stand?


jwright
2010-09-27 16:13:54

@Nate, it is nice to see someone else rides bicycles up there. I used to do a ride up there quite often. I have not been there on a bicycle in a couple years. I do ride over that way on the dirt bike a couple times a year.


jwright
2010-09-27 16:18:29

Is the ice cream shop the new tag? It's not exactly clear. If not, rule #2a will go into effect around 2am.


"#2a - After you pick up a Tag a new tag must be placed within 36 hours. If new tag is not set within the time limit, the first Bruce posted gets the tag. If no Bruce was claimed, tag will revert to the previous tag, and somebody else will get their chance. If you won't have the time to drop off a new tag, don't pick it up to begin with."


quizbot
2010-09-27 22:08:29

Right, ice cream shop is not it. Sorry, just wanted to brag about mmm, ice cream. Plus I don't think I show enough (unless you recognize the Turtlette arctic freeze) to ID the shop.


Here's the real tag. I came here to get high, and I ain't talkin about drugs.



Also, the astute cyclist may notice my crate is now full. Whatever might I have in my milk crate?


alnilam
2010-09-28 01:31:59

Alas, almost but not quite ALSO suitable for a post on the presidents on bikes thread...


swalfoort
2010-09-28 13:20:37

I'm a president?


alnilam
2010-09-28 14:46:21

Sorry -- looked like a photo of RFK at first glance....


swalfoort
2010-09-28 14:49:47

Ohh hah, it kinda does :P

It's some dude playing Tchaikovsky's Piano Concerto numero Uno. Or, it's a record jacket from the free pile at Jerry's that works nicely as a lid for the crate.


alnilam
2010-09-28 15:08:17

Glen Gould, I think. Hopefully that wasn't an LP that was in decent condition before being used as a lid?


edmonds59
2010-09-28 15:32:16

I'm still stumped.


lyle
2010-09-28 15:42:58

Not at all. Jerry puts the scratched-to-hell ones out front, free for the taking; it's one of those. Anyway the record is not inside that jacket.


I thought a mural-based tag would be fun. Hope it's not too hard. Would another written clue help, or does someone think they have it?


alnilam
2010-09-28 15:46:29

@alnilam - I was just about to say, it looks like an LP, only I know LPs are just a tad too big for the standard milk crate. That would make a good lid, though, if you waterproof it well.


Hmm, thanks for the tip on Jerry's. I have a bunch of LPs that don't have their outer covers.


stuinmccandless
2010-09-28 16:35:50

There are four places I'm thinking of as possibilities, but two of them are far out of the way for me and I don't feel like making the trek and being wrong.


lyle
2010-09-28 19:17:59

It was right there on the tip of my brain for the last few hours.... finally figured it out. Can't make a run for it just yet tho.


quizbot
2010-09-28 19:55:57

The mural in front of the East End Food Co-op!



I'm shocked I got this one. Knew right where it was last night but couldn't get to it 'til late this morning.


pseudacris
2010-09-28 20:38:29

Hah, I was wrong on all four. I definitely do not understand the first clue.


lyle
2010-09-28 20:47:34

@anilam .. I have another sort-of mural-based idea for the next tag, so stay tuned...


pseudacris
2010-09-28 20:58:06

Great job Pseudacris! I'm intrigued to find out what "sort of mural" means.


First clue is The Climbing Wall, the first of two reasons I was out that way last night. It's, well, a climbing wall, located in the same building as the Coöp.

The second reason, and clue, was picking up the three glass jugs of milk jammed into my crate.


alnilam
2010-09-29 00:12:03

New tag coming this evening: what o what shall it be?


pseudacris
2010-09-29 20:36:35

It's a Small World.

Mia nonna might like this neighborhood even though, oddly, you'll have a hard time finding a decent sfogliatelle without leaving for another 'hood nearby.

Right next door, you can tap your toes to everything from Autechre to Zorn.



pseudacris
2010-09-30 01:13:16

Might a man get some non-italian pastries whilst he's in the hood?


marko82
2010-09-30 02:15:29

Yes, but in this particular hood, a lot of the available carbs are italian-esque.


pseudacris
2010-09-30 03:22:15

Hey. I rode right by there maybe an hour before that was posted. I don't remember what's next door though.


lyle
2010-09-30 03:23:54

@Lyle: oops! you caught an error in my clue. 'Toe tapping to Autechre-Zorn' is the next block down from this photo. Right next door is tanning.


pseudacris
2010-09-30 03:30:16

the costume shop?


ahlir
2010-09-30 03:57:26

Oh dear, have I killed the game with (inadvertent) low-hanging fruit? My tag's been sittin' here for almost 24 hours. Time for a new one!


pseudacris
2010-10-01 00:57:27

Nono, I'm going to pick it up first thing tomorrow. Today was a bus day for me so I didn't have the bike to take the picture. And I have a pretty good one planned for a follow-up.


lyle
2010-10-01 01:06:01

:-D


pseudacris
2010-10-01 01:09:27

Liberty Ave.

/


lyle
2010-10-01 13:14:06


This tag is gone right now, but it will be back. Probably best avoided if you are prone to vertigo, as the descent was dizzying.


lyle
2010-10-01 14:49:32

I know where this is, it is close, oh so close, and today I have no bike! Crap!


swalfoort
2010-10-01 15:00:19

@Lyle - If I have your tag location spotted correctly, you better hope you took your bike with you after your tag. Huge car fire in that exact location was just extinguished. You didn't have anything to do with that, did you? P.S. Not your car....older white sedan... yours is still smaller, foreign and darker, right?


swalfoort
2010-10-01 15:53:40

I did take my bike with me, and it was trippy doing it. I'm pretty sure I didn't cause any car fires, unless there's some weird laws of physics we haven't discovered yet. I took some other pictures, but I didn't capture any cars in them.

The only car I particularly recall was a red SUV with NJ plates. Can't say that I was being real observant.


(fwiw, my car is large, foreign, dark, and has been parked in my garage with a dead tranny for three months.)


My intention was that the reflection should be the ephemeral tag, but since the weather forecast for tomorrow is for rain, and in the interest of keeping the game moving, I guess it's good enough if you just get a similar picture.


Maybe you can borrow a bike, Sarah -- or go down to Bike Pittsburgh and rent one for a bit.


lyle
2010-10-01 16:35:37

@lyle -- or I hear that Edmonds keeps a folder in his office just for such purposes.......That's only a block or so in the other direction. Fire was pretty impressive!


swalfoort
2010-10-01 16:52:28

just was linked to this thread by a friend and happened to be down the block.

don't know if i'm posting this link correctly...



was the top of the parking garage @ Strawberry Way/9th/7th/Smithfield.

Firemen investigating the car fire paid me no mind, but that top section was blocked off by a SUV. Gotta say loved both the ride up and back down. Never been in that garage before, it's taller than it seems!


miasme
2010-10-01 17:14:47

Nice work Lyle & miasme! Funny, I had been thinking about a parking garage top deck for a future tag....scooped!


What is the red dome in the reflection of Lyle's tag?


pseudacris
2010-10-01 17:23:21

it's the Midtown Towers building. It's a rather highly detailed building you can only see from a very few vantage points of down town. (there's a 7-11 in it on the ground floor)


Lyle - I was trying to get it in there too, loved the composition. It was just a bit bright to see how it was coming out and I didn't want to piss off the fire investigators. So i was balancing the bike with my left hand, snapped two quickly then rolled.


miasme
2010-10-01 17:32:23

@miasme - there's an elevator in that parking garage that saves you the need to RIDE up..... The ride down is pretty frightening, in my opinion


swalfoort
2010-10-01 18:05:32

That garage was 33% higher than I thought. Not a difficult ascent, but it just kept going. Wouldn't using the elevator transgress the rule about "bike must arrive under its own power?"


Here's the dome from another point on that same deck:



lyle
2010-10-01 18:21:59

@miasme.


Those fire inspectors would never guess that your taking pics had nothing to do with the fire at all. And if you told them why you were there? They woudl think you were joking.


mick
2010-10-01 18:32:12

Darn, that was right near, I was out in a nasty abandoned building most of the day and didn't have a bike with me.


edmonds59
2010-10-01 20:22:47

keeping in theme with the last one.



can you hear me now?


miasme
2010-10-01 20:44:01

lol, nice clue.


lyle
2010-10-01 21:36:44

Eeeew, I HATE it when they do this each year. Nothin" says "celebrate cancer" like dumping a bunch of chemicals in the water.


pseudacris
2010-10-01 21:53:49

Commonwealth Plaza? Behind Verizon bldg on Stanwix




quizbot
2010-10-01 22:39:36

Heh I figured that one would go pretty fast.

Grabbed lunch at Sree's after getting the tag then rode over there to eat in the plaza.


miasme
2010-10-01 22:56:16

DIY




quizbot
2010-10-01 23:28:52

Yay! Great location!


swalfoort
2010-10-02 00:08:29

once again today, i find myself right down the street from Kraynick's




miasme
2010-10-02 01:16:51

there should be a rule about getting a tag right after you made one... dammit, miasme, i was gonna get that one tomorrow morning!


melange396
2010-10-02 01:19:17

As a spectator, I like it when they go fast.


mick
2010-10-02 01:25:35

Man I was just there around three o'clock. I'm starting to think maybe I need one of those smart phone thingies.


marko82
2010-10-02 01:29:39

i instantly recognized kraynick's by the ever-closed gate


noah-mustion
2010-10-02 01:45:17

He who hesitates...

What, mélange, you hit your 3 mile per ride limit before getting there? ;)

Speaking of, you up for a ride tomorrow? I'll even let you help decide the next tag (if I don't post one later tonight)


miasme
2010-10-02 02:04:01

I was going to drop it on the top of some god forsaken hill but wanted to keep it moving. Trying to keep @Mick happy. Also: excellent choice in bar tape @miasma :)


quizbot
2010-10-02 03:56:48

@quizbot I agree with faster :: more fun. Added benefit of keeping the interest. And thanks...

I'm surely already hooked on this interweb-alleycat. I have a more difficult one and a more readily recognized one. Both easy rides though. Any preferences anyone?


miasme
2010-10-02 05:32:31

ok it's a bit more obscure, but i just like the picture too much.



you might need to learn the eastern bike routes.


@quizbot i'd be interested in some DD rides, not sure i can do the actual ride this year though. if you are interested in having someone tag along, let me know.


miasme
2010-10-02 07:26:02

dammit, miasme, i was gonna get that one tomorrow morning!


Gah, I was just leaving, figured I'd check first. I knew the last two, but now I don't know where the new one is :( This looks kinda like three places that are collectively about 60 miles apart and I don't have the time for that today. Drat you. Well, the weather looks good. Maybe I'll get lucky with the first one.


lyle
2010-10-02 11:27:05

It took me a long time to recognize this, considering my son went there for three years. It's the Reynolds entrance to Sterret Classical Academy (the S. Lang entrance doesn't have that alcove/cabinet to the left of the door).


I've had an idea that I should try to master the essence of cell-phone photography. Low-resolution, distortions, bad colors. Now that my phone is years old and failing, the images only get better!



I'll find a better camera for the next tag though :)


nfranzen
2010-10-02 15:24:50

That pic is awesome. Well done.

I was a little worried at first, choosing that, but I figured there are a lot of people riding by there every day.


miasme
2010-10-02 16:13:17

@ quixbot Trying to keep @Mick happy


You will be rewarded !


Like, in heaven or sumpin'.


mick
2010-10-02 17:17:14

A sort of a hint:



Or at least it's a nice view. This is not the spot of the tag, but the tag is, well, here:



My bike slipped and started to roll while I was taking a picture. I grabbed it before it went in.


It's super nice out now, go get this tag


nfranzen
2010-10-02 18:32:50

Crow's Nest in Sharpsburg




quizbot
2010-10-03 14:02:35

Nice! I was thinking of heading out into the impending rain to grab this one, but I would've been hunting for a while. Is that the 40th St bridge in the background?


@ Nate: glad you were able to grab your rolling bike without losing a camera to the waters.


pseudacris
2010-10-03 15:28:06

Highland Park bridge in background, looking up river.


quizbot
2010-10-03 15:46:29

Oink!




quizbot
2010-10-03 15:49:39

ouch: not for me!


pseudacris
2010-10-03 16:01:43

I like the River Road underpass that connects Main St to the river. Anyone ever eat or drink at Silky's Crow's Nest? It looks like a nice place to hang out on a sunny afternoon.


There's more than one way to get to that next tag location.


nfranzen
2010-10-03 16:58:03

The underpass is cool... nice brick surface. There were a bunch of Steeler fans at the marina loading up some boats with coolers & heading downstream this am.


Just be glad Ravine/Sharpshill isn't on the BikePgh map... I climbed that monster after grabbing the Crow's Nest tag.


quizbot
2010-10-03 17:04:32

Looks like there's a expiration on the edit button, I wanted to replace the image url in my other post with an edited one, but it expired. OK, so here's the NOT-A-TAG view of the Highland Park Bridge from the end of Morningside Ave.




nfranzen
2010-10-03 17:13:00

Ugh! This was my first time riding up. How does it compare to the other DD hills?




marko82
2010-10-03 19:43:48

@Marko82 it's steep but short, so I rate it an easy on the DD scale. Many better hills could take it's place IMO.

@Nate The Crows nest is decent, same exact food as the Silkys in Bloomfield and Squirrel Hill. Sitting outside sipping coffee is excellent, a great stop for early spring. Service has it's issues, however.


miasme
2010-10-03 21:14:45

Woot @marko82! Not an easy tag to pick up. Out of the 8 or 9 DD hills I've climbed, Rialto is probably the easiest, only because it's over pretty quickly.... but it may be the most consistently steep segment over length out of them. Logan is probably 4x as long but horrible surface & the top 50 ft is much more steep. Ravine/Sharps is 8x as long... not quite as steep but more grueling thanks to length.


quizbot
2010-10-03 21:49:23

Ok no drama with this one, just a trip to my home turf.

(this is the tag)


And while you're there check out Copperfield street two blocks up the road. We use to do sets of ten when I ran high school cross country.




marko82
2010-10-03 21:52:24

@quizbot First tag I captured I had to climb Greentree Rd. This tag I had to climb rialto. I know that two datapoints don't make a trend, but stop it!


marko82
2010-10-03 21:59:26

I didn't make anyone go up Greentree... but I will say that any tag I pick up on a Sunday morning isn't going to drop like a Lionel Richie tune :)


quizbot
2010-10-04 00:31:42

@Nate: that tag! I actually knew that tag! The one by the Sharpsburgh/docks! And for the time it looks like I was also around there around the time posted (Saturday afternoon, right?)..... I probably even passed you on your way to tagging it ... oh well


bikeygirl
2010-10-04 12:09:58

Nobody has grabbed this one yet? I thought the whole "we can't cross a river" fear was for car drivers only. If I can find a few spare minutes before it happens, I'll try and grab this one and a new one on the way back home.


buzz1980
2010-10-05 20:40:09

I know the weather's been crappy and if you're like me you havent felt like going on any additional "fun" rides. So with that in mind is anyone going to pick up this tag? Or should I move it somewhere closer to normal commuter routes? I just want to keep the ball rolling.


marko82
2010-10-06 14:19:01

Speaking only for myself, I don't envision getting that tag before May.


lyle
2010-10-06 15:37:44

We have some sunny days coming up. Maybe give it another day, then post something along commuter routes if no one nabs the standing tag?


My 2 cents.


pseudacris
2010-10-06 18:21:55

time

4

a

new

tag.


Jason, should we

-revert to the rialto tag?

-start a new tag (first come first served)?

-start a new thread?

-keep waiting (or get our *s to the last tag?).


Some sunny days are here...


pseudacris
2010-10-07 21:11:59

Come on - Cross a bridge and climb 18th street, I do it just about every time I'm on my bike!


Ok so I actually tried to move the tag today. I rode to a fairly good spot, no hills, near some good beer. Parked the bike and got out my camera. Framed everything to obstruct some obvious clues and...and... damn I forgot to put a memory card into the camera before I left the house. And since I will be out of town tomorrow you guys are stuck with the current tag or whatever you collectively decide.


marko82
2010-10-07 21:34:46

I can grab a tag in the next 30 minutes, it will be difficult but recognizable, especially if you're familiar with the south side.


rubberfactory
2010-10-07 21:51:52

Nevermind. I just remembered that I dropped my bike off at the shop :(


rubberfactory
2010-10-07 22:00:27

I say let the tag sit unless the tag holder wants to move it. We need to get our lazy ass' up there. Maybe Ill try to grab it saturday.


jwright
2010-10-08 00:34:09

This happens sometimes in these games when the weather turns or the tag in in an obscure spot. I think with a few nice days coming up it will move.


jwright
2010-10-08 00:37:04

I agree. I almost went for it today just to prove me a liar, but didn't have time. Frankly, I'm not entirely sure the best way to get there. Maybe the city should put up bike route signs...


lyle
2010-10-08 02:20:35

It does not look good for me making it up to the tag today. Maybe monday...


jwright
2010-10-09 16:18:47

I was going to go out on a scenic ride this afternoon, but since no-one had the tag, I was forced to ride Brownsville Road, sob, poor me.



This next one is easy! no hills, centrally located, you just have to know where it is.




nfranzen
2010-10-09 22:03:13

Oh! Oh! Finally, one I can get! I know *exactly* where that is! Too bad it's getting dark.


stuinmccandless
2010-10-09 22:52:06

Yeah Nate! I was starting to feel very lonely in the South Hills.


marko82
2010-10-10 14:02:22

Between Buhl Planetarium and Allegheny Center 3.




Anchors aweigh!


stuinmccandless
2010-10-10 15:00:47

No pizzas allowed in here!




stuinmccandless
2010-10-10 15:16:43

Good spot Stu. Google steet view shows your bike in a vacant lot!


marko82
2010-10-10 16:39:49



marko82
2010-10-10 19:03:31

New tag. Please be careful crossing the street, it's a busy intersection, but it has crosswalks.




marko82
2010-10-10 19:06:25

that's right across from chiodo's!


sloaps
2010-10-10 22:48:16

I went looking for Stu's, but I was mistaken about the location. I did, however, run into a couple of zombies taking a smoke break. I said "hey, those things are gonna kill ya!"


lyle
2010-10-10 23:38:22

Just for grins, this was the alternate take for the library shot. Marko took his photo from almost this exact spot, about 50 feet downhill from where I shot my tag photo. This is what Federal Street looks like looking toward North Ave:


The bent bike rack appears to be from a car, not vandals.

OK, back to the game...


stuinmccandless
2010-10-11 00:19:04

"that's right across from chiodo's!"


Um, you have not been down there in a while. It is a Walgreens parking lot now.


jwright
2010-10-11 13:01:56

(Jason must not be from here. Here's a free Yinzer tip of the Day: we describe the locations of most things in relation to what USED to be there. Such as: "Ahl meet yinz dahn 'ere 'cross frum Jenkins Arcade n'at, weel go git sum jumbo n'at?")


Therefore, the foot of the Homestead High-Level Bridge will always be Chiodo's. N'at.


atleastmykidsloveme
2010-10-11 14:18:55

yes, and the bridge will always be the "homestead hi-level" as well. :)


tabby
2010-10-11 15:50:31

LOL


jwright
2010-10-11 17:47:17


I really botched this photograph, but got the tag by going a few miles out of the way on the way back from work


sgtjonson
2010-10-12 03:06:50

Tic Toc, drop a new tag...


jwright
2010-10-13 01:16:50

I took some other photos Sunday morning. If Pierce doesn't have one by tomorrow a.m., should I post one of those?


stuinmccandless
2010-10-13 19:23:58

I got my 36 hours... I'll probably drop mine in an hour. Isn't great, but it'll get the job done


sgtjonson
2010-10-13 21:12:12

havent those 36 hours gone past already? what would a 'bruce' be? the next person to post another 'chiodos' pic?


melange396
2010-10-13 21:43:50

Ah, Bruce is better at math than I am. I was thinking 76, not 36.



Clues:


As far as I know, this is the only house in Pittsburgh to have a bicycle helmet turned light globe


If this street had a quotation it would be "[...] it is not the spoon that bends, it is only yourself."


I believe it is in the northern most neighborhood in Pittsburgh city proper


sgtjonson
2010-10-13 21:48:54

I have nothing, how about another hint?


jwright
2010-10-14 13:30:34

Given the clue, where Pierce is from, and the style of house, I'd say that's in Morningside. Perhaps I'll take a roll thru there later


noah-mustion
2010-10-14 13:39:31

hmm,


nfranzen
2010-10-14 13:51:04

oopsie.


noah-mustion
2010-10-14 13:52:15

I'm not sure that Morningside's wrong though. Just that the official northern-most neighborhood, according to the city, is Summer Hill. I've never knowingly been in Summer Hill.


nfranzen
2010-10-14 14:01:30

Ah, Noah was on the right track, my clue was just based on my misunderstanding of Pittsburgh. Never even heard of Summer Hill until seeing that map. Also didn't realize Lincoln-Lemington Belmar extended across the river.


sgtjonson
2010-10-14 14:23:43

Ah, that helps quite a bit. I was looking in Perry North.


lyle
2010-10-14 14:34:58

I wasted a few minutes looking (on a map) for a Neo/Matrix/Morpheus Street in Summer Hill. Morningside helps a bit.. they have a Trinity St. there.. Didn't see the house on a cursory street view examination though.


dwillen
2010-10-14 14:38:39

Witherspoon St, I fail at this


sgtjonson
2010-10-14 14:45:47

HA HA. No, you succeed. Great clue.


noah-mustion
2010-10-14 14:50:22



noah-mustion
2010-10-14 15:16:22

Thanks Noah, weight lifted off my shoulders :)


sgtjonson
2010-10-14 16:15:21


No hint this time; I do implore, again, that you guys figure this one out on your own.


noah-mustion
2010-10-15 16:41:10

I may pick that up on the way to the Bridesmaid ride.


marko82
2010-10-15 19:05:48

Well, for once, I figured it out without having ever been there before.


stuinmccandless
2010-10-15 19:33:42

shit, i made it too easy? boo. :(


noah-mustion
2010-10-15 19:48:39

I wouldn't say so. There are a lot of bridges in Pgh, but not that many that cross a narrow street on a steep hill without an obvious landmark next to it like a railroad, river, major building, etc.


Google Street View does make this game simpler, but as my example shows, it's no sure thing.


stuinmccandless
2010-10-15 20:16:53

Yeah. I made sure to get the bridge in there so it wouldn't be impossible.


noah-mustion
2010-10-15 20:31:13

isnt it cheating to use street view??


:-p


melange396
2010-10-15 21:09:57

Under the Bloomfield Bridge... Neville Ave I think. (corrected: N. Neville St.)




quizbot
2010-10-15 22:13:30

This octopus's garden may be endangered.




quizbot
2010-10-15 22:45:05

Oh what joy, for every girl and boy: knowing they're happy and they're safe


rubberfactory
2010-10-15 22:48:17

Bruced! Oh well the Bridesmaids were gorgeous!




marko82
2010-10-16 01:03:10

@quizbot: that is an awesome tag. Niki de St Phalle - meets - Dr Seuss? I have no idea where it is. Hope next the tag-finder will let us know.


pseudacris
2010-10-16 15:13:05

I know where it is, more or less, and I'm pretty sure RF does too.


lyle
2010-10-16 16:53:20

If I've been there, it's been a long time,I just wanted to sing the beatles.


rubberfactory
2010-10-16 17:43:27

Been beating up street view; I need a clue.


marko82
2010-10-18 00:43:32

I figured out where it is. It isn't on the streetview.. Must be too new. Maybe I'll go tomorrow...


dwillen
2010-10-18 02:05:43

I agree with Dan. Streetview isn't much help. Google is better. Hoping I can beat Dan to it tomorrow.....


swalfoort
2010-10-18 02:15:59

It isn't hard to beat me. I have an early morning meeting and won't be able to go until work is over.


dwillen
2010-10-18 02:21:05

I thought I knew were this was. I tried to find it this morning, but no luck. More research is required! Found a lot of interesting other stuff, though!


swalfoort
2010-10-18 13:11:26

ok, here it is: (click to get a larger version)


This is on N. Aiken, just south of Penn Ave. One of my routes home; coming up Penn, jog here to Friendship to avoid the traffic from around Negley onwards.


No, I don't know what that octopus thing is about.


ahlir
2010-10-18 15:09:51

Nuts. I was going to pick that up on my way to work, I just haven't left yet :(


lyle
2010-10-18 15:36:55

OK, so why is it endangered?


stuinmccandless
2010-10-18 16:17:37

It's near the intersection of Coral St.


quizbot
2010-10-18 20:10:56

Can't help myself... Octopus located near Coral St.


icemanbb
2010-10-18 22:47:19

Do you think that's a coincidence?


lyle
2010-10-19 01:27:55

I just liked that it "appears" to be a coincidence and yet a natural fit at the same time (I wouldn't presume to know the artist's mind, I have trouble finding mine most days).


icemanbb
2010-10-19 01:46:08

I've always liked it that Hamlet intersects Ophelia.


mmfranzen
2010-10-19 16:37:20

Time for a new tag...no?


lou-m
2010-10-19 17:59:07


Standing with my bike... could I ride it to the sky?


ahlir
2010-10-19 23:37:17

Crap, I rode right past there just an hour ago! You're teasing me!


lyle
2010-10-20 01:31:11

Good tag.


jwright
2010-10-20 01:40:02

oh noes! i took the wrong way home! this is my best chance yet to get one, i'm tempted to go do it now.


salty
2010-10-20 04:18:34



salty
2010-10-20 04:45:31

Blast! I thought i'd get it before dawn this am. Now I'm ready to go and there's no new tag :( oh well, back to bed...


lyle
2010-10-20 10:31:14

Boy, you guys are fast. I knew where it was, even w/o the clue, but I just can't get there as quickly as y'uns living in town somewhere.


+1 on tags you can't see (easily) from StreetView.


stuinmccandless
2010-10-20 14:21:13

ladies go here, wieners over there...



PS: I neglected to post the location of the tag I found - it's the "Walking To The Sky" sculpture on CMU campus, directly across Forbes from Morewood. Stu, it's <1 mi from my house so I was certainly hoping when I set out at 12:30am no one was gonna beat me there :)


salty
2010-10-20 18:53:05

RE "Walking to the Sky". If you ride your bike up that pole [edit: the pole next to the plastic dude - not visible in the tags] (being cautious of the pedestrians on your way up). You end up ......... in KASSEL!


Meet "Himmelsstürmer":



(((((This is not a tag)))))


pseudacris
2010-10-20 21:46:00

this thread is really great. As a spectator of the tag-o-rama, I'm learning more and more all the neat things I've never seen before!


bikelove2010
2010-10-21 10:15:53

This latest one is stumping me. I have one more idea to check out this afternoon, though.


lyle
2010-10-21 13:32:14

hm, too obscure? you can see it clearly from the street - but i'm having a tough time coming up with another clue that doesn't completely give it away. I'll let Lyle check out his idea then give some more hints.


salty
2010-10-21 17:37:25

I think I might know where the tag is. Is it up a slight hill from the street?


swalfoort
2010-10-21 18:23:45

The place I'm thinking of, it would not be visible from the street, so I'm definitely clueless. Hungry, too.


lyle
2010-10-21 19:39:22

First I though the tag was at a gas station. Too general. What’s with the clue? Hot dogs? Checked downtown: Weiner world, Nathan’s famous, Franktuary - nope, nope, and nope. Woman’s shelters downtown, nope. I toured most of the alleyways in and around the cultural district for almost an hour, nope. Conclusion: I don’t think it’s downtown, and I’m an idiot.


marko82
2010-10-21 21:08:02

It is not downtown - it's in the East End.


It is not up a hill - it's right on street level.


The building where I took the picture is vacant, and I haven't been able to find out what it used to be - but there are businesses on either side of it, one of them is related to the clue and the other is surrounded by a barbed wire fence.


salty
2010-10-21 22:11:24

Oh, maybe it is my first guess. Okay, tomorrow then.


lyle
2010-10-22 00:25:26

I KNOW WHERE THAT IS!!


noah-mustion
2010-10-22 02:21:55

Me too..

/


For context:

/


lyle
2010-10-22 13:03:07

Broad street, in sliberty, by the post office. My first guess was that this was behind the hot dog shop, so the clue that it's visible from the street threw me off. I've never actually eaten at the hot dog shop there, despite how happy I was when they reopened it.


lyle
2010-10-22 14:32:22

Hah! That was my best guess. Good one Salty & Lyle!


pseudacris
2010-10-22 14:53:31

I'm running out of ideas for interesting new tags (that I feel like riding for first). Winter must be coming -- I'm getting lazy.

Well... I do have a few more.


lyle
2010-10-22 16:31:37

This is outside, but on streetview. I did have to walk up a few stairs to get there.

/


lyle
2010-10-22 21:31:57

I KNOW THIS ONE!!!!!!


Yeeeeee haaaa!!!!!


bikeygirl
2010-10-22 21:51:00

That's some fine art you got there, Fricky ol' boy.

Location: Atrium inside Frick Fine Arts, UPitt




isnotchicago
2010-10-22 22:38:05

I figured it would be easy, but not THAT easy!


lyle
2010-10-22 22:50:51

Aww shucks, I knew that one, and could have gone only slightly out of my way to get it! Just wasn't online all day.


jeg
2010-10-23 00:41:48

This pothead swears it's medicinal:



(Maybe this one will be harder)


isnotchicago
2010-10-23 01:38:05

i've seen that before... now, where....?


noah-mustion
2010-10-23 02:51:23

That's a sick sculpture.

2010-10-23


lyle
2010-10-23 18:42:46

Okay, I have decided that the next one will be continuing the fountain theme. I'll be posting it at about 4:30-5 PM tomorrow.


lyle
2010-10-24 00:23:53

hey Lyle, can you give us less well-traveled types a bit more info on this jugged-dino's location?

(It feels like it should be the new Children's Hospital, but I haven't circumnavigated that place...)


ahlir
2010-10-24 01:44:30

Yes, the new Children's hospital--the pavilion on 45th St.


lyle
2010-10-24 02:23:25

Yeah, I think a condition for getting the tag should be posting the location... and then we should have a super-cool tag ride where we hit a bunch of them. I really want to go see the octopus!


salty
2010-10-24 04:15:48

Some enterprising person should put these all on a map.


dwillen
2010-10-24 04:31:22

I like to not give away the location completely at first, so the people who *almost* knew where it was have a moment to feel clever.


lyle
2010-10-24 11:32:47

I really want to go see the octopus!


I'd love to see a menagerie by that artist along the river trails!


pseudacris
2010-10-24 14:32:04

More clues will follow.

You can't get this tag without a climb.


/


lyle
2010-10-24 20:56:35

"Some enterprising person should put these all on a map."


I have been thinking about it. Just have not gotten the time to do it yet. I think you can do something with google maps.


jwright
2010-10-24 21:22:29

It would be cool to have a Tag-O-Rama ride for 2011 Bike Fest.


teamdecafweekend
2010-10-25 00:45:42

It would be cool to have a Tag-O-Rama ride for 2011 Bike Fest.


Especially with Rialto and the other climbs included... :-)


ahlir
2010-10-25 01:08:18

Nice,that is pretty sweet!


jwright
2010-10-25 11:55:59

@lyle, how about a hint?


jwright
2010-10-25 12:58:28

It's got a water feature, so it might be a cemetery -- but no, that marker doesn't look cemetery-like. So, a park, but nothing I recognize immediately, and it has to be up on a hill, or maybe just on on the other side of a hill... That fountain thing might be in a playground...nah...it'd be turned off by now in October.


I haven't come up with any ideas yet good enough to send me out looking.


nfranzen
2010-10-25 13:13:41

I think it has something to do with TU?


marko82
2010-10-25 13:23:15

Is that a building on the other side of the water?


Apartments? A school?


mmfranzen
2010-10-25 13:33:32

It's probably misleading to claim the climb is nearly in the Dirty Dozen, but it *is* halfway up/down a hill. My scientific wild-ass guess places it at about 40 meters up/down. I find the challenge is more psychological than physical, but it might be different for girls.


lyle
2010-10-25 13:55:10

That "fountain" looks like an aerator to me. Small pond with fish? Golf course? Park? Playing with the contrast brings the sign into better focus, but not enough to read it. That sign STYLE is so familiar to me though. I feel like I should at least know who placed the sign.


swalfoort
2010-10-25 13:59:19

Oooo I'm way off base. But I have a new idea.


marko82
2010-10-25 16:11:21

Fountain, fish, and frogs are near the fourth river.


lyle
2010-10-25 17:19:39

Heh. Those are good clues Lyle. I can't get to it for another 4 hours or so...but I think I know approximately where it is.


pseudacris
2010-10-25 17:27:58

It's not a cemetery, but I'll tell you what, I was booking when I left. My educated estimate is that many more people are dying to get out than in.


lyle
2010-10-25 17:58:35



I hope I got this one right. Duck Pond at Chatham University.


pseudacris
2010-10-25 22:44:59

so that is where?


noah-mustion
2010-10-25 22:51:33

Just off the windy road that cuts through the Chatham campus on Squirrel Hill. Took me a bit to find it on the campus, but the "Fourth River" clue set me in the right direction. They have a literary journal by that name.


pseudacris
2010-10-25 23:03:50

Man, fourth river was a total red herring for me. First I thought of the underground aquifer that is thought to provide the water source for the fountain in Point State Park. Then to the Yough River, which is generally considered to be the region's "fourth river/" Never thought of Chatham's campus, although I should get partial credit for recommending a route THROUGH that campus while this tag was still live....!


swalfoort
2010-10-25 23:40:45

You & ejwme (who even mentions the pond).

Uh oh, cross-thread clues?


pseudacris
2010-10-25 23:44:42

Duh.... and his clue makes so much sense (now...)


swalfoort
2010-10-25 23:46:07

Nice job on the map Charles!


jwright
2010-10-26 12:21:59

Ah, I'm glad I didn't go (virtually) looking for this tag. I thought your educated guess about people dying to get out was some high school. Chatham seems pretty nice. They have a Prius security car and a nice little Post Office I used to use when I lived on 5th And S Negley.


sgtjonson
2010-10-26 12:41:09

Ce n'est pas un cure-dent. If you frequent the east end, this landmark should be a no-brainer.


EDIT:(the tag is the mound in the upper right part of the image)


pseudacris
2010-10-26 14:44:13

5th and Shady, on the grounds of the Pgh Center for the Arts.


This one had me fooled initially, then I figured if the angle was low enough it would work. Good framing, Pseudacris. But what about that tree growing more or less out of the guy's chin? En effet, je pense que ce n'est pas un cure-dent mais plutôt une barbe (en style 'hipster')...


ahlir
2010-10-26 20:50:53

2010-10-26


Mellon park, again.


lyle
2010-10-26 20:51:16

Whoa, tense finish...


ahlir
2010-10-26 20:54:48

how!?! I shoulda posted from the park :((


Mine was all blurry cuz I didn't want to dawdle and get swept away by a tornado... at one point I was tacking up baum.


lyle
2010-10-26 20:55:48

I'm debating whether the next tag should be my bike, whirling away to the land of Oz. Maybe not.


ahlir
2010-10-26 21:03:23

Wow, Lyle definitely gets points for conveying a sense of urgency with his image!


Did you see each other at the PCA?


The '(not a) toothpick' clue was an oblique art-related reference to a famous painting of a different mouthpiece: Rene Magritte's "Treachery of Images" painting.


Good work!


pseudacris
2010-10-27 00:20:16

Indeed, the Magritte reference pretty much nailed the location; I'm hoping that a shovel might reveal a cerveau after all. (Or, maybe, a Cervélo?)


When I first got there I couldn't see how the photo could have been taken, especially with the sapling in the way, it's great the way it blends into the trees. In the end, the traffic lights in the corner clinched it.


Still, I had to take a test shot to be sure:


Sadly, it's a weekday and I don't think I'll have the time to manage a tag that involves a real climb. We haven't had one of those for a while.


ahlir
2010-10-27 00:34:06

My bike was positioned about 15' away, maybe more, & I got low to the ground. In the tag, it almost looks like one of those fake rocks you can buy to hide a spare house key under.


This thing looks pretty funny in satellite view. It's by the artist Joe Mannino.


pseudacris
2010-10-27 00:51:19

I recognized the Magritte reference, but didn't really see the connection -- I just recognized the head immediately. And of course, the no-brainer clue cinched it.


I didn't see Ahlir. It was probably a half-hour between my photo and posting.


I did have an interesting encounter a few moments earlier. I was southbound on shady, stopped at the red light, waiting to turn left onto fifth. The light turned green. I waited for the obligatory red-light runner, he went by, then I waited for the oncoming traffic to clear. Just as they started to move, some guy came sailing through. I shouted HEY!HEY! That's RED! Through his open window. He shouted back, "I'm sorry, I'm sorry" as he rolled on through. Amazing.


lyle
2010-10-27 01:04:32

Here's the next one:


A memorial to a great man of power. Not quite as east-ish as the last one.


ahlir
2010-10-27 14:11:07

westinghouse memorial in schenley park by cmu (next to the drained fountain)



and for more perspective:



melange396
2010-10-27 14:41:05

Melange! I was riding by there this morning and saw you. I thought you might be doing this. I should have stopped and said hello. I thought you were setting a tag, though. It would have been awesome to pick up a tag before it was posted.


mick
2010-10-27 15:40:45

Wow, that was quick. Cool tag, too.


lyle
2010-10-27 16:12:13

I knew it was a Geo Westinghouse reference, but didn't know where. The "not as east as" clue told me it probably wasn't the Westinghouse Castle in Wilmerding, but exactly which? No clue.


Thanks for the info! This thread is as much education as it is fun!


stuinmccandless
2010-10-27 16:19:17

melange - going in to work late pays off again - congrats!


miasme
2010-10-27 16:29:36

The alternate take, which I figured would be too obvious. Good job melange.




ahlir
2010-10-27 17:07:34

Some of the craftsmanship on the buildings/fountains/monuments in Pittsburgh is really amazing. I like his outfit: wonder if he was a cyclist? Laptop in left hand, Taco in right.


pseudacris
2010-10-27 18:32:20

With the knickers and sweater, I think he was a cross-country skier.


lyle
2010-10-27 19:22:34

thanks, yinz!


@mick: were you walking a dog??


strangely enough, i probably rode past the memorial shortly before ahlir took the pic... and then when i saw it on the forum, i rushed right back out there to grab the tag.


heres the next one -- a place for young and old!




melange396
2010-10-27 23:16:32

i did a little editing of charles' map found at http://goo.gl/maps/vVJr


i added some stuff to the last few tags, and ill keep going through them slowly (unless someone beats me to it)... the additions include:


-short descriptive caption / title

-embedded image (when tag is selected)

-link to forum post where tag was claimed (when image is clicked)


heres a template for what i did (its also in a comment on the map itself). be sure to choose the 'Edit HTML' format the for the tag/marker description body and replace $PAGENUMBER, $POSTNUMBER and $IMAGEURL as necessary:




melange396
2010-10-27 23:47:30

Blast, I hope nobody gets that in two hours


sgtjonson
2010-10-27 23:56:24

@melange. I was on my bike - racks fore and aft, high handlebars, panniers.


I came from the Phipps direction and turned right on W.Circuit. I should have stopped to say "hi", cause I knew as soon as I saw you that you were there for tag (I thought you were making it though.)


mick
2010-10-27 23:58:16

ah, ok. i think i remember seeing you. i also saw a guy walking his dog on a bike, which was interesting...


i kept turning around, nervously looking for other bikers trying to steal the tag from me -- my apologies if i sneered at you!!!


melange396
2010-10-28 00:02:53

Ah! Potentially three people are going after this tag or at least on their way to getting to this tag right now


sgtjonson
2010-10-28 00:35:30


Magee Recreation Center: pool, playground and senior citizens' center in Greenfield.



And to add a new element to the game... Doubles tag!


jeg
2010-10-28 01:52:04


First dual-tag. We were worried Dan Williams was going to get it first, but he must have not been checking the forums while doing bio-chemistry? at work. < I was nagged to put this period here


Bonus points for getting this after commuting back from West Mifflin in about thirty minutes


sgtjonson
2010-10-28 02:07:53

@melange396 - good additions to the map. I'm working on a mashup that will grab the mymaps Tag-o-rama georss or kml feed, then retrieve long/lat elevation from google's elevation service... color code the placemarks based on terrain height & maybe draw a profile from tag to tag. Could also do a twittervision-ish load on the map with the info bubbles including whatever makes it into the feed (image, description, etc). I'd be done with it but google's Ajax Feed API chokes on long/lat in georss, so looking for ways around it.


quizbot
2010-10-28 02:36:52

I took the template and did page 8, tags 36-39. Not difficult, but it took maybe a half hour.


I found it helpful to copy/paste the template, and the original HTML from the edit box, into Notepad. Make a copy, make changes on the copy, and copy/paste that back into the edit box.


stuinmccandless
2010-10-28 08:01:16

*Ahem


sgtjonson
2010-10-28 14:45:03


We've talked about bollards before on this forum and thought this would be a decent tag.


From personal experience as a youth, I think people would especially be dying to get out of that building. More so if they don't believe in transubstantiation.


sgtjonson
2010-10-28 23:13:28

you barely moved the tag! its st. rosalia school in greenfield, down the street from the rec center... i feel like a thief getting two tags so close to each other, but im not complaining. i also really enjoyed the clue ;)



and the wide angle:



melange396
2010-10-29 13:56:52

That was the 50th tag for those keeping track at home.


namtrahselrahc
2010-10-29 17:09:26


the sign reads: "Building Lot For Sale, Fabulous Views"


purchase also includes easy bikeway access


melange396
2010-10-30 21:51:39

The ugliest new house construction I have ever seen!


rsprake
2010-10-31 13:42:51

Beechwood Blvd between Greenfield & Frick Park




quizbot
2010-10-31 17:46:17

Another case of Street View showing a vacant lot. Amazing that the sign is painted over, and long enough ago that the white paint is peeling off. I wonder what the story is here.


stuinmccandless
2010-10-31 18:18:19

Bag it & tag it.




quizbot
2010-10-31 19:01:27


Old Forbes Field, near Schenley Drive and Roberto Clemente Drive.


namtrahselrahc
2010-10-31 19:50:16

+1 rsprake. before i saw it, a coworker described it as looking like a tie fighter, which unfortunately made me picture something way cooler than it actually is - which is pretty hideous.


and i'm also bummed i spent the day inside working on various plumbing crap instead of getting either of those nice, close tags :(


salty
2010-10-31 21:01:19

An appropriate New Tag for today:


Located in the hilly part of town.


namtrahselrahc
2010-10-31 22:22:14

I'm pretty sure I was there a few hours ago, but can't be bothered to get there again.


rubberfactory
2010-10-31 22:31:52

That lot on Beechwood was for sale for quite awhile. It was being sold as three lots. I think someone bought it and built that pile of crap house which doesn't even make sense. It's the sort of location I dreamt of having to build a new house if I had the money. What a great view to have in your backyard.


rsprake
2010-10-31 22:41:00

Nuts, that's a cemetery I don't recognize.


lyle
2010-11-01 12:54:24

I would not want to live on that street, too busy.

Above that house up on top of that hill, there is a few houses that are at the end of a dead end street and have a better view. I believe it is Rosemoore St.

Even then, there is too many people around for my taste. The houses below in Duck Hollow are awesome and secluded. You just have to wait for someone to die before you can buy something there.


jwright
2010-11-01 12:54:39

Fernwald and Mt.Royal are both great streets in that area. some amazing houses i just like to roll past, usually to catch a breath after rolling up Forward to them.


miasme
2010-11-01 18:10:07

"hilly part of town"


Thanks.


nfranzen
2010-11-01 20:34:55

I am guessing it's Calvary cemetery in Greenfield, but would have no idea where to look for the tag itself.


rsprake
2010-11-01 20:50:24

I thought the clue meant "squirrel hill" but it doesn't look like any of the locations I know of.


@rsprake - It looks like he's facing southeast, if that helps.


lyle
2010-11-01 21:12:59

I think I know where this cemetery is, since this area is closer to where I used to live, but will see how the adventurous figure it out...


Let's see:


@Charles: Would part of the clue be that Squirrel Hill is not the only 'Hill" with a cemetery in town?


bikeygirl
2010-11-01 21:25:03

It is not in Squirrel Hill, nor Greenfield. The cemetery is small, so finding the exact location of the tag should be easy, once you find the cemetery.


namtrahselrahc
2010-11-01 21:40:10

I'm guessing that "hilly part" means the Hill District. The one cemetary up there looks a bit like the tag.


mick
2010-11-01 23:37:26

maybe... but pay attention to the background.


ahlir
2010-11-01 23:54:02

Tall smokestack = Liberty tubes ventilation system?


quizbot
2010-11-02 01:05:46

Thats an optical illusion, not a smokestack just a monument. I think it's the one in Spring Hill across 279 from AGH. I have seen it from my dads roof a few times. Or I could be wrong


spakbros
2010-11-02 02:29:02

@spak - I'm talking about the thing on the horizon just to the left of the seatpost clamp... way in the distance.


quizbot
2010-11-02 02:36:34

I see three or four good clues in the picture, but still have no idea where it is.


Smokestack that Spak mentions. Large white building/complex below the crossbar. Large church or ??? in handlebars. "church" may be at a slightly higher elevation than the other buildings.


I think the sun angle is a red herring. Maybe looking west, towards a sunset?


swalfoort
2010-11-02 14:08:49

The smokestack might be an artifact.


I looked at at a cemetary on Mount Washington on Google. I don't think it was the same one as the tag.


There was a "smokestack" that was EXACTLY where I would expect the Cathedral of Learning to be. I believe it had to do with the focus of the camera.


mick
2010-11-02 14:59:20

Looks like 16th/Chestnut to Spring Garden to Homer to Buente. I've been up Spring Garden a number of times -- decent riding, but narrow. I've never done the left up Itin or Homer though.


swalfoort
2010-11-02 16:27:17

Can we get a hint?


jwright
2010-11-03 01:13:48

Hint: It is located right next to a Pittsburgh Public School.


namtrahselrahc
2010-11-03 01:29:56

A Jewish cemetery perhaps?


pseudacris
2010-11-03 08:49:11

I think this tag might last until Christmas.


lyle
2010-11-03 12:48:36

Ok, we have certain clues. Next to a Pittsburgh Public School. Small (seemingly older) cemetery that seems to fade off a hill. Tall smokestack in the distance. Church or other large ediface in the right corner of the frame. Fairly distinctive housing. In a hilly part of town, or on a hill.


If we could identify that stupid smokestack, we'd be in better shape. Otherwise, I am going to focus on the small cemeteries on the North Side -- Brighton Heights, etc. Crap. I am learning lots about Pittbsurgh cemeteries (there are more of them than I ever knew), but this is frustrating. It's also weird that I had a tag in mind for the great Jewish cemetery off of Spring Garden or Troy Hill Road. But, I've changed my mind on THAT tag.....


swalfoort
2010-11-03 13:51:09

I went to the cemetery at the top of 18th street, three more in Mount Oliver, and three more further out on my way home yesterday. I didn't think any of them were the tag ahead of time, but now I definitely know - not South.


marko82
2010-11-03 13:51:51

Reserve Primary School is not a Pittsburgh Public School...


nfranzen
2010-11-03 14:58:24

Oh, that was my best guess, too :(


lyle
2010-11-03 16:45:15

could it be the back side of mt wash?


emilywools
2010-11-03 17:17:21

Adding credence to Reserve School, this news iten from June --


The fate of a one-time 150-foot smokestack that was struck by lightning in Sharpsburg near the Highland Park Bridge remains up in the air as a developer must decide whether to keep the partially demolished structure as is, add more brick or demolish it.


Built about 80 years ago for a now-defunct box company, the Sampson-Morris Group of Monroeville, which owns it, removed 60 feet of the stack.


swalfoort
2010-11-03 17:27:57

I'm guessing it's Uniondale cemetery across/beside Oliver as well. It's also on a "hill". The only other PPS even close to a cemetery is Sterrett Classical which is a half block away from Homewood cemetery.


Edit: Oliver High has a smokestack!


marko82
2010-11-03 17:31:52

Okay, I know where it is (I think.)


lyle
2010-11-03 18:32:47

There's also a fairly formidable smokestack at SCI Pittsburgh that MAY be visible frm the Oliver High area, if you are high enough on the hill. There are several cemeteries in the area. Highview is adjacent to Uniondale, I think. But, I go through this area a fair amount, and I can't match up the large "church like" building in the handlebars, nor the two rows of houses with the Oliver HS location. Might be a tricky camera angle that makes it work.


swalfoort
2010-11-03 20:26:40

I can confirm presence of a tall stack near eckert and beaver, and slightly further north @ alcosan. Both in valley. Tall enough? Alcosan stack has white stripe near top.


swalfoort
2010-11-03 22:14:48

I didn't see a smokestack in the picture, but when I went looking tonight, to my surprise, I found one. I didn't have my phone, so no picture, but I'll go back tomorrow if nobody beats me to it.


lyle
2010-11-03 22:26:42

Boy, this turned into a real challenge...


If the clue is accurate, use: http://www.schooldigger.com/go/PA/city/Pittsburgh/search.aspx

It's a Google map, so you can use it directly. Try the Terrain setting to get a feel for the topography. There's a lot of schools in the district and at least three close to a cemetery. You might also consider using Google Earth to check out the sight-lines.


I spent a bit of time with these tools and they seemed pretty useful. But I lack patience. I did learn something I didn't know before: most cemeteries around here seem to be on hill-tops, or at least include high-ground in their plan.


ahlir
2010-11-03 22:28:54

...most cemeteries around here seem to be on hill-tops, or at least include high-ground in their plan.


There's a reason for that. I got the following info first-hand from an elderly family member whose grandfather, who she knew first-hand, made a land deal in the 1850s. The family acquired 240 acres of land. The 10 hilliest, least farmable acres, they donated to the church. On the edge of the property, a level spot fronting the road was the ideal place to put the church. The hill got put to use as the graveyard.


No StreetView, but here's an aerial view. It's a climb to get to the top of that gravel road going up into the cemetery NW of the church.


stuinmccandless
2010-11-04 02:36:33

I don't have the exact framing, but here it is...2010-11-04


lyle
2010-11-04 14:48:47

Hooray!


namtrahselrahc
2010-11-04 15:08:23

Amen! Now could someone PLEASE tell us where this is?


swalfoort
2010-11-04 15:11:21

Minersville Missouri Synod Cemetery, Hill District, behind University Prep. School. Just off of Centre and Herron Ave. Also map is updated:


http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF&msa=0&msid=

102427779339483663454.000493617d604f4af9741


namtrahselrahc
2010-11-04 15:15:50

I never knew there was a cemetery back there, and google doesnt lable it. Bravo to both of you!


marko82
2010-11-04 15:30:41

I knew it! I knew it!!!!! I've been there! That's why I alluded to the cemetery in the "other" Hill in my other post... finally :)


bikeygirl
2010-11-04 15:34:42

Lyle, I think you were just sandbagging eveybody with that Christmas comment. :)


edmonds59
2010-11-04 16:16:07

@bikeygirl: why dintcha go get it, then? There were some giant cobbles on Shawnee St. I decided not to ride down them, and turned around to find another route.


lyle
2010-11-04 16:50:47

@Lyle: I would have pick it up but didn't because my only available times to ride there this week would have been after-sunset, and I didn't feel comfortable riding around that area in darkness. Had the clue lasted to the weekend, I would have grab it.


bikeygirl
2010-11-04 17:08:08

Now I have to figure out an interesting new tag.

I know what I *want* to do, but I don't have time to get there until Saturday. Dilemmas...


lyle
2010-11-04 18:41:26

I dropped my last tag within an hour or so of picking up the previous one in the interest of keeping the game moving.... the last one sat waaaaay too long.


quizbot
2010-11-04 19:44:03

When I did the NSide library tag, I took tag photos at several other potential sites, just in case I changed my mind. I suppose I can use one if I only have time or light to pick up the tag, not to scout out another. If nothing else, it's great fun to ride all over tarnation, asking myself "Would anyone be able to figure out this one?"


stuinmccandless
2010-11-04 20:02:41

Actually, the use of previously recorded or "stored" tags brings a new dimension to the game. As I was struggling with Charles' cemetery tag, I knew in my heart it had to be Central City. He's based in Sq. Hill, his work affiliation is CMU, and he turned the tag around in less than 24 hours. I just didn't see him racing out to a remote looking cemetery in Brighton Heights or Reserve Township to get that tag. But, in the back of my mind, I was thinking it could be a STORED tag -- in which such local details are irrelevant. Could have picked up the tag anytime. In theory you could even do it in full sight of lots of us -- on a Flock ride or something, and a lot of people would never even catch on to what you were doing.


swalfoort
2010-11-04 23:35:55

Fourth rule of tag-o-rama:


#4 - File photos are NOT permitted. You gotta ride to play this game.


dwillen
2010-11-04 23:40:19

with respect to what stu just said: i think using one of the many pics he took for that tag would be acceptable, but using one of those same pics for a subsequent tag would not be... would anyone disagree?


i have to admit some part of me wants to go take a picture of my bike in a crazy place and drop it as a tag when im feeling mean


>:-p


melange396
2010-11-05 00:27:28

any tag I place will be incredibly easy, as I'm not adventurous at all. If I'm feeling mean, I'll leave my house, and ride over to the fire station on the corner of arlington+st patrick st, heh.


BUt I'm moving soon, so that won't be feasible anymore.


rubberfactory
2010-11-05 00:35:32

What's the consensus on tags that require carrying the bike (eg, up some stairs)? It's not strictly riding the bike to the scene, but it's still "under human power." I've posted a couple like that and nobody has screamed, but I'm just wondering -- is that pushing the limit of the rules?


lyle
2010-11-05 02:19:59

@Lyle As long as you don't make me swim with my bike, I'm cool with it. I didn't mind climbing some stairs to grab a tag.


dwillen
2010-11-05 03:00:57

you *carry* your bike up stairs???


also, i agree about the "stu rule" - no storing up tags for future use, you have to get the tag and then make a new one.


salty
2010-11-05 03:47:09

SO, is there a new tag yet?


bikeygirl
2010-11-05 12:41:05

You're going to make me go out in this?


lyle
2010-11-05 12:46:17

Hrm..... I got to work about an hour ago on my bike & rode through the rain WITH NO FENDERS. So, I don't know how to respond to that question... hahahahhaha


I still have to get a tag myself, so I guess that's why I like to see this rolling to see if I can get one. Has any woman gotten a tag yet, btw?


bikeygirl
2010-11-05 12:51:53

Grah. Okay, but you have to buy me a coffee.


2010-11-05 09.18.06.jpg


lyle
2010-11-05 13:23:44

Pretty sure I know this. One of my favorite places in the spring.


rsprake
2010-11-05 14:09:03

Wow, the first one I know EXACTLY where it is..and here's me stuck downtown and without my bike today.


jeffinpgh
2010-11-05 14:22:01

*tail between legs* OK, I was scouting for good sites and ideal camera angles in case I do get another tag. Practice, in other words.


@bikeygirl - I'm pretty sure there has been at least one woman so far, though I don't recall which one(s). Not many, though.


stuinmccandless
2010-11-05 15:51:51

I missed a tag by seconds, trying to figure out how to post a photo. I think RF got one early on, and Mary got one a few weeks back. Did Pseudacris get one or just miss it? So yes, women are represented, but not overwhelmingly so.


swalfoort
2010-11-05 15:54:01

Yes, I got one, but it was on the tandem with my husband. Does that count?


I think pseudacris has had more than one.


mmfranzen
2010-11-05 16:32:08

I think bikefind has grabbed more than one.


dwillen
2010-11-05 16:38:19

I think off the semi-top of my head, four women have got tags, perhaps two of them more than one. Not all the forum names indicate gender.


sgtjonson
2010-11-05 17:55:15

I don't drink coffee so this tag beats me.....


bikeygirl
2010-11-05 19:07:36

You don't really have to buy me a coffee to pick up the tag. You could get me a toasted eggplant panini, wrap it up in brand-named aluminum foil and deliver it. Or just draw me a pretty picture in crayon. But mark my words, if you don't hasten there straightaway, rsprake will be dogging my tracks.


lyle
2010-11-05 20:13:09

There is another hint in there for anyone wanting to grab this.


rsprake
2010-11-05 20:27:29

There a few actually.


rsprake
2010-11-05 20:28:11

This tag is such a breeze compared to some of the others...


rsprake
2010-11-05 20:32:22

id like to Point out that your clues are making this too easy... if it would stop precipitating, id run out and get the tag myself!


melange396
2010-11-05 20:36:39

Hrm... ok, so more than coffee is served in there. Hrm.... ok ok..... but now...yeah! is too easy!!!


EDIT: Not easy.... I get the pointed clues but really don't know where this is, so I will pass. To those who know -go get it! I would rather wait my time and rightfully claim a tag :)


bikeygirl
2010-11-05 20:41:46

@melange: I went out in the rain to get that WITH NO FENDERS, so... hahahahaha.


lyle
2010-11-05 21:05:15

I've gotten three tags I think. I'm glad RF posted an easy one or I'd probably never get in on the game. Most of the ones I've nabbed are due to the advantage of my unorthodox working hours.


Speaking of which, I was going to try and do a special "tag o rama goes global" photo just for edmonds, but my camera is temporarily dead and tomorrow will be the last of my 10-hr work days here, sigh. I'll at least try to get a neato snapshot on my phone with some bikes in it. The place I am at, the word for "bicycle" is the same as for "life." In the local language that is.


pseudacris
2010-11-05 21:31:02

p.s. I know exactly where Lyle's tag is. You might have to jump through (or past) Joops to get there.


pseudacris
2010-11-05 21:33:47

presuming this place is actually what i think it is, i tried to get it a lil while ago, but was unable to gain entry :(


people should try to get this tag before 7pm


melange396
2010-11-06 00:42:50

Make Your Mark Art and Coffee House, Reynolds Ave, Point Breeze.


Bike tag


rsprake
2010-11-06 15:30:47

The location should be obvious. You can get there one of two ways, both require riding on a bumpy dirt / gravel / pot holed trail. Have fun!


Bike tag


rsprake
2010-11-06 17:46:07

Damn. Obvious, but interesting to get to.


Great photo, btw.


greenbike
2010-11-06 18:08:38

Trail fail. Went down to get it but was misdirected.


quizbot
2010-11-07 20:44:11

Amidst the trash under the bridge

PB050531


nfranzen
2010-11-07 21:27:30

Such a fine afternoon to go rambling around. Had a nice chat with the guy parked right at the tag spot. He'd driven there with his high-school videographer son and friends, and sent them into Carrie Furnace to shoot. He thought it was a good experience for them, I agreed. He wondered if he could drive out to Rankin -- I was pretty sure it was gated off for cars, and that he'd have trouble carrying his vehicle over the RR tracks.


I took a bunch of possible tag photos. This first one, I checked, is sadly is OFF THE MAP. Not a valid tag, won't do. But you might wonder where it is, still

PB050543


But this other one is geographically acceptable.

PB050536

What digits go before "92"?


nfranzen
2010-11-07 22:01:12

I went right past both of these this morning and I remember when that mural was painted. I lived right down the street. A little bit of sad news. The people who own the building the mural is on got threats to burn down the building because the girl in mural wasn't white.


Got to admit I was just a bit ashamed to be living there after that.


http://jt222.blogspot.com/2006/09/hey-bigot.html


Above is the blog post I wrote back in 2006 about the whole thing.


dbacklover
2010-11-08 00:43:26

Where is the mural?


greenbike
2010-11-08 04:21:29

It's pretty close to the tag so I can't say until the tag is found


dbacklover
2010-11-08 11:21:17

I don't get how the mural is any more "off the map" than the slab


sgtjonson
2010-11-08 14:53:26

Like this? Though, I have no clue where either photo was taken.




^- not a tag :)


dwillen
2010-11-08 15:12:39

Must be right at the fringes of the map.....


swalfoort
2010-11-08 15:55:37

@Nate - great tag by the way. I've never actually seen this in person, but often thought about searching it out. Looking at the map, I've been close a million times, but always coming from the wrong direction.


swalfoort
2010-11-08 16:03:49

@dwillen: I think that's the General idea, yes. I don't really understand how the clue relates though.


lyle
2010-11-08 16:10:19

I just found it on street view, no idea how the clue relates either. Also, I'm not biking out there anytime this week.


dwillen
2010-11-08 16:41:02

Ok, I know where the mural is, how close is the tag to that?


jwright
2010-11-08 16:54:20

About 1.4 miles by bike (according to google).


dwillen
2010-11-08 17:00:34

Clue? Did I write a clue? I didn't think I did. Regarding the date, I just thought it was interesting that they put a 2-digit year on it, I'm pretty positive it is "18" not a "19"


dwillen, it's not in the upper right hand corner, but the idea is right. And, c'mon, you can read "Main St" on the street sign, and it's a Sprout Fund mural. The mural requires a little climbing (not much) The slab is at a lower elevation, and on the map i.e. a little closer.


OK, you can actually argue about whether the slab is on the map, but I'll argue it is.


nfranzen
2010-11-08 17:01:10

the date is 18 not 19, that place is just old. address of mural is bessemer ave and main in east pittsburgh I wont be out that way for a while so No love for me. I just have to keep waiting and hoping I luck out.


dbacklover
2010-11-08 17:05:37

Yea, after I started actually looking for it, I figured out it wasn't in the upper right. It wasn't hard to locate once knowing tag is close to the sprout fund mural, which as you said, is trivial to find.


I thought the digits were somehow a clue, road name, or some such thing.


dwillen
2010-11-08 17:07:20

Actually, the surprising thing is that the date is a 19, not an 18. Modern improvements. Other important things were happening in 1892. Check it out on wikipedia for confirmation of the date(s).


P.S. If you need a clue, you could just read the street sign in the photo.....and then street view a gazillion of them.


swalfoort
2010-11-08 17:23:17

Maps available at your finer local bike shops and non-profit organizations.


Referenced on page 4 I think here but, see, the legend is on top of ETW.


nfranzen
2010-11-08 20:31:09

Whomever picks up this tag, please take a magnet and tell me if that monument is ferrous or not. I suspect it isn't.


lyle
2010-11-09 15:53:44

I'm considering giving it a try in about three hours


sgtjonson
2010-11-09 16:06:03

Hey Pierce, you went east! I hope you enjoyed it, I always find tons of cool things to look at when I ride through Braddock. The lock and dam. The urban farm. The wonders of industry!


above Edgar Thompson


That's taken at the same spot of the tag. If you search on flickr, you see other pictures of the same wonderful sky Not in either picture are the enormous letters of EDGAR THOMPSON WORKS.


I'd expect that block is steel. There's lots of steel close by. And if you go here you can often see through the chainlink fence, across the lot, through the big doorway to see molten steel pouring, glowing orange. I did on Sunday.


nfranzen
2010-11-09 22:20:00

It wasn't half bad, got to learn a little bit more about the outskirts of Pittsburgh


Braddock had a lot of interesting art (Not a tag)



Lyle, I forgot to bring a magnet, but there appeared to be rust at the bottom of the slab


sgtjonson
2010-11-09 22:26:25

The next tag:



Although it looks like this Archangel is holding Donatello's bo staff, he should be holding a pair of sai, but that might not be setting a good example for the kids next door


If you live across the street and get this, that's okay, but he's really a patron of travelers


sgtjonson
2010-11-09 22:38:54

Did you see any bluejeans models?


noah-mustion
2010-11-09 23:00:49

Oh, yeah, I know this one.


lyle
2010-11-09 23:21:11

Soooooo tempted to go across the street and grab this right now but its so easy I dont think it would be right.


cburch
2010-11-10 04:58:33

I thought about going for this today, but it feels too much like stealing from the Burches.


lyle
2010-11-10 15:46:39

ditto (re: the burches)


swalfoort
2010-11-10 15:58:01

I think it's OK to grab a tag near you so long as you take it somewhere cool.


rsprake
2010-11-10 15:59:17

well to me it feels to cheap and easy to stand in my front yard and take the picture so go for it.


cburch
2010-11-10 15:59:36

you could grab the tag, then put the next tag outside MY front door. That would improve the women to men tag ratio, which is pretty low right now. Oh, but my house is off the map. You could have Stef get the tag and accomplish the same thing (aside from helping me actually get a tag, instead of just playing vicariously....)


swalfoort
2010-11-10 16:04:03

if its still there this evening i might grab it. not entirely sure where to put it though, since the location i had in mind is just down the street.


cburch
2010-11-10 17:27:11

Ssh, you didn't have to tell!


lyle
2010-11-10 18:29:32

I know where this is...... I'm tempted on trying to get it after work, but since everyone seems to know where it is, I'm afraid of doing the trek for niente.....


bikeygirl
2010-11-10 21:39:21

okay so while you guys defer to each other ima go grab this tag and shiznit, beeatch


noah-mustion
2010-11-10 22:40:05

Thanks Noah, grabber of my tags.


My hope was that somebody from Morningside would get it and keep the tags in Morningside or at the very least, to keep the game rolling


sgtjonson
2010-11-10 22:51:49

Haha! Go Noah...


bikeygirl
2010-11-10 23:20:58

Haha! Go Noah...


bikeygirl
2010-11-10 23:37:59

nah i'm too lazy and i don't feel well. just go get it colin and or steph, cause if you don't lyle's just gonna do it


noah-mustion
2010-11-10 23:52:24

Or me...



St. Raphael's on Chislett


quizbot
2010-11-11 00:05:11

Anybody know what this thing is?



It is directly under the statue. Looks like some kind of (biblical?) planetarium, but I'm assuming it no longer works because boxes are also stacked up in that room


In retrospect, it probably would have helped if I put the camera closer to the glass...


sgtjonson
2010-11-11 00:31:02

DAMN YOU QUIZBOT & MORNINGSIDE's LACK OF 3G NETWORK!!!


You ruined my masterplan! :O


I was counting on Noah not getting the tag because it was after dark & was rushing instead to get the tag!!!


After I took the photo -45 minutes ago (it was tricky to get bike & tag at darkness), the lack of 3G network was not letting me upload the photo to the server while at site, so biked back to civilization to upload the pic...... AND JUST FOUND YOU BEAT ME!!!


:O


Not a total tragedy, but this was going to be my shot...


There is always "next time"...... ;)




bikeygirl
2010-11-11 00:38:53

Damn taggers! :)


I was going to grab it this am before work but thought, nah, let someone else take it... day passes, no takers, Noah says he's going for it so I thought, ok it's a race for it now...


I was there around 6:55, watched upload fail for lack of 3G, and made a run for home (about .7 mi away) to upload. Now stuck figuring out where to drop the next tag... what I wanted to drop is just ~barely~ off the northern edge of the map bounds.


quizbot
2010-11-11 01:17:18

I don't mind it not being on the map, there are a lot of good spots just off the map.


namtrahselrahc
2010-11-11 01:20:57

;)


No problem! Soon my chance will come. I have some potential sites in-mind for tags already, but we shall see.....


bikeygirl
2010-11-11 01:42:09

@Pierce: that's a strange photo. Looks like you're speed-eating a pizza from some kind of new age take-out window.


Bikeygirl - I like yours, too. Mysterious!


pseudacris
2010-11-11 02:08:54

Just got home. Glad someone grabbed it before we got back. Also. Fryer is down at otb. No Satan wings. Boo.


cburch
2010-11-11 02:28:30

@pierce - cool pic... did not know the matrix was just down the street :)


@charles - what I had in mind entailed a bit of suffering... if I'm going to drop something harsh I'll stick to the boundaries. Plenty of opportunities for that on the map!


quizbot
2010-11-11 03:34:59

do you guys have at&t? morningside is a black hole for at&t in general. we had to get rid of at&t. i get 3g in my house with verizon.


i wish that i had looked at this thread sooner. I didn't even know st raph's was tagged until i met colin after work and rode around the city.


and thank you for calling us the Burches and not the Burch's or Burchs or something else wrong.


stefb
2010-11-11 03:43:09

@Stef: Bingo!!!!! ATT no like morningside!


Thanks Pseudacris! I was laying on the ground, and using my bike light to lit the angel/statue and capture it!


bikeygirl
2010-11-11 03:48:51

I found out what that thing was by emailing the church:


"That is the baptistry. It was used when babies were baptized at St Raphael. Now they are baptized in the main church."


It looked a lot more mechanical


sgtjonson
2010-11-11 13:27:57

Please take heart on some of us less technologically able participants.


If I want to grab the tag on my ancient cell phone, in addition to taking the pic, I then have to gmail it to myself, go home, download it to the PC, upload it to Flickr, then putz around with Flickr and the msgboard to actually get it up there so you can see it. For that photo of the anchor, there was maybe a three- or four-hour gap between taking the photo and posting it. That makes it very discouraging to go after tags even if I know where they are.


That said, who has the next tag?


stuinmccandless
2010-11-11 20:27:21

@pierce that because of the joy and innocence sucking apparatus they use in baptisms.


cburch
2010-11-11 20:41:49

New tag:



So easy there's no clue.


quizbot
2010-11-11 22:44:37

I've heard great things about that place.


rubberfactory
2010-11-11 23:28:29

Would be nice to get them on the list of establishments offering the bike-pgh member discount, that's for sure ;)


quizbot
2010-11-11 23:41:46

Just went there last week, know exactly where it is, but by the time my techno-lacking self got over there and back, I bet it'd be taken. :(


jeg
2010-11-11 23:49:32

for me, it would go:

1. stuff laptop and camera in bag, carry on back to tag

2. take pic

3. put sd card into laptop, steal someone's internet, upload to photobucket or something

4. post!


rubberfactory
2010-11-11 23:54:02

Yeah, I keep the computer at home unless absolutely necessary, and I don't have uploading ability from a phone or similar device. Makes the game slightly more complicated because I have to factor getting home time, too, but whatever.


jeg
2010-11-12 00:42:03

picked up


And dropped


All the poor guy ever wanted to do was soar above his station in life and impress the hell out of the lady. Unfortunately his wings had long ago been clipped by his society.


cburch
2010-11-12 01:23:36

Ahhh bruced.



namtrahselrahc
2010-11-12 02:05:06

they better offer one serious bikepgh member discount if i am to eat there...


noah-mustion
2010-11-12 02:49:33

Good tag. Just went on a run for it but came up empty.


quizbot
2010-11-12 03:13:08

ooh i know where this is. we rode right by it last night, and i want to see if flock wants to take the route, since the flock has not gone this way before.


stefb
2010-11-12 04:27:43

It's really not that expensive Noah. I think the most expensive thing there is only about $25.


cburch
2010-11-12 12:48:13

Ha ha. "Only $25." Their vegetarian and vegan dishes are more in the $12 range and they are amazing. Can't wait to go back.


rsprake
2010-11-12 14:39:38

"the MOST expensive" who ever gets the most expensive thing on the menu? hell the most expensive thing on the menu at otb is $25 and the appetizers are $7. that puts it in exactly the same price range and salt.


cburch
2010-11-12 14:46:35

Speaking of $25 items at OTB, has anyone actually eaten the Dirty Dozen burger? Without help?


reddan
2010-11-12 15:34:52

The bartender there on Monday (burger night) jokes that he'll give it to you free if you can eat it in a half hour. I imagine that watching someone eat that thing in a half hour would easily be $25 worth of entertainment.


dwillen
2010-11-12 16:13:32

seriously? no one has figured this out? it's not in a hard to reach location, and i practically spelled it out in the clue.


cburch
2010-11-13 01:26:57


I might not be able to post from this phone

..


stefb
2010-11-13 17:58:33

stef - you win on the tag, but fail on the post...


damn, i was just going to go get that too.




salty
2010-11-13 19:09:54

Station Square?


ieverhart
2010-11-13 19:31:32

What is it? Where is it? Did we go past there in last night's ride (while I was still in it, that is)?


stuinmccandless
2010-11-13 19:54:34

it was at the entrance to the gateway clipper. i rode past it with colin earlier in the week but not when he got the tag.


new tag:


i was going to leave a clue, but this might be so easy, i don't see the point.


stefb
2010-11-13 20:36:22

it was the mural in the entryway to the gateway CLIPPER fleet at STATION square.


stef, you totally cheated since you were riding with me the night before when i said "i want to make that mural a tag"


cburch
2010-11-13 23:14:27

now i kinda feel bad. if someone else wants to do a tag (salty), go ahead. no one was getting it though, so i decided to get it on my way to the south side.


i wished that i would have looked at this thread sooner. the library on the north side is RIGHT across the street from my office.


stefb
2010-11-14 00:17:33

hahaha - see, i skipped going to the s. side, didn't order a new bike from thick, got into a fight with some asshole in an acura instead and it's ALL YOUR FAULT! :)


j/k, i think your tag is legit...


salty
2010-11-14 00:22:55

Observation: Both in pages and the sheer number of posts, this thread now has more activity than the original Don Parker thread.


This is also a much more fun topic.


stuinmccandless
2010-11-14 00:58:26

so what if we did a tour de tags? that would be cool if that could happen at some point...


stefb
2010-11-14 03:47:01

There almost 60 tags. It would be quite a tour.


Map


namtrahselrahc
2010-11-14 03:50:32

I've learned a lot about Pittsburgh in this thread. Always fun for the non-natives to learn the local lore.


mmfranzen
2010-11-14 14:36:55

The Point




quizbot
2010-11-14 17:58:40

Broke my arm & had to drop a whole paycheck.




quizbot
2010-11-14 19:27:42

I have completed the index to the map (see Charles's link, above). The first 45 of them have a miniature version of the tag photo. Thank you to the person who did the ones from #45 on, but I didn't shrink the index picture.


Clicking the index picture takes you to the thread post about it.


Let me know of (or just go ahead and fix) any errors you see.


stuinmccandless
2010-11-14 19:55:09

Awesome! Thanks Stu.


namtrahselrahc
2010-11-14 21:28:59

/


I had to go out in the rain for this with NO FENDERS!


GPOA, Centre Ave.


lyle
2010-11-14 22:08:19

@Lyle: thank you for staying true to the riding-in-the-rain Gods!!!


bikeygirl
2010-11-15 02:50:44

Just looked up the dirty dozen burger.. looks tasty. I dont know about 30 min but I bet I could do it in maybe 45, 60 for sure. I wonder if I could finagle a charity burger event for something??


dbacklover
2010-11-15 18:08:43

This is really obvious and probably doesn't need a clue.

/


lyle
2010-11-16 02:23:16

Did you have to injera yourself to get the photo at that angle?


pseudacris
2010-11-16 03:02:31

I have no idea what that means but it sounds plausible.


lyle
2010-11-16 03:39:51

Doors by Tana



namtrahselrahc
2010-11-16 05:09:08

Yay puns!


jeg
2010-11-16 18:40:44

Injera is the bread base of meals served @ Pittsburgh's 2 Ethiopian restaurants, both in East Liberty. Tana is just to the left of the door in the tag. Abay is about 2 blocks in the other direction.


If you don't appreciate puns, well, that's just teff.


pseudacris
2010-11-16 20:20:24

Wow. And I was recently thinking about all the great Pittsburgh geography I've learned from this thread. Now I need to include "general education appreciation" as well!


swalfoort
2010-11-16 20:38:25

Or..."new places to eat!" I'm still hoping someone will do a write up of the places visited on the taco ride.


pseudacris
2010-11-16 20:45:14

Pseudacris, all I can say is.... so wat?


noah-mustion
2010-11-16 22:41:22

Presenting the best bicycle ever built by man:



namtrahselrahc
2010-11-17 15:18:39

best tag photo ever!


cburch
2010-11-17 15:24:14

Ha ha.


rsprake
2010-11-17 15:25:09

He'd be cuter if he was wearing a helmet.


(I see one on the bench behind him that he could try on for size.....)


swalfoort
2010-11-17 15:30:25

Statue of Mao Yisheng, on the mall at Carnegie Mellon, next to Baker Hall.



hm, that's the second bicycle-friendly statue at CMU...


ahlir
2010-11-17 15:48:44

I thought about donning him with my helmet, but his head was too big.


namtrahselrahc
2010-11-17 23:20:18

Snagging the last tag was shamefully easy. So, I figured, that was sufficient license to leave work early this afternoon and put some effort into finding the next one. And get some cycling in while the weather was still beautiful. Also, I had an errand to run. Plenty of legitimate reasons, as I'm sure you would agree.


Anyway, I had a few destinations in mind and figured I would snap all of them then decide at home. I ended up with a half-dozen nice tags, all of which unfortunately I like. The one I'm posting, I believe, is the least obvious one. But what do I know? My last two tags were snapped up in, like, 10 minutes or something.



We've had complaints on this thread that Google Maps gives the patient (or, more precisely, the obsessive) players an unfair advantage in finding tags. So I checked: This one does not show up on Google Maps (though the building does). But note: In locating this one, Google (or Bing) could still be your friend.


ahlir
2010-11-17 23:38:11

i hope you stopped in there. otherwise you wasted a trip!


cburch
2010-11-17 23:56:21

I thought the complaint was against people using mobiles to upload tags on the spot, giving me people with low-tech phones a disadvantage. But nothing is fair and this is the game.


Before I set out for my last tag (which was like an hour out of my way) I tried to convince myself to enjoy the ride regardless of whether or not I got the tag posted first.


sgtjonson
2010-11-17 23:58:59

aaargh, may Allah damn you, cburch, to eternal flames! (But, of course, we don't know for a fact that Allah has an interest in this location.)


ahlir
2010-11-18 00:00:31

well, since at least 4 board members work about a block away, i'm betting this tag will go to whichever one of us gets up for work the earliest.


cburch
2010-11-18 00:02:38

Perhaps, but that wall is pretty busy and all of you would have had to be curious enough to read all of it.


ahlir
2010-11-18 00:03:54

i've read it all three or four times. i love what they did with the place.


cburch
2010-11-18 00:07:34



Salim's in the strip


Ok officially pissed that my Droid ads a space and an extra , so my images don't show.


stefb
2010-11-18 00:51:11

that's not the phone, it's the board. Your URL has to end in '.jpg' or similar or it won't work.




salty
2010-11-18 00:59:40

Ah well. One of my second choices was the following:



You know, not all Pittsburgh landmarks are invisible.


ahlir
2010-11-18 01:08:23

Does that scooter ever move?


lou-m
2010-11-18 01:49:22

I like to think that I remember a day this summer when it wasn't there. But I can't be sure. A related thought: Don't they ever street-clean around there?


ahlir
2010-11-18 01:53:23

ok sorry


salem's.


stefb
2010-11-18 01:55:47

next tag:



if i was beavis or butt-head, i would just say heh heh heh heh. actually, I just think the same way.


stefb
2010-11-18 02:01:53

wow, nice one stef.


noah-mustion
2010-11-18 03:20:50


"Teabags Bar" @Penn Ave & Main Street -Bloomfield....


Heh heh heh heh ..... she said 'teabags', heh heh heh heh


FIRE! FIRE! heh heh heh heh :)


bikeygirl
2010-11-18 13:15:39

She said tea-bag (cue Beavis and Butthead snicker...)


atleastmykidsloveme
2010-11-18 17:18:13

::::: props to the ladies :::::


pseudacris
2010-11-18 17:20:13

:D thank you!


I'm planning a good tag for the next one, and will try to make it very "out of the way" to keep it interesting :D


bikeygirl
2010-11-18 18:13:39

I hope that's a pun and not something in like North Park (as much as I would like Stew to have a better chance at getting a tag), but commuting is sapping my recreational cycling drive


sgtjonson
2010-11-18 18:20:17

Nahhhh.... not that "out of the way". I'm only powered on "squirrel power" after all. I meant to say that I would try to make it perhaps not "too central", as many of them have been recently.... this city has so many amazing spots, and I want to contribute in this 'cool-city-tags-map' thing :)


bikeygirl
2010-11-18 18:25:07

Just eyeball-comparing the 2010 Bike Map with the Google map, I see that the S, SW, W, NW and N areas of the city are hardly touched. Nothing on Carson (E or W), nothing on East Ohio (except for the anchor which is technically on what once *was* East Ohio), nothing on Second, nothing on Butler, nothing in the Hill.


There's lots of territory yet to discover!


stuinmccandless
2010-11-19 00:21:56

new tag:



Red well.... this place is no Zihuatanejo, but if you try to get there, it will be less than 500 yards of foulness


(hopefully this is not too hard/too easy) :D


bikeygirl
2010-11-19 19:08:50

good one. sweet photo too.


noah-mustion
2010-11-19 19:42:24

I've always read the message board, but never posted. This game looks too fun so I had to make a username. Really want to go get that tag, but i have no time.


timh
2010-11-19 21:20:40

@tim - it's a fun game, even if you are just an observer. Glad we could lure you away from lurker status.


Now go get that tag!


swalfoort
2010-11-19 21:38:37

Well, this could be it.


But I couldn't really identify the spot from which @bikeygirl took her shot. So, the tag is either the penitentiary at the end of the River Trail, or it's some other such institution in the area (I've seen several pens with the same architecture in the region). [EDIT: from the *outside*, of course.]




ahlir
2010-11-19 23:46:43

That's it allrighty! I took the photo on the other side of the building agains the north wall!!


That place architecturally-speaking is AMAIZING!!!! I was there after darkness and it truly looks remarkable how those monumental "windows'' glow in the darkness!!


I looked like a loony going around the building trying to get some good shots when a Cop Car came out and just stood there with the cops watching me...... it was kinda funny :)


Oh well, to the next one!!! :)


bikeygirl
2010-11-20 11:16:15

Western State Penitentiary

1922 Westhall St, Pittsburgh, PA 15233


They do seem a bit touchy around there: a guard motioned me over then told me to get off state property ("immediately").


ahlir
2010-11-20 22:18:44

The next tag.


I'm trying really hard to come up with stuff that isn't across the street from where you live, or two doors away from where you work. So work with me on this one (especially if you happen to live across the street).



Two clues:


1) It's a climb

2) katolicki


ahlir
2010-11-20 22:24:40

What a cool statue, with (I guess) a pretty poor background and presentation (at least in your foto). I'm just not much on hagiography, so I have no idea who or where that is. I wish I did.


nfranzen
2010-11-22 00:56:03

The photo doesn't misrepresent the setting. The statue really is in a parking lot. And it is shoved up against the wall, in front of a window.


On reflection it's unlikely that it was a planned part of the current building. I'm not all that well versed in Catholic symbology, but I'm pretty certain that the saint depicted by this statue is not the one after whom the current parish is named (I did do a bit of checking). I speculate (weakly) that it came from a building on that site that had been demolished.


You might be able to use this as an extra hint.


ahlir
2010-11-22 01:58:06

I wish I knew where this was! have been doing some researching but still coming short.... someone go get it!!


bikeygirl
2010-11-22 22:32:07

i can't find a polish catholic church anywhere nearby that's not red brick.


hiddenvariable
2010-11-22 22:56:31

It must not be nearby.


lyle
2010-11-22 23:36:53

I know a bit more about the statue: It was moved there from a different location.


@Lyle: Nearby, I guess, is relative;the tag's location can be found on the Bike-Pgh map.


@HiddenVariable: There is a definite Polish connection, and some parishioner names are Polish (they have a website!) But I would have to say that it's probably not an ethnic church. So apologies if that clue was misleading.


To make up for it, here's another couple of clues:


3) look down, a bridge not too far off

4) heed the signs


ahlir
2010-11-23 00:59:50

Is it Saint Sherwin Williams?


edmonds59
2010-11-23 01:10:08

um, no.


The statue is of St. Joseph. He's the guy you're supposed to bury in the front yard if you want your house to sell sooner. You can get yours here. I believe St. Sherwin is the one you pray to when your house needs to be painted.


ahlir
2010-11-23 01:28:21

I know where this is, but don't get down that direction all that often. Maybe over the weekend.


ieverhart
2010-11-23 05:17:32

i might go looking for this tonight depending upon when i get out of work. i have a guess as to where it might be.


stefb
2010-11-23 11:17:38

I thought it was funny Bill :P


sgtjonson
2010-11-23 13:42:38

:: crickets ::


bikeygirl
2010-11-23 22:37:00

I had a look yesterday at the wikipedia article on saint symbolism. St Joseph, although carpentry, is not one of those listed as usually pictured with a hammer. My google search for local statues of St Eligius turned up empty.


nfranzen
2010-11-23 23:02:00

Nate: that's a good point. Nevertheless, the description I read did refer to the statue as "St. Joseph the Builder" and I did find this on the interwebs:


I also learned that St. Joseph is the patron saint of dying. Boy, this Tag-O-Rama stuff is way more fun than I ever imagined!


ahlir
2010-11-23 23:33:13

Well, gee whillikers guys, you didn't think his kid (like, the world's most famous carpenter) learned his trade from Local 104, didja?


lyle
2010-11-24 01:52:34

I never knew Joseph as anything other than the patron saint of cuckolded husbands.


mick
2010-11-24 02:48:07

st. joseph isn't usually the one pictured with a hammer, but st. eligius has no reason to be depicted with a board. i am quite certain it's joseph. but i still have no idea where it could possibly be.


hiddenvariable
2010-11-24 02:51:45

OK, so there's enough info above to find it in the virtual world. This picture was published in the post-gazette before the statue was moved.



You know, when I first saw the picture I sorta thought it was Columbus because it reminded me so much of the statue near Phipps. And, ta-da, same sculptor!


I'll post my links after somebody (me?) nabs the tag.


nfranzen
2010-11-24 04:33:16

Drat! I was just a few blocks away from this Monday night. I knew where it used to be, but I had a hard time finding out where they moved it to. Maybe I'll try to go back for it.


marko82
2010-11-24 06:37:26

Hmm, I have a hunch where it is. If correct, the building is not easily visible from StreetView, and the statue is too newly moved anyway.


stuinmccandless
2010-11-24 08:29:07

I know where this is now -spend some time last night in the interwebs researching- but don't have the time & means to get all the way to where this tag is.


Very fascinating story surrounding this statue.... but will hold my comments until someone gets the tag


@Nate: Good job on clue-hunting!


EDIT: You can still see the statue in "Street View", but it is not on map view....


bikeygirl
2010-11-24 17:35:34


Nice and toasty after climbing the hill :)


Nice view from just down the street (too many trees by the church)



marko82
2010-11-24 19:25:47

OK, guys.


Spill.


Where is it? What is it?


mick
2010-11-24 19:34:49
nfranzen
2010-11-24 19:55:55

New Tag: This gentleman was nice enough to hold my hat while I got out my camera.




marko82
2010-11-24 20:14:57

Hmmm, I was wrong. I was guessing Troy Hill.


Funny, I don't remember seeing that fire alarm bell on the statue earlier. *snicker*


But, yeah, can you be a bit more specific on what & where this is? And which bridge is that?


stuinmccandless
2010-11-24 20:20:49

Regarding the info & some of the history behind this statue: St. Joseph the Worker, placed at a church built by Slovaks at East Ninth Avenue at Library Place near the gigantic U.S. Steel Homestead Works -Munhall.


Sculpted by Frank Vittor


http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=264755291987


bikeygirl
2010-11-24 20:37:57

St. Maximilian Kolbe after whom the parish is named also has an interesting (and moving) story.

Here's another shot of the place (I'd assume that's St. Anne up on the wall):




It's actually a large complex; if you're on the Homestead Greys bridge, it's easy to spot.


ahlir
2010-11-24 21:43:09

i was thinking troy hill also. that is such an odd place for a statue. good tag


stefb
2010-11-25 00:23:54

that is such an odd place for a statue. good tag


They apparently did some reorganization and consolidation of parishes a few years ago, and the old St. Anne's building was renamed St. Max Kolbe as two or three separate parishes were merged. The statue used to be on top of a tower, but with the closings and perhaps anticipated demolition, they seem to have moved the statue to a less conspicuous place.


ieverhart
2010-11-26 16:13:50



It took me a minute to realize that the lock there was not actually securing anything.



Considering the location, I'm kinda surprised that nobody knew it and picked it up immediately. Although I didn't know it and had to use all my google-fu to find it.


nfranzen
2010-11-28 18:51:57

Parking garage Downtown on Blvd of the Allies?


stuinmccandless
2010-11-28 20:49:49

@stu, correct. @Nate, I knew it immediately, but wasn't near it. Laying low hoping no one picked it up. Good show.


jeffinpgh
2010-11-28 22:06:49

Moving right along, this is easy. Still, worth going down to the exact spot to take a look around, see how the work is going.


tag-o-rama


nfranzen
2010-11-28 22:34:15

I have the day off, and I have no pride, so I'll grab the easy one. The Mon Wharf




jeffinpgh
2010-11-29 17:35:57

Which looked lovely today. Someday this will truly be the last link on the trail from Washington DC to the Point, all we need is a switchback down from the Smithfield Street Bridge and a better connection to Point State Park.





jeffinpgh
2010-11-29 17:39:36

Well, the weather is going to turn, so let's do another easy one that someone could pick up on their way home this evening. At least, I think it's easy.




jeffinpgh
2010-11-29 17:49:55

Hah, the first time I didn't post from my smartphone and I get bruced. I guess the luddites have a point about the advantages of technology.


Photobucket


lyle
2010-11-29 17:53:54

The Mon Wharf path is indeed nice, but the parking lot is an eye sore. Can't wait until it connects, any word on when that will happen?


rsprake
2010-11-29 18:01:59

I was going to post this one at the upriver end



but I decided I liked the barge better. Somehow, sometime, there will be a ramp up to the Smithfield St. Bridge, but I don't know what the plans are.


I had a complaint, too. If you ride down to the downriver end on the path, there is no sidewalk cut anywhere in the last 100+ yards. If you are supposed to be able to ride down to the Point, they are going to have to revisit the plans and jackhammer away some of the new concrete. Most cyclists (and all but very few wheelchairs!) don't like riding off curbs.


EDIT: OK, now I went and read Jeff's link to the P-G. The connection is going to go out into/above the river, and not back into the parking lot & up the old sidewalk -- so I take it back about the sidewalk cuts, they won't be needed.


nfranzen
2010-11-29 18:22:52

The connection is going to go out into/above the river, and not back into the parking lot & up the old sidewalk -- so I take it back about the sidewalk cuts, they won't be needed.


Yeah, I don't know what their timetable is, but this will be pretty cool when you can get to it from the Jail trail and wind all the way around the point and up through the new path by the convention center.


@Lyle, Ha! I don't even own a smartphone (yet) so I took the snaps and then headed right back out to finish my ride. I got a little tiny bit more oomph into my climb up Penn Ave thinking "gotta get home to post, gotta get home to post" all the while picturing someone with a smartphone sitting down on the sunny Mon wharf calmly posting. So thanks for not using that modern tech today.


Nate, was there a lot of broken glass on the path down at the Point end when you were there?


jeffinpgh
2010-11-29 19:26:27

@Jeffinpgh: Holy ketchup! I know where this tag is... and sucks that I have to drive to work today.... :/


bikeygirl
2010-11-30 12:59:35

Picked up



haven't decided where to drop it yet.


cburch
2010-11-30 17:42:44

Um, exactly what and where is this? I'm assuming "ketchup" is a clue, but I don't recognize it.


stuinmccandless
2010-11-30 19:10:50

The Heinz History Center, I think. I was going to pick this up this AM but got into my groove and forgot...


lyle
2010-11-30 19:18:03

Yup, the window applique is of a mosaic from around the year 1350. Part of the Vatican Treasures exhibit at the Heinz History Center now. I rode by there and thought, "hey look, bike racks!"


jeffinpgh
2010-11-30 19:26:48

Holy Ketchup : The Building is indeed the Heinz History Center, and the window is covered by a poster of their current exhibit about the Vatican... hence "Holy" and "Ketchup"


bikeygirl
2010-11-30 19:27:18

i figured the goal post in the background made it obvious. sorry.


cburch
2010-11-30 19:46:20

::: crickets :::


bikeygirl
2010-12-01 20:46:34

patience, i'm dropping it tonight. i didn't feel like riding to the spot in the rain last night and i wasn't out the door nearly early enough to do it on the way to work. besides, i have 36 hours and it has only been 24 now. :P


cburch
2010-12-01 20:57:31

Haha, bikeygirl has the taste and is chomping at the bit for the next tag.


CBurch, I don't blame you for not wanting to go out in the rain. I had to ride home in the rain with NO FENDERS and I hit two giant potholes, fortunately without obvious damage or injury, but scary.


lyle
2010-12-01 21:22:58

yeah, i'm front fender only right now which meant soaking wet, cold feet. this, in turn, meant no extra riding last night. i also found a giant pothole covered by a puddle on my way back from picking up the tag. it was a fun day for bikes yesterday for sure.


cburch
2010-12-01 21:36:30

Sorries! I do understand....


I was on vacation and did not ride my bike for a whole week (until today), so hence I'm 'chomping' in here! =/


bikeygirl
2010-12-01 21:37:23

Haha, bikeygirl has the taste and is chomping at the bit for the next tag.


champing. the expression is "champing at the bit". which, incidentally, means chomping. but i'm sure it's important to be correct in these matters.


hiddenvariable
2010-12-01 22:03:31

Champing at the bit? Never heard it said like that before. There is one less faux pas for me to commit but "chomping at the bit" was an improvement over "chaffing at the bit".


icemanbb
2010-12-01 22:18:13

Bah! Not only do I not have fenders but I have these scoops that direct more water upon me. Plus I hit THREE giant potholes - filled with water, ice, and blood. All while riding uphill.


salty
2010-12-01 22:36:49

Feh. Hoist by my own petard.


lyle
2010-12-01 22:41:05

i'm also champing (or chomping crickets?)


pseudacris
2010-12-02 01:42:10

Dropped


Couldn't get off my butt to go drop the tag I was thinking of so here's an easier one. I'm pretty sure people are tripping over themselves in twos and threes to get in here. At least that's what my friend Larry told me.


cburch
2010-12-02 15:23:24

Feh. Hoist by my own petard.


you know, this sort of language really gets my dandruff up. i can usually let this sort of thing go, but this is beyond the pail. perhaps this can be chocked up to the poor english our educational system pawned off on you, but it matters little. if this sort of thing continues, we're going to have to ferment a revolution!


hiddenvariable
2010-12-02 15:36:41

our society is of chalk full of people who won't understand what's wrong with the above paragraph.


cburch
2010-12-02 16:02:06

Colin, That song has been stuck in my head for hours now.


stefb
2010-12-02 20:14:31

shut up. stop trying to spoil my tags.


cburch
2010-12-02 20:16:44

oh, i know right where that tag is. but, can i get to it first?


pseudacris
2010-12-02 21:19:10

bikeygirl's brain = :::ckrickets::: because I have no idea where this is... :/


bikeygirl
2010-12-02 21:34:15

i think i will try in the morning if someone doesn't beat me to it.


pseudacris
2010-12-02 23:28:36

It will be quite the event when someone does get this tag


cburch
2010-12-03 00:45:59

brrrrrr

rrrr RITTERS DINER on BAUM!



If you ever have a craving for buckwheat pancakes at 1am, this is your place.


pseudacris
2010-12-03 14:34:32

nm


cburch
2010-12-03 14:38:44

Arrgh! Hidden in plain sight.


marko82
2010-12-03 14:58:12

You tag seeker are just lucky - If Cburch had included the part of the wall that said "Pitt" you would be futilely scouring the campus.


mick
2010-12-03 16:05:12

Please explain the clue.


That's some kind of powers of observation, pseudacris... Of the scores of times I've gone to Ritter's I don't think I've ever actually seen the place.


lyle
2010-12-03 16:37:55

jack tripper, threes, friend larry. "three's company"


the other clue was a reference to "the event"


cburch
2010-12-03 17:41:06

Ok, now stefb -- what song?


lyle
2010-12-03 18:19:56

That's some kind of powers of observation, pseudacris


well, there are not too many places around here rockin the spray-gravel mid century modern exterior....


pseudacris
2010-12-03 18:43:07

"come and knock on our door..."


cburch
2010-12-03 18:49:01

The three's company song starring John Ritter is STILL In my head. The event stars his son, but I don't think there is a theme song for That.


I have gone to ritter's plenty of times but never during the day. Didn't recognize it


stefb
2010-12-03 21:35:35

New tag drop:


Ironically, you won't find this in Streetview or satellite imagery. That's just the way the cookie crumbles.



This one really is hidden in plain sight.


pseudacris
2010-12-04 15:40:37

OT, but, I just love your bike, it just looks like it's ready to go anywhere, anytime. Like a golden retriever bike. Ironically I own nothing like that, I am a victim of specificity.


edmonds59
2010-12-04 15:51:12

Has the fortress of solitude relocated to Pittsburgh?


atleastmykidsloveme
2010-12-04 15:51:29

you mean it's no longer under the bridge?


marko82
2010-12-04 15:55:51

I think I know where it is. Hope no one gets there first. Good clue.


stefb
2010-12-04 16:43:24

Like a golden retriever bike.


I suppose it kind of is the Honda Odyssey I never had. I hate carrying stuff on my back, so I do love the crate. I am starting to get a craving for something lighter. Oh, and a folding bike since I am a frequent traveler. All I need is unlimited income!


pseudacris
2010-12-04 16:50:42


Mellon park across from Bakery Square (old Nabisco factory) where Google has offices.


also colin totally figured out where this was but he was home working on the house so i grabbed the tag. he also had to fix my post since i can't figure out how to post a picture from my phone. he is much better at this game than i am. much like life in general.


stefb
2010-12-04 19:33:33

i hate you, colin. thanks for editing my post with lies. i stare at the google offices from my gym on a regular basis :)


next tag:



no diggity, no doubt.


stefb
2010-12-04 20:40:59

wtf i must ride by that thing every day and i had no idea (mellon park tag, i don't know where the new one is)


salty
2010-12-04 20:41:26

salty, no you haven't lost your mind. see links above.


pseudacris
2010-12-04 20:45:53

oh, i didn't notice the date on the second one. that still gave me 2 weeks to notice it - i ride right down that path in the background so i must be staring right at it every day - although, i guess it is dark when i'm headed that way.


salty
2010-12-04 21:10:18

I was kinda thrown off by marko's bridge comment but the article explains that. Good find! I double checked for sure and not on street view.


stefb
2010-12-04 21:15:18

I know this one! And I have a tag idea I've been wanting to use for weeks... wonder if it will still be around at 10 tomorrow morning.


jeg
2010-12-05 04:34:23

i have tried a google search on my tag but can't find anything on its history.


stefb
2010-12-05 14:29:54

Alas, I'm a wimp and was deterred by the weather/potentially bad road conditions. I'll be out that way tomorrow, but without access to a computer.


jeg
2010-12-05 16:17:07

Take the picture, at this rate you could still get it. I have no idea.


lyle
2010-12-05 18:13:58

I’m cluless. Other than that yellow post –possible public park?


marko82
2010-12-05 19:41:08

my clue is a song title. the artist name might be more helpful.


stefb
2010-12-05 19:54:03

As for history, I don't actually know and don't want to give the location away, but maybe it's related to that other thing down the street on the other side?


jeg
2010-12-05 20:09:14

I know exactly where this is, haha!!


I've been too committed to my required-reading this weekend, but once Monday comes who knows? So Jeg: get cracking!!


bikeygirl
2010-12-05 21:29:14


A vacant lot with art right as Black St. ascends up the hill into Garfield... note the Garfield CISP in the background. I'm guessing juvenile offenders made all this?


Sorry Jeg and Bikeygirl... this is like 2 blocks away from my house... I also have a tag I've been wanting to use for a long time myself


noah-mustion
2010-12-05 22:08:22

Spiffy bike, Noah!


dwillen
2010-12-05 22:30:57

thanks. it is a free ride rustoleum special...


noah-mustion
2010-12-05 22:33:08

i love how the earrings on that thing are old crank arms. ooh i googled garfield cisp. you're probably right, noah. probably something juvenile delinquents had to do


stefb
2010-12-05 22:35:02

i stole one of the earrings cause i need a new spider


sike...


noah-mustion
2010-12-05 22:36:31

Clearly I didn't get cracking fast enough. I did, however, have an elaborate plan worked out to get it before work tomorrow and then borrow a friend's computer on the way back to post it. Alas, next time!


Down the street is the MOMs garden thing, which I thought might be related, but I guess not. I don't know the area but I did a tree planting project there a few weeks ago and saw both.


jeg
2010-12-05 22:54:11

Haha! No hard feelings! :) Just keep it moving :)


bikeygirl
2010-12-06 00:20:26

i'll try. this is gonna be a shitty week for biking, and my main bike is on the fritz. that said... anyone know kraynick's hours this week?


noah-mustion
2010-12-06 01:18:54

*clears throat*


stefb
2010-12-07 18:39:33

::chirp::chirp::


marko82
2010-12-07 19:03:27

::yawnnnnn::


bikeygirl
2010-12-07 19:06:52

be nice... noah has a handicap that makes him a little slow - he's from cleveland.


salty
2010-12-07 19:15:46

*cough*


alnilam
2010-12-07 20:16:47

The Garfield CISP thing might actually be a rehab project - teach the kids that the difference between criminal graffiti and valuable civic art is getting a permit (...um...er sumpin')


mick
2010-12-07 20:48:59

wha? I've been gone for 3 days and no new drop?!?!?!


Nice bike, Noah. Is the rear wheel a smaller size?


pseudacris
2010-12-08 03:37:19

I think it is time to invoke rule 2a...


salty
2010-12-08 05:08:28

Whoever wants the tag should post a new one.


jwright
2010-12-08 13:33:19

someone do it!


stefb
2010-12-08 20:54:40

Noah!!! What happened to your main ride?


sgtjonson
2010-12-08 22:19:49

according to 2a, someone has to go get the previous tag before dropping a new one.


salty
2010-12-08 22:43:36

Whoever picks up the tag should check in on Noah too. It’s not like him to not be on the board for two days – especially when talking smack about the mistake-on-the-lake.


marko82
2010-12-08 22:55:29

Ok, seems reasonable. But can somebody explain the "Bruce" reference?



#2a - After you pick up a Tag a new tag must be placed within 36 hours. If new tag is not set within the time limit, the first Bruce posted gets the tag. If no Bruce was claimed, tag will revert to the previous tag, and somebody else will get their chance. If you won't have the time to drop off a new tag, don't pick it up to begin with.


But I have to admit: I took Jason's comment at face value and snapped a new tag on the way home. It would now appear that I can't post it.


Rules, bah...


ahlir
2010-12-08 23:14:33

Bruce is when you post a tag that someone else has already posted (ie 2nd place). But, Jason, why is it called that?


My interpretation of 2a would be that the next person who goes back and gets the tag that stefb + Noah both went to ....posting a third version....gets to post a NEW tag.


I hope Noah is all right.


pseudacris
2010-12-08 23:24:43

I'll interpret that as to also include the case where either stefb or Noah go back and get a new shot. Seems fair.


ahlir
2010-12-08 23:27:32

maybe bikeygirl will go get it?


pseudacris
2010-12-08 23:28:40

Hey, why not? It's a balmy 25°F out there just now...


ahlir
2010-12-08 23:32:15

Noah is okay, but isn't feeling well. Go ahead and play the tag game without him.


dwillen
2010-12-08 23:48:46

Bruce is the shark in Finding Nemo.


lyle
2010-12-09 00:29:52

Got it... just a block away from home




quizbot
2010-12-09 00:37:23

I am not sure why it is called Bruce. This is an interpenetration of a game that we play on motorcycles all across the state. There is also a national game. They call used the name Bruce, so I did too. We can change it to Quizbot if you want. LOL


jwright
2010-12-09 14:00:38


No one to love in this beautiful world,

Full of warm hearts and bright beaming eyes?

Where is the lone heart that nothing can find

That is lovely beneath the blue skies;

No one to love!

No one to love!

Why no one to love?

What have you done in this beautiful world,

That you're sighing of no one to love?


quizbot
2010-12-09 15:38:43

Hah! That is a great tag. I know right where that is. The photo is well played!


who knew we had beaches in pgh!?


pseudacris
2010-12-09 15:46:12

I know where this is but I am at work.


stefb
2010-12-09 16:53:01

?


No snow? No grey sky ? ?


mick
2010-12-09 17:00:50

Nice position/scale on the photo...it did throw me for a loop.


lou-m
2010-12-09 19:00:54

does this have something to do with frederick f**king chopin?


hiddenvariable
2010-12-09 19:20:01

Fluffy clouds @Penn ave & Peoria Way - Lawrenceville!!


Yippee! My tag #2




bikeygirl
2010-12-10 01:23:58

@Lou M. Stop talking smack!!! I will post a new tag within 24hrs!


:)


bikeygirl
2010-12-10 18:09:02

I have an official stopwatch running and will be watching!


I know where you work...as well as sit.


lou-m
2010-12-10 18:54:27

(slightly OT: The shark in Finding Nemo is named Bruce in homage to the mechanical shark in Jaws, whom the filmmakers dubbed "Bruce." (I watch waaay too much cable TV.))


atleastmykidsloveme
2010-12-11 16:53:11

This one might be solid, but I'm sure Scott & Sttafford would still sing to it




bikeygirl
2010-12-11 17:20:08

No idea where this is. East end? I'm also perplexed by the red light on your seat & handlebars, since the car is parked nose-in.


pseudacris
2010-12-11 21:38:45

i am clueless.


stefb
2010-12-11 23:29:25

I did some fancy color-enhancement to the photo and somehow it made my bike seat appear read.


I'll provide additional clues if I see no one getting it.... but it should be pretty easy! No hills to get this one, and I misspelled one of the names: it should read -Stafford....


Everybody knows their 'song' although Mr Scott and Mr Stafford never sang it together because they were from different centuries -but don't wave that against them!


bikeygirl
2010-12-11 23:34:14

oh i get it. just trying to remember where that is


stefb
2010-12-11 23:54:20

Arrrg, flock went right past that last night. I didn't get it until the last comment.


marko82
2010-12-12 00:51:26

posting for stefb


TAG!


flag mural on butler in l-ville


cburch
2010-12-12 00:54:53

thank you, colin. this is between McCandless and 52nd streets. i was a little thrown off by the pic and clues because you gave the middle names of francis scott key and john stafford smith. also, you changed the color of the red on the flag to be kinda pinkish! good clues though.


next tag:



after being converted from a church to a school/daycare for young kids, i am hoping some Progress is made on getting it sold.


stefb
2010-12-12 02:31:42

hm... i think "no photoshopping" should be a rule.


salty
2010-12-12 04:28:07

I have heard of this, and I know it has the location in the title, but I forget at the moment. Later this afternoon I'll be able to re-read the information that includes it... maybe the tag will stick around until then!


jeg
2010-12-12 12:38:09

Sorries...... I didn't change any colors, just saturated the pic with more color... I like color.... oh well, 'no photoshopping' then :/


bikeygirl
2010-12-12 15:45:28

It has to be a flexible rule. rsprake's phone does the same thing in the device itself, I think.


lyle
2010-12-12 16:02:49

To add to my clue - that area doesn't smell like vinegar anymore.


stefb
2010-12-12 21:35:33

Gah, I had it confused with someplace else. I know I've seen that mural before, but can't place where.


jeg
2010-12-12 21:39:55

Not a large mural.. Someone painted over what i thnk was a bunch of stain glass windows


stefb
2010-12-12 23:21:21

Those big flowery paited things are all over the city. I think they paint the plywood prior to the crews going out to board up abandoned buildings and such. It's a good idea actually, easier than sending a paint crew -after- the carpenders. The union stewarts must have been home sick when the decision was made.


As for the last clue, there aren't too many places that smelled like vinegar...


marko82
2010-12-13 00:26:29

I didn't realize that a lot of places had those flowers. Sorry. Ok since that is true, i will make this easier.. It is near the end of one of the bridges. Notice the capitalization in my original clue.


stefb
2010-12-13 00:35:14

with this many clues you should just hand them a map!


imakwik1
2010-12-13 01:16:20

Yeah sorry.


stefb
2010-12-13 02:05:59

Interesting that those flowers are all over. Probably why I vaguely remember seeing them a bunch but can't remember where.


jeg
2010-12-13 02:55:07

Darn, I know where this is, but I'm just getting over a rotten case of The Crud and the weather isn't helping. If I'm up to a ride later (to OTB?), I might try to grab it, but don't wait for me if you're feeling intrepid.


stuinmccandless
2010-12-13 13:44:09

I need these clues. Ever since page 2 I've been so lost that I fear Frank Toker would want his credits back...


sloaps
2010-12-13 13:49:22

#3 - Tag must be findable - don't make your tag so obscure that no one will find it.


I'm with sloaps, totally lost since page 2. I'm really surprised people are getting tags where it is just a 2 sq ft section of some wall. I've only lived here a little over 2 years though, so maybe yinz have memorized all the walls in pgh.


dwillen
2010-12-13 13:57:34

I was able to figure out where this is using street view and stefb's "Progress" clue. But, I don't know if I'll have time to catsup with this game today or not. Someone else may have to figure out what kind of manufacturer in the city limits would have used a lot of vinegar.


@dwillen: there used to be very few murals in PGH. There was no Sprout Fund when I moved here in 93. I think a lot of the art related images come from heavily traveled shopping/eating/drinking districts in the E End. If that's not your normal route, I can totally understand why they'd be hard to find.


pseudacris
2010-12-13 14:37:52

Personally, some tags are very obscure to me, but is not because they are not visible, but rather the 'luck of the draw'. The ones I've gottent are mostly because either I travel by them often, or know certain areas of town well. I would agree that if you're relatively new to town, it would be hard to get some of them.


Plus clues are part of the game-fun, and they do help, and people do get the tags (eventually).... so @sloaps & dwillen: no dice! :D


Although.... I will agree that with Stef's last tag, there are many 'murals' like that over the city, and only a good clue is essential on getting it...


bikeygirl
2010-12-13 14:48:32

Clues are handy, but so is a desire to always take a different path, and keeping your eyes open. This one I knew just by being a pedestrian, itself a by-product of being a bus rider and making unlikely transfers, e.g. 6A inbound to 86A outbound w/o going Downtown first.


stuinmccandless
2010-12-13 15:14:36

I think you see a whole lot more if you're a pedestrian or a bus rider, since when I'm cycling or driving, I tend to keep my eyes on the road.


I have to say that this tag has put me in something of a pickle. I know exactly where it is (though it was the punishing repetition of cheesy clues rather than the photo that finally jarred things loose), but have been bussing rather than biking lately.


lyle
2010-12-13 15:27:37

I've still been biking, but my desire to bike anymore than I have to on a day like to today is just not there.


My ideal tag is easily findable with 5 minutes and some google-foo. Stef's clue was sufficient for me to find the tag.


I guess the riding my bike (and getting others out riding to a new place in town) part of it is more attractive than the mystery bit. That is just me. It would be pretty cool if we had a new tag everyday, multiple on the weekend. If the tags were easy enough, you could get more people out biking to them (I can't wait for two people to show up to a tag and take a photo at the same time!). If I could figure out where half these things were I'd go a few miles out of my way on a ride home to grab one, even if I am bruced. I wish more bruced folks posted their photos.


Perhaps easy clues may be not the original intent of this thread. Maybe someday we could start a second tag game that is more like a geo-cache. Go stash something (we could use an old crank arm painted fluorescent orange, for example), take a photo, post it here with a map or gps coords.. next person grabs "object", re-hides it, takes a photo, posts map/coords. and so on.


dwillen
2010-12-13 15:58:40

I prefer clues that need a bit of rumination, rather than just strained peas and applesauce. I particularly relish the aspect of seeing things that I hadn't seen before, or not in quite the same way. I hope that's not too corny.


lyle
2010-12-13 17:16:58

It's like you're all "sprechen zie deutsch..."


atleastmykidsloveme
2010-12-14 18:50:10

How many varieties of clue do we need?


reddan
2010-12-14 19:15:28

at least 57


cburch
2010-12-14 19:20:16

:: crickets::


I know is sketchy outside, but anyone picking this tag up?


I'm in a feisty mood and after I change my flat tire ((got a 1/2" lenght, 1/16" thick piece of steel pin piercing the back tire riding yesterday)), will try to get this one, although I need to figure out more where it is... (well, not really.)


Any takers and haven't gotten around to post the picture up?


bikeygirl
2010-12-14 20:34:08

I'm in a pickle, it's my dad's birthday and I'm expected for dinner. ;P


marko82
2010-12-14 20:39:06

Bikeygirl...might race you to it. Think I know where it is.


lou-m
2010-12-14 20:45:22

Dare you then..... you know I have to fix my flat anyhow.


@Marko: Be a good son to your Dad... come on, this can wait! Eat your dinner!! :D


@Lou: BUT... aren't you afraid that maybe YOU might get a flat trying to get this? haha!! >:)


bikeygirl
2010-12-14 20:54:29

If yinz race, I think we should throw rotten tomatoes at the loser.


reddan
2010-12-14 21:00:02

OOOhhhh reddan.... Is that a treat? You walking into the ring too?


:D


(sorries.... didn't I say I'm on a misfit mood?)


bikeygirl
2010-12-14 21:09:22

sigh. I've been lurking on this thread - I know where most of these places are (got this one from the original clues despite not being a place I frequent), with a few very interesting exceptions, but none are on my way anywhere or else I get scooped before leaving the office. I'm hoping with more daylight hours in the spring I'll get more adventurous/capable, but I know everybody else will too. Pooh.


ejwme
2010-12-14 21:14:33


Two brains better than one!! Lou M and Me posting @end of 16th street bridge across the Heinz Lofts -North Side


bikeygirl
2010-12-14 23:18:18

i thought that's what that was. i hope you went to mullins diner afterwards


noah-mustion
2010-12-14 23:35:54

@marko it's my dad's birthday and I'm expected for dinner


Will there be a vegetable as well?


mick
2010-12-14 23:44:50

So, for what it's worth, I don't remember that area ever smelling like vinegar. I thought that was a baby-food factory.


lyle
2010-12-14 23:53:39

@Noah No, headed back home instead (just got home now). Although eating there would have been a good idea. The wind IS indeed whipping & freezing, and my fingers were quite-frozen while I took my gloves off to take photo & upload the pic. Right now I'm still warming up my toes.... brrrr!


But the sense of satisfaction at picking that tag in this bitching weather: Priceless :D


Good team work, Lou M!


bikeygirl
2010-12-15 00:04:17

YEAH! The tag has been liberated! Awesome work, bikeygirl & louM.


Now, get busy planting some low hanging fruit!


pseudacris
2010-12-15 00:48:44

Mick, I be a produkt of Pixburgh Publik Schools. Nuff said.


(BTW, I think I got a very good education through the PPS, you get out what you put in. It's just that Engineers don't do English very well.)


marko82
2010-12-15 02:29:13

they still make baby food in the part of the plant that del monte owns. at least they were a year or so ago. the main plant, that is fancy lofts now was a tomato soup factory so the whole area smelled like stewing tomatoes. since it was heinz and had a big ketchup bottle on it (thankfully saved and displayed by the history center) everyone always assumed the smell was ketchup. i miss the factory. the tour was awesome and you got a pickle pin at the end.


cburch
2010-12-15 08:01:15

Getting close to 1000 posts soon on this thread!


Unfortunately Bikeygirl could not join me on this tag but to keep the game moving I picked one up last night.


The temperature was no where near "40" last night but thanks to my "Arsenal" of winter clothing I was able to stay warm.




lou-m
2010-12-16 15:21:59

BikeyGirl aproves the above photo-tag message!


Get going! A low-hanging fruit!


bikeygirl
2010-12-16 15:34:22

I think I see a Johnny Unitas photobomb there...


sloaps
2010-12-16 15:45:39

I think I’m going to Wendy’s for lunch today.


greasefoot
2010-12-16 16:00:39

Arsenal Park on the 40th Street side. So glad to finally know where one of these is without hints!




kdisharoon
2010-12-16 17:53:58

nice!


pseudacris
2010-12-16 18:17:49

New tag. No real hints for now since I'm sure a few people know exactly where this is, but I will say that seeing this tag is always a relief, since it means you're almost to the top of the hill.




kdisharoon
2010-12-16 19:21:27

wow, thats the farthest the tag has moved in weeks.


cburch
2010-12-16 19:37:59

Top of 18th Street, I know it too well.


(Edit link)




marko82
2010-12-16 21:03:01

Since Bikeygirl got cheated out of a tag, she may have the honor of putting up the next one :)


marko82
2010-12-16 21:13:20

She wasn't cheated. We decided to just have one of us grab it since she was busy last night after work. But I'll let her decide.


lou-m
2010-12-16 21:25:17

Nahhh..... go ahead Marko. After all the smack talking I did the other day, you should rightfully put the next tag :)


Lou M and I planned the Arsenal tag together. I had to run errands yesterday on a different direction, and since we didn't want to get bruced by someone else, Lou went and pick up the tag solo.


I do already have my next Tag in-mind ready, but I will wait until I catch the next one :)


Thanks Marko anyhow!


So... chop! chop! TAG you're it!


bikeygirl
2010-12-16 21:27:09

New tag: Sorry my phone camera doesnt have a flash, but this is probably my favorite outdoor sculpture in the 'Burgh. Stay awake and you might find it.




marko82
2010-12-18 02:01:22

ahhhhh, I just lost my camera. boo.


rubberfactory
2010-12-18 08:35:04


on grant street near the lutheran church


stefb
2010-12-18 16:48:14

What does the stay awake comment reference?


sgtjonson
2010-12-18 16:58:58

Rats, I'm too slow this morning. Nice work stefb!


This thing is right across the street from the USX tower bus stops. [confession] If I'm waiting for a bus there, I like to make up titles for the piece.


"Breaking free from Minimalism."

"Leaving the Church"

"When god made he/she didn't break the mould."

"Madam, I'm Adam."


etc


pseudacris
2010-12-18 17:05:01

Marko's pic must have been taken around 9pm last night (noon minus 15 hours), so it's probably a direct statement.


My son figured out the tag right away, but I just didn't have the gumption to jump on a bike at sunrise.


stuinmccandless
2010-12-18 17:05:12

i dunno.. it is titled "resurrection" i think.


next tag:



sorry, friends. i didn't move this tag very far. when i got off my bike to take this photo with my droid, i realized i didn't have any reception. ironic.


stefb
2010-12-18 17:08:56

I belive the sculpture is titled "the awakening", but "resurrection" might be right too. Now I have to go back and check.


Looks like snoopy needs some new paint!


edit: clue fail - it's "resurrection" by Granlund, Paul Theodore, 1925-2003


marko82
2010-12-18 17:30:17

Snoopy's doghouse, Blvd of the Allies at Stanwix

Snoopy's doghouse, Blvd of the Allies at Stanwix


stuinmccandless
2010-12-18 19:20:55

Next tag, &'at. At my son Gabe's suggestion, since he figured out "Resurrection" in the dark.



stuinmccandless
2010-12-18 19:29:58

Snoopy's doghouse is my favorite thing in downtown. Anyone kno why it is there/story behind it?


Glad the tag got picked up quickly!


stefb
2010-12-18 19:30:07

Is the doghouse a salt box? I love that thing, too. It's amazing that city planners & developers have left it alone. It must bring good luck.


pseudacris
2010-12-18 19:36:16

This is Stef - thanks for the info!


cburch
2010-12-18 20:20:09

Tag


Fourth Avenue down from original Dollar Bank in downtown.


sloaps
2010-12-18 22:03:56

holy crap, this is like some kind of tag activity record... cool!


salty
2010-12-18 22:33:45

Wow! Go cold weather cyclists! I had no idea where the "@" was. Probably really close to my office.


pseudacris
2010-12-18 23:01:08

Same block on 4th as Madonna's and the Engineers Society of Western Pennsylvania.


sloaps
2010-12-18 23:35:45

I figured out that I didn't have to travel all the way home to process my photos. I stopped at the library on Federal Street, only a 15-minute ride from "@". Yay for libraries!


stuinmccandless
2010-12-18 23:45:02

Tag


An unofficial official shrine that can be seen by cyclists and motorists alike from afar.


sloaps
2010-12-19 17:49:10

Never been there, have only seen it from far away. Hmmm.


rsprake
2010-12-19 18:05:38

Well. I am using this as an excuse to finally go see it. I may turn around should my feet get too cold in my clipless shoes.


rsprake
2010-12-19 19:01:16

Way to park, or some such!


marko82
2010-12-19 19:48:54

@rsprake: do your best to Ward off the cold. It's a neat place & you may want to spend a bit of time there.


pseudacris
2010-12-19 19:50:48

Bah. Bike malfunction a mile in. Turned around and came home.


rsprake
2010-12-19 20:25:04

Shrine of the Blessed Mother, South Oakland. Directly up the hill from the Bates/I376 intersection.



Located at 40.431032, -79.957340, past the end of Wakefield St, which is at the end of Ward St.


ahlir
2010-12-21 14:56:23

YAYS! 50 Bonus Internets for standing where you were to take that shot - a missed step is a long, rough fall to the offramp.


0_o


sloaps
2010-12-21 15:14:39

Ok, here's the next one:



From this spot you can see 5 churches and a funeral parlor, arranged around the square. One of the churches is for sale. (Tip: for some reason Google Maps details are a bit sketchy for this location.)


ahlir
2010-12-21 20:34:37

@sloaps: Yeah, it's a bit iffy where I stood. But it's also where you'll find the spring, which miraculously started to flow just after the first shrine was put up. A pretty amazing piece of Pittsburghiana.


ahlir
2010-12-21 20:52:51

Is that photo what comes back when you Google "anti-aircraft gun+elephant"?


atleastmykidsloveme
2010-12-21 21:40:08

No, when you Google "Dumbo+restricted airspace"


reddan
2010-12-21 21:56:22

@AtLeastMyKidsLoveMe: Actually you get this (among other things). Ahem.



Here's another photo of the same scene, taken about a month ago. The composition is nicer and I would have preferred to use it, but I felt obliged to schlep back and take a new shot. Frickin' rules...




ahlir
2010-12-21 22:22:10

no posting of 19th century personal massagers, plz.


<=0


sloaps
2010-12-21 23:34:19

4 days without activity? Anyone know where this tag is?I haven't figured it out yet. I have a guess, but i am out of town. Suppose some of you have been doing holiday stuff recently, too.


stefb
2010-12-26 13:46:45

Too busy to say ::crickets::

I have a couple of ideas, but I really don't know and don't have time to go exploring.


stuinmccandless
2010-12-26 16:03:09

The relatives are gone

and the turkey is soup


Stick to that river

We saw just before


ahlir
2010-12-26 16:57:08

I've been trying to stay polite since I'm far away & the holidays are on, but seriously.....


::: crickets :::


This one is starting to burn a hole in the board!!


bikeygirl
2010-12-26 18:35:30

Another clue, perhaps?


sloaps
2010-12-26 18:51:22

I'll post a third clue a bit later today, unless someone objects.


ahlir
2010-12-26 19:31:16

clue?


pseudacris
2010-12-26 21:35:28

West is West and

East

Is

East

But Our Tag

Is

East

Of

West


ahlir
2010-12-26 22:38:51

15 hours on the latest hint, and still nothing. (I even had a reason to take a drive last night, and verified that my hunch was wrong.) Let's review what we have so far.


The tag appears to be on a more/less level street on the edge of a park, with a slight downhill from the street to the park, and a fence by the sidewalk.


The couple of buildings I see there look like fairly up-scale late-1800s architecture. There are two photos of the tag, and the newer one has some sort of temporary sign containing the letters "UNIE".


My inspection on StreetView of every park that might have something "west" to do with it -- West Park, West End Overlook, anything in the western 1/3 of the city -- turned up no park with a fence and a slight downhill.


It may be time to invoke Rule #3's obscurity clause. Nearest river or bus route? Recent news event? Near a previous tag?


stuinmccandless
2010-12-27 13:49:39

Yeah, the housing stock is throwing me off.

The clues have me thinking it's somewhere on the banks of the Mon, between East Pittsburgh and the West End Bridge. Also, the tag visited the Mon Wharf around Thanksgiving time. But, I can't think of housing like that so close to the river. Granted, I have not explored much of the trails beyond my commute.


Haven't figured out a useful acronym from Ahlir's latest clue, either.


Ahlir: is it very near the river bank?


pseudacris
2010-12-27 15:41:32

Let's first review the existing clues:


1) A square park with many churches around it: this park is probably in a (formerly) prosperous and important town. The "UNIE" in the photo is actually part of the name of the funeral parlor; I guess it does look a bit temporary, but remember this area was formerly prosperous.


2. The town is on the same river as the last tag. This would make the river the Monongahela. Given the geopgraphy, you would have to go upstream to find candidate locations.


3. The 'West' here refers to a street name. Thus the tag is somewhere to the east of that street; since this is supposed to be a reasonable clue the location can't be that far off. The shape of the "poem" is a letter, and it is the first letter of the park's name.


More clue(s):

4. We've had a tag quite near here, but that was a while ago.


Here's how things appeared in the good old days:




ahlir
2010-12-27 15:50:08

Wow! Know it but can't get it.

If I may, would you have to go through a bit of brown and gray to get it?


edmonds59
2010-12-27 16:02:50

Dammit I checked all of the parklets out in that neighborhood in google streetview shortly after you posted it but didn’t see the gun or the “unie” sign anywhere. The big brown house IS there if you are looking for it though, which I guess I wasn’t. Clarification - There have been two other tags in this hood.


marko82
2010-12-27 16:19:01

@edmonds59: you would indeed, in the plural. I would expect a bit of seasonal white as well.

@martko82: You're right about a couple of tags thereabouts. The one I had in mind is just a few short blocks away.


ahlir
2010-12-27 16:37:27

OK, I see where it is. But boy, that's a long freaking way from McCandless.


stuinmccandless
2010-12-27 17:19:59

@Stu: True. But you could always toss the bike on your car and drive to someplace nearby ;-)

You can park near the post office, where you'll find a historical marker that references the park and an event that (didn't) take place in the park.


On a more general note: Do we have any rules about this? The tag is not that far from where I live, but it's a long haul for Stu (and vice-versa for tags in the west end). I can see this as moot for motorbikes but it matters for cyclists.

Or is that just part of the game: different subsets of players get an advantage from tag to tag, with the area (hopefully) shifting around often enough to keep it interesting for everyone?


ahlir
2010-12-27 17:40:37

As long as a rules question is up, I meant to ask this before - is a bus rack/bike to the tag combo acceptable?


edmonds59
2010-12-27 17:48:36

I think that might depend on the circumstances. I can ride a bike to the nearest 54c stop, and take it directly to the mural on s 18th. I don't know what I'm getting at, other than it would probably be okay sometimes and no okay other times.


rubberfactory
2010-12-27 17:52:40

I'd say a bus/bike combo is OK. I usually bus home from Downtown anyway (uphill, tired, cold, late, dark, carrying stuff, whatever). PAT is running regular daytime service today, but I just don't feel like taking three hours out of my day to chase halfway across the county and back to take a couple of pictures.


stuinmccandless
2010-12-27 17:58:16

I'm back in town and I've figured out where the tag is, thanks entirely to Ahlir's clues. I'm heading out to get it now. Hope no one beats me to it!


kdisharoon
2010-12-29 18:03:37

Take it. I was thinking about doing it, since nobody else seemed to have identified it, but I'm rather enjoying sitting on my butt during this vacation period.


"unie" was a dead giveaway for me.


stuinmccandless
2010-12-29 18:42:22

Great tag! And the answer is: Homestead Frick Park. I had no idea it even existed until I arrived there, and I guess the "F" shaped hint didn't give it away to me.



I gathered it was somewhere in Homestead from the clues, but the park is greyed out on Google Maps. "unie" finally gave it away, after I Googled it and discovered Tunie Funeral Home. The rest was easy.


Google Map of the location, with Tunie Funeral Home right behind you:


http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=40.40577,-79.908426&sll=40.405768,-79.907416&sspn=0.004044,0.009645&ie=UTF8&ll=40.405588,-79.907877&spn=0.008088,0.01929&z=16&layer=c&cbll=40.405532,-79.907983&panoid=D-TXqIgaMjSPEd83doxm0Q&cbp=12,319.47,,0,15.51


kdisharoon
2010-12-29 20:10:50

Glad you got it. I thought I was going to have to get on the way home tonight, which I really didn't want to do :-|


marko82
2010-12-29 20:12:52

Coming from the South Side Slopes, I planned on taking the trail along the Mon past the Glenwood Bridge and into the Waterfront. Since I've never really figured out the section through Sandcastle, I though this would be a good learning opportunity.


Unfortunately I forgot that part of the segment before the "dead-end" is closed during the week, so I decided to try out the no-shoulder awful stretch of E Carson from Beck's Run Rd to the Glenwood Bridge.


I won't do that again. Not the worst stretch I've ever ridden on, but close. I did maintain a great pace for those few miles though, trying to get through as quickly as possible.


New tag either late tonight or sometime tomorrow morning, most likely!


kdisharoon
2010-12-29 20:23:01

i would NEVER ride on that part of carson. EVER. Glad you are ok after doing it.


stefb
2010-12-29 20:36:45

@kdisharoon: Thank you for picking up that tag. I was starting to feel guilty about posting something maybe a bit too obscure.


For those of us who enjoy just tooling around, Homestead (and Munhall) is a pretty amazing corner of Pittsburgh. The area is rich in history and, for that matter, was pretty rich in its time. There are many public and private structures that wealth made possible, even though most (all?) of them are slowly decaying. Still, fascinating to wander through.


The following is from the top of Homestead Cemetery, though not the highest spot in the neighborhood.

[Note: the cemetery is off the BikePgh map.]


The trail from South Side to the Glenwood Bridge is closed for a while, though they do open it on the weekends. Once through there, going through the Wheeling Steel property and popping over the tracks by the auto parts store is probably the simplest way to reach (West) Homestead. The weekday alternative is Jail Trail/Irvine/2nd Ave to the bridge. (Coming from the East End, take Beechwood to Saline (a left, just before Browns Hill) then cut through the yellow blocks at Imogene to the sidewalk which will take you down to the Grays bridge.)


ahlir
2010-12-29 23:12:04

great photo, ahlir!


pseudacris
2010-12-30 13:14:41

New tag!



It feels like I took about 12 pictures at this spot to get a good angle.


kdisharoon
2010-12-30 19:31:42

Ha! Best clue in a long time. Well done sir, well done.


cburch
2010-12-30 19:41:02

Good grief. I can see this from my house... in a Palinesque way.


sloaps
2010-12-30 20:03:48

Wow, no hills needed.


marko82
2010-12-30 20:15:47

Nice tag and a good clue as well.

Now, who's going to get there first?


ahlir
2010-12-30 20:42:31

12th and Breed on the southside.


Tag


sloaps
2010-12-30 20:50:16

Good to see tags moving again!


quizbot
2010-12-30 22:14:34

Nice job sloaps. I recently started reading about some of Pittsburgh's old inclines, and the base of the Knoxville Incline was at basically this spot.


If you cross the flyover bridge over the railroad tracks at 10th St and walk up some stairs and cut to your left onto Windom St/Fritz St, you can follow a path through the woods and come to what I believe was the top of the Knoxville Incline at Brosville St. There's an old steel bridge over what was clearly the incline's path many years ago. Cool stuff.


Here's a view facing the top of the incline's path from Brosville:


http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&ll=40.422894,-79.988521&spn=0.001019,0.002411&t=h&z=19&layer=c&cbll=40.42289,-79.988632&panoid=hiLNqzOdEAfoAYMhN0afHg&cbp=12,15.24,,0,9.81


It's worth checking out if you're in the area.


kdisharoon
2010-12-30 23:29:50

I live halfway up the hill off Brosville - took about a half hour to work up the gumption and steal this from others, and all of a minute to coast down the hill.


The Knoxville incline started here between Bradish and freyburg. Wall is still there. A contractor keeps his materials and equipment within the footprint now.


Where the top of the incline was, is where the mining began - appox. St. Martin Street. It's best to buy a house below that street.


sloaps
2010-12-31 04:58:42

New Tag!


Tag


These two were way too close of friends for a simple handshake greeting: they headbutted.


sloaps
2010-12-31 14:28:30

i am leery about riding around town in general because of all of the suburbanites in town for the winter classic stuff, but i may get this later. i think i will need my geared bike for this. beautiful day for a ride though.


stefb
2010-12-31 14:55:06

From the tag's vantage, I would say the city's visitors are confined to the north bank of the point.


Get on that bike!


sloaps
2010-12-31 15:17:38

That's quite a climb, my man. Makes me want to get on top of our nation's founding father for some... well.


noah-mustion
2010-12-31 15:24:04

Grandview & Sweetbriar...not so much of a climb for all of us...I think it took longer for me to find my pump & put air in my tires.


Photobucket Pictures, Images and Photos


greasefoot
2010-12-31 16:00:05

They need to put a Franco Harris statue there also, just like in the airport.


stefb
2010-12-31 16:41:09

New tag!


Kept it on the hill...


Photobucket Pictures, Images and Photos


greasefoot
2010-12-31 17:07:09

Those Knoxville Incline photos have set off my wanderlust flag. Now I just have to go biking all over that hillside, both ends, both sides, and find where all those abutments, former bridges, walls, and trails through the woods are and/or have evolved into. It's only been gone 50 years. A lot of the adjoining buildings would likely still be around.


Just as an example, the building directly across the street from the lower station, clearly visible on the "Knoxville Incline I" photo, 1111 Bradish Street, shows on Street View with the sign Abacus Bicycle Shop and a "for rent" sign in the window.


stuinmccandless
2010-12-31 17:41:25


Next to Mt. Wash fire station


marko82
2010-12-31 21:54:40

New tag:


Put me in coach, I think I can hit it to the Gap.


PS - Sorry for the glare, I didn't expect to see the sun in the late afteroon.


marko82
2010-12-31 22:02:46

::chirp::buzz::hmmnn::


Ok, you might want to use the path way to get here.


marko82
2011-01-03 02:29:55

I may get this after work. I thnk i know where it is


stefb
2011-01-03 03:00:10

About 99% sure that I have it now... what did we ever do before Google Street View? Nice initial clue too. I was thinking something completely different, but it makes more sense now.


Stef, it's yours if you want it. If no one gets it before tomorrow morning I'll ride out to grab it.


kdisharoon
2011-01-03 21:44:22

no i don't think i'll make it down there today. go for it.


stefb
2011-01-03 23:26:30

hm. I think I know where this is.

That's some swing you got there, Marko.


ahlir
2011-01-04 01:53:04


Ray Miller Jr. Memorial Field at Blair Street Park, in Hazelwood, next to the tracks at the eastern end [40.404183, -79.945385]. I believe this is the Ray Miller Jr who worked for the Pirates as a coach in the 80s and 90s. But I didn't find any mention of him passing away.


A more panoramic view...



ahlir
2011-01-04 15:29:28

Yeah, to hit the GAP you have to be able to hit it over the Mon river as well as the fence. Since I can't do either I guess I'll stay on the far end of the bench. BTW, "Path Way" is the coolest named alley two blocks from the field.


marko82
2011-01-04 16:26:19

Not much of a memorial!


rsprake
2011-01-04 16:46:42

I dunno. It probably looks more inviting in the summer when there's more green and the kids are playing ball.

I'm not sure I would ever manage to get some piece of real estate (or anything) named after me... Consider, also, Vespasian.


ahlir
2011-01-04 16:55:54

Looks like rsprake got the 1,000th post on this thread.


I went looking for this, but didn't find it. I thought it might have been the little picnic area near Sandcastle. As I type, I'm in the Homestead Library. Here's proof!



stuinmccandless
2011-01-04 17:06:21

Huzzah rsprake!


(Ps, I need to get in on this tagging action... I'm following this from now on)


gimppac
2011-01-04 17:08:15

The next tag:


This time I'd like to try something a little different for a clue. People say that a picture is worth a thousand words. I can't tell you if this is really true. But I do know that the following picture is worth a least two clues:



ahlir
2011-01-04 18:11:10

ooo, I know this one! I can't get it til after work though. If someone else doesn't get it by 5:00 I'm going after it.


gimppac
2011-01-04 18:25:21

Alrighty, I'm after this schiz... see you in less than an hour mayhaps.


gimppac
2011-01-04 21:58:20

BTW, "Path Way" is the coolest named alley two blocks from the field.


I dunno, I used to pass "Hall Way" in carnegie a lot.


rubberfactory
2011-01-04 22:33:02

That fellow was Stephen Foster, and the building depicted is the Stephen Foster Community Center on 286 Main Street in Lawrenceville. Specifically, it's of the climbing wall in the playground outside.



Mr. Foster was considered the Father of American Music with songs like "Oh Susanna!" and "Camptown Races". He was born in Lawrenceville.


gimppac
2011-01-04 23:29:13

Because I won't be on my bike tomorrow, I had to grab the next tag tonight.

This is my favorite place to grab a cup of joe.


Clue: It's by the glass.




gimppac
2011-01-04 23:57:03

hm, I think I know where this is. I may grab it before work tomorrow.


rubberfactory
2011-01-05 00:04:47

@gimpPAC: good job! This tag always somehow makes me think of what might have issued from some forbidden liaison between Sponge Bob and a Smurf(ette). I shudder at the thought...


ahlir
2011-01-05 01:08:28

This tag always somehow makes me think of what might have issued from some forbidden liaison between Sponge Bob and a Smurf(ette).


Ba ha ha!


I'm just glad no one got to it after I came from the South Side to pick it up! I'm out of shape...it took me longer than expected. :P


gimppac
2011-01-05 01:11:03

I am really liking the idea of getting the current tag now, if it is where I'm thinking.


I'm not liking the prospect of potentially getting out of bed and into the cold to find that it's not the place.


I think I'll hit it in the morning.


rubberfactory
2011-01-05 01:21:21

RF, are you thinking it's out of your way or on the way for your work commute?


gimppac
2011-01-05 01:25:55

i'm thinking it might be one of two places, neither are too far out of the way.


rubberfactory
2011-01-05 01:28:32

Ok I won't give another clue for the sake of competition, I just would feel bad if you went on a goose chase and didn't find it...


gimppac
2011-01-05 01:35:15

well, if no one gets it while I sleep, I'll take my laptop and update in the morning - either with the tag, or to mention that it wasn't there - either way, I'll end up with some coffee :)


rubberfactory
2011-01-05 01:37:02

I'm pretty sure I know where this one is. And there's indeed another coffee shop just a couple of blocks away.

BF: I'm not sure this necessarily means that what I'm thinking of is what you're thinking of. This town is crawling with coffee shops.


In any case, I'm starting to think that I've been spending way too much time on my bike...


ahlir
2011-01-05 01:47:20

yeah, I pass probably 10 coffee shops just on the way to work.


rubberfactory
2011-01-05 01:49:25

"it's by the glass"


amazing clue! :)


noah-mustion
2011-01-05 01:53:15

yeah, I like that clue too; it implies some reflection.


ahlir
2011-01-05 01:55:04

@Ahlir - your puns are awful and I love it! :)


gimppac
2011-01-05 02:22:12

i dunno, his puns kinda blow.


noah-mustion
2011-01-05 03:28:01

voluto coffee on penn ave. in garfield! not only was it too close for me not to go out at 11pm, but this is also the 1024th post! i win!




hiddenvariable
2011-01-05 04:16:14

Which is across the street from the Pittsburgh Glass Center. Hooray!


Yeah this is just down the hill from my place, on my way home from picking up the Larryville tag.


gimppac
2011-01-05 04:22:48

well, I was wrong both times.


rubberfactory
2011-01-05 10:54:00


in order to properly commemorate my tag-grabbing being the 1024th post of the thread, i went to the most appropriate place i could think of.


hiddenvariable
2011-01-05 22:09:14

so i guess this is post number 1028, which is the sum of two squares (1024+4). how about some of these, uh, cuboids:



located outside the wean hall main (5th floor) entrance at cmu


melange396
2011-01-06 01:18:08

what, nobody liked my pun?


melange396
2011-01-06 19:05:42

I think they're lovely rectangular prisms, but they're not cubes. In lieu of any locally available actual cubes, they're highly appropriate, and the whole is clearly greater than the sum of the parts :D (perhaps visual puzzles are a little difficult on post-holiday brains)


ejwme
2011-01-06 19:18:37

No, they're not cubes, but they're perfectly cromulent cuboids.


steven
2011-01-06 20:21:53

So I will have you know that this recent tag caused me to stay up late trying to figure out how to convert binary notation into decimals... Curse you natural nerds and my inherent inability to do maths...


gimppac
2011-01-06 21:51:14

@gimpPAC: I recommend Google: type [binary number] in decimal, or [decimal number] in hexadecimal, or x feet in cubits...


That's what we unnatural nerds do, anyway.


reddan
2011-01-07 00:08:06

Binary?


666 just doesn't have the same ring to it when it's 1010011010 or 1232.


mick
2011-01-07 00:30:34

I looked at the 1024 -- 2 to the 10th power -- and fell asleep trying to visualize what might look like that somewhere in sight of 2nd Avenue at S. 10th Street. *fail*


stuinmccandless
2011-01-07 02:24:34

okay, so... new tag, hello?


noah-mustion
2011-01-07 03:38:22

Rule #2a?


quizbot
2011-01-07 15:14:26

... funny, I was going to post that 1024 isn't an integral cube anyway, and didn't realize that you lot are bigger nerds than me.


@gimpPAC, being a nerd isn't natural for anyone. It takes hard work, right from your first day in the crib with that little slide rule rattle.


lyle
2011-01-07 15:36:40

be careful getting this one, it can be pretty treacherousss



i highly recommend AGAINST trying to get this one at night.


also, you guys are like vultures! im only 3 hours late and there was a huge snowstorm yesterday and last night!!!


melange396
2011-01-07 16:30:59

snowstorm? dear me, don't ever head north of here in the winter!


also: i thought about that very spot for my previous tag.


hiddenvariable
2011-01-07 16:46:40

oo I know, but I will never make it there during the day... Plus I'm sick, boooo.


Oh I'm a nerd, but the math sort of nerdiness is something I never picked up. I'd LIKE to like math...it just has never really liked me. It's like a puzzle, sort of like this game...just had a bad Algebra experience and the rest was downhill.


@reddan - Google is cheating! ;)


Here's my birthday in binary (and I didn't look it up): 1010/11011/11110111110

NERDS!


gimppac
2011-01-07 18:04:15

here's my birthday, this year, NOT in binary: 01/01/11


hiddenvariable
2011-01-07 18:10:38

there are 10 kinds of people in this world: those who understand binary, and those who dont


melange396
2011-01-07 18:34:37

‘Back in the day’ we used to add our bowing scores in binary to erk all the old guys in the league…I wonder why they never called us back?


greasefoot
2011-01-07 18:55:20

wait, it snowed?


cburch
2011-01-07 19:09:04

This tag is either at Blackburn Road in Sewickley or some other serpentine drive loved by vintage auto enthusiasts.


sloaps
2011-01-07 19:31:53

uh. ssspoiler alert?


noah-mustion
2011-01-07 19:41:24

Nice tag. Anyone planning to fetch it before the end of the workday?


ahlir
2011-01-07 19:43:16

Tag


Serpentine Drive in Schenley Park below the Neill log cabin?


sloaps
2011-01-07 20:14:25

damn job - i was gonna go get that.


salty
2011-01-07 23:09:04

Oh, I thought that was Highland Park. Good thing somebody else got it before I went looking!


lyle
2011-01-08 00:07:02

Thank you, @sloaps. I really did not want to have to ride out tomorrow morning. (Having abandoned my plan to go there tonight, with the camera set to ISO 3200 and flash...)


On a different subject: what's up with the Tag-O-Rama Google map?


I looked at it today and the entries stop maybe 10 tags ago. Does the person who appears to have entered the most of tags ('Charles') intend to keep maintaining it? Apologies if I'm dissing anyone else; I only clicked on a few tags. Are others expected to contribute? There is an advantage to having a single editor; that's why we have the concept of an editor.


Anyway, the distribution of tags is starting to get interesting. I can see why Stanton Heights is not that popular, but why is Squirrel Hill pretty much empty? We don't seem to cross rivers too often. Maybe I'm foolish to assume that a uniform distribution should be the norm.


Anyway, have you seen this? It's a map of where in Pittsburgh locals and tourists take photographs.


ahlir
2011-01-08 00:37:35

I work on it from time to time. I just added 78 to 83 to the map. The latest is #90. I suppose I should write up a how-to so anyone else can do it, instead of waiting for Charles or me.


stuinmccandless
2011-01-08 14:09:18

I added the rest, but I didn't include the images as Stu did because I'm lazy.


sloaps
2011-01-08 15:44:42

Thanks guys! Posting some instructions would be useful.


ahlir
2011-01-08 16:47:52

1. Go to the map page (see link above). You need to be logged into a Google account.

2. Click the Edit button and scroll to the bottom to see what the next tag number will be.

3. Over in the map, zoom to the exact location of the tag. I find it helpful to have yet another tab or window open in Street View.

4. Click the blue marker button and position it at that location.

5. In the balloon that appears, add readable text in the title field like this: "Tag 69 - The Mon Wharf".

6. Click "Edit HTML".

7. On this thread, for the page with that tag, do a right-click and go to View Page Source. This should come up in a new window.

8. Back in the map page, in the Description field for the balloon, paste this template, replacing the square brackets with angle brackets. This is one huuuuge long line.


[a href="http://bike-pgh.org/bbpress/topic/pittsburgh-tag-o-rama/page/8#post-51900"]

[img src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs011.snc4/33932_442159607055_628747055_5998180_7899467_n.jpg" width="60" height="80"][/a]

- Replace the "8" with the page number.
- Replace the "51900" with the post number.
- Replace the image location with that of the new tag photo.

9. Back in the thread, do a right-click and View Image Info on the tag photo to obtain the dimensions of the image. Divide by 10 or 5 or some number to obtain an image size roughly 100 to 150 pixels on the longest side. For example, the 2nd Serpentine Drive pic is 500x375. Divide by 5 to get 100x75. These numbers will go in the width and height values.

10. Press OK in the balloon.
11. In the left pane, scroll to the top and press "Save". If you are truly done and have tested it, press "Done", too.
12. To test this, open another browser. (This is about the only time I use I.E.) This is so Google won't use the same cookie, in other words, so your machine looks at the map page as if you are on another computer. Just go to the map page, and scroll to the bottom of the list. Inspect and click on the new link to make sure it looks and acts OK.
13. If you need to make adjustments, just click on either the marker on the map or the tag entry in the list. The balloon will appear. Click "Edit HTML" before making further changes.

The whole setup tends to bring my ancient machine to its knees, but the sequence should work. Let me know of any obvious errors, omissions or problems.

stuinmccandless
2011-01-08 19:00:09

Tag


The utility poles and the attached telephone lines in this intersection represent the northern most tip of a unique enclosure which allow believers of a certain Orthodoxy to carry what they need when outdoors on the Sabbath.


...I'll post more clues, if needed.


sloaps
2011-01-08 19:05:37

How are the roads for riding? Any icy spots? If this is still up later i may try to grab it... Once i figure out where it is exactly. I have an idea.


stefb
2011-01-08 19:11:19

have you even been at sea in the winter? prepare for briny headwinds and lots of chilly puddles.


sloaps
2011-01-08 19:20:34

Too close not to get, despite the cold...


East end of wilkins @ dallas. Your tire tracks were still fresh



salty
2011-01-08 20:51:13

Yay! Behold the Pittsburgh Eruv.


sloaps
2011-01-08 21:48:50

I love it that salty placed his tires exactly in sloaps' tire imprint.


...zoom...


pseudacris
2011-01-08 21:56:21

argh! i had the perfect tag in mind, except i apparently completely forgot where it was located!


so, i wanted to sit down at that table behind the fence to gather my thoughts, but i hear people are nearly dying to get a seat there.




salty
2011-01-08 22:09:33

Stu, I think you can safely skip step 9. Just pick a desired width and always use that. The browser will then scale the image appropriately, and figure out the correct height to preserve the original aspect ratio. I suggest width=300 for a decent-sized image. So the template would be


[a href="http://bike-pgh.org/bbpress/topic/pittsburgh-tag-o-rama/page/8#post-51900"]

[img src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs011.snc4/33932_442159607055_628747055_5998180_7899467_n.jpg" width=300][/a]

Also, a small time-saver for Firefox users: in step 7, first use the mouse to highlight the message and its image, starting from the last word of the previous message through the first word of the next one. Then right-click and use View Selection Source, and you won't have to scroll down to find the message you want. You'll be able to easily spot the [li id="post-59400"] line with the post number, and the[img src="....jpg"]line.

steven
2011-01-08 22:21:35

also, for step 12 you can use "incognito mode" in chrome or firefox instead of using a different browser.


salty
2011-01-08 22:23:51

I made a little Javascript helper for adding tags to the map. It lets you just highlight the message board post with the desired image, then displays the HTML, ready for copying and pasting into Google Maps.


The helper and directions for using it are here:


http://www.lugaru.com/tag-o-rama.html


steven
2011-01-09 01:29:24

Hm, nice clues. I'm pretty sure I know *what* it is, just not *where* is is. Alas.


jeg
2011-01-09 16:50:55

I debated making a "theme" of sloaps' picture of the WPA Conservancy sign. It's not in the picture, but definitely nearby.


The lower right corner of the picture also reveals one of my professed true loves.


salty
2011-01-09 19:00:33

Thanks for updating the Map guys, I've been out of town and not on the computer much lately.


namtrahselrahc
2011-01-10 17:28:06

You love storm drains?


edmonds59
2011-01-10 17:48:10

I supect this love is a bit father right- the block street surface. They are interesting, but bumby on a bike and much more slick when icy than asphalt.


helen-s
2011-01-10 18:06:02

cobblestones! (and hills - well, that one is more of a love/hate thing...)


salty
2011-01-10 18:07:05

I dunno, looks more like brick to me.

I have to admit I'm pretty stumped at this point...


ahlir
2011-01-10 18:29:21

oops, I tend to misuse the word "cobblestones" - it is indeed brick.


I think I suck at making tags... and can't come up with another clue at the moment.


salty
2011-01-10 18:51:37

Rule 2: "Try to place the tags in interesting locations, somewhere historic, etc."


sgtjonson
2011-01-10 18:54:47

Wait, I took a closer look. I know where this is!

Given the weather outlook, it would be prudent to pick it up today (and also deal with the next tag, sigh).


ahlir
2011-01-10 19:56:13

Yes, I know exactly where it is too. I thought about picking it up this morning but didn't (obviously) and I'm not going to get it tonight either.


lyle
2011-01-10 21:47:26

The tag:



This is Sherbrook Street in Squirrel Hill, near the corner of Shady and Forward. On the upper left is Allderdice HS and, obscured by the yellow bus (but you can see it if you squint), is the Conservancy marker. On the right is that building for forgetful people; sorry, I don't recall its name. Mikvah just around the corner, if you need it. Location: 40.429962, -79.921546




ahlir
2011-01-10 21:47:50

Ok.... I'm back on the sadle!

Throw me a good tag-bone in here! :D


bikeygirl
2011-01-10 22:45:12

excellent... I thought the building was a nursing home?


salty
2011-01-10 23:01:45

I'm not exactly sure what it is, I had always assumed that it was an "assisted living" facility. If you Google/Bing it [Forward-Shady Apartments], it says "independent living". I may not be totally up on my euphemisms...


Anyway, that was a great tag. It's not a street that you would normally go down, unless you were just exploring. What clicked for me was the cityscape between the garage and the building: it includes a distinctive chimney grille that's also visible from Murray. The Google Street View is useless; their van went by in the summer and trees occlude those rooftops, and the garage is hard to pick out.


ahlir
2011-01-10 23:21:01

I used to live on Sherbrook and I did not recongnize it.


mick
2011-01-11 00:42:50

Wow, I'd love to be able to say I planned the chimney thing - that's a great catch!


salty
2011-01-11 01:24:04

The next tag; sorry for the delay:



We've been hereabouts before... In any case the blue is missing (unless you count the sky).


ahlir
2011-01-11 18:23:46

I don't understand the clue, but this should be an easy tag, even for the new arrivals.


lyle
2011-01-11 20:36:18

I think the clue refers to the Red hydrant, White snow and missing Blue - aprop for the location. Oorah, semper fi, carry on.


marko82
2011-01-11 21:02:20

wonder if i'll be able to beat melange and others to it...


miasme
2011-01-11 21:20:16

@ marko82 think the clue refers to the Red hydrant, White snow and missing Blue


I know where the tag is, and I think the clue is about something else that used to be there and might be there in the future, but is not there now.


Not that it would be there today, if it were there, but...


mick
2011-01-11 21:41:20


Memorial commemorating 150 years of the US flag. 1777-1927. Schenley next to the fountain previously tagged.


Boy it's slippy out!


miasme
2011-01-11 23:15:06

use these: < > instead of [ ]


rubberfactory
2011-01-11 23:17:32

Dang it!!! I SO KNEW where this tag was :O


::crickets::


;)


bikeygirl
2011-01-11 23:38:19

Awe. You said 'slippy.' 50 extra internets for that. 8-)


sloaps
2011-01-11 23:59:19

thanks to both bikeygirl and RubberFactory for helping me out there! I was stuck in traffic so long on 2nd ave on the way there that my brain must have frozen...gotta put the knobbies on so i can ride the trails instead.


have some ideas for the next tag but it's too dark out there right now for my crappy camera.


miasme
2011-01-12 00:14:29

I had no idea where this (or most tags, for that matter) was.


Getting to know pittsburgh via the tag-o-rama thread.


rubberfactory
2011-01-12 00:42:17

it was W Circuit Rd @ Schenley Drive right next to tag 48, the Westinghouse Memorial Fountain. melange396 got that tag, and I know it's on his commute, I thought he'd beat me to it.

so in a way my earlier post was a clue.


miasme
2011-01-12 01:06:15

ka-ching, miasme!

Given the weather, this tag was meant to be easy; thus it was along a major commuter route.

But you get extra points for doing it in the snow. ;-]


ahlir
2011-01-12 01:11:34

At this typing, the two photos appear to be about five hours apart. +1 to those who tried to go in the snow, tag-looking or not!


stuinmccandless
2011-01-12 04:45:06

i recognized the tag instantly from my undergrad days when i would park my car over there. and i was working on campus when it was posted. but i couldn't be arsed to go out in the snow and get it, so kudos for that!


hiddenvariable
2011-01-12 13:43:52

No problem miasme! :)


BTW everyone, while muddy & wet, it IS FUN riding out there! :D


bikeygirl
2011-01-12 14:22:15

alright here you go:

thanks to the snow and resultant squirrely steering i was going as slow as the people above.



miasme
2011-01-12 17:21:05

(Great photo)


atleastmykidsloveme
2011-01-12 17:21:48

the darker spots along the columns are where Trumbull performed repair work, as seen in the google street view... a bit out of the way, but I think I could get to it.


sloaps
2011-01-13 09:57:58

I almost used that spot for one of my tags before.


rsprake
2011-01-13 15:21:35

it's such a nice visual, i had to go with that one. i didn't want to put it too far off the beaten path considering the conditions. the four alternate locations I chose were either too bland or took me serious effort to get to...on my way to work.


miasme
2011-01-13 15:34:09

I didn't think that spot was on street view. Hm. Maybe I'm mistaken about where that is.


lyle
2011-01-13 16:52:44

There is street view.


rsprake
2011-01-13 18:14:49

Agreed, that photo is monumental!


(also, I know where it is, but not "badass" enough to go get it right now)


gimppac
2011-01-13 18:38:36

Nice, a tag at the end of the (not so obvious) rainbow... and a great photo.

(Yes, it's on street view, and the clue has all you need.)


ahlir
2011-01-13 18:58:15


I vote this tag cruel and unusual punishment for making me climb back up Forward; I almost considered taking a break :P


Commercial St, by the Irish Centre of Pittsburgh


miasme, did you notice any bike tracks when you took the photo? It looked like more than one bike had been in the area when I got there. Also, I enjoyed your clue. Alas, I had to dismount as soon as I hit the snow, definitely squirrely steering


sgtjonson
2011-01-14 04:41:43

Yay! Congrats! Love the lighting!!! Was starting to feel like a bad host.

Heh. There's always iron gate or... ... Forbes!

No. I can assure you when I got it I was trail blazing. Slip n slide. Talked to a couple of fellow mtb riders tonight. They apparently don't feel a part of bike-pgh. That's ok. To each their own.(porc on porc off) Maybe they will grab a tag eventually.

Fwiw, climbing Forbes is my personal dessert. It always hurts but I forever want more!


miasme
2011-01-14 05:33:58

"Talked to a couple of fellow mtb riders tonight. They apparently don't feel a part of bike-pgh. That's ok."

This is OT for this thread, but I would say that is o.k. but unfortunate. Did they give any impression as to why? I MTB (though I'm not "intense"), I ride the city, tour the country, flock, I'll ride anything. I would like to figure out why some would "pigeonhole" their riding.

Oh, yeah, both are amazing photos.


edmonds59
2011-01-14 12:27:36

I've been way behind on my tagorama reading. Just saw the google map of the tags - that's awesome. Stu, thanks for the directions (these will be handy if I ever get off my tag-o-butt and play again), but could you also say how you initially created such a page? Or anyone who knows? Thanks!


@edmonds: I'm with you on the variety of riding. And this week has made me really glad that I've spent some time mountain biking. The skills involved have come in super-handy in negotiating some of the snowy road conditions. At least one day this week I left my house and headed down the hill on a mountain bike and thought "I wouldn't do this in my car."


And in the other direction, during times that I've been obsessed with the trails, but maybe we get a few days where we've been deluded with rain and I don't want to go make ruts in the mud, it's been great to be able to go ride on the roads instead of sitting around being bummed out about trail conditions. It's actually kind of a weird experience, to do a bunch of mtn biking and then switch to road: the smoothness is almost disconcerting. In a fun way.


bikefind
2011-01-14 14:18:18

Most of the mountain bikers I know drive to the trailhead, ride their bikes, then drive home. They are scared to ride on the road or simply prefer to save their energy for riding the trails.


rsprake
2011-01-14 14:42:17

it's not surprising that people with specialty preferences feel excluded by bike pittsburgh, i think. a bicycle advocacy group that, at least outwardly, appears to focus on safer cycling on roads and such could make racers and mountain bikers think "they're not doing anything for me."


plus, i think there's been a general reverse snobbery in recent years (not specifically in pittsburgh, but the world over, or at least the country) that holds up practical commuting as the One True Way™. that trend could turn people off, as well.


i'm not saying it's justified, but it's not hard to imagine people feeling that way.


hiddenvariable
2011-01-14 14:51:30

Jumping off of HiddenVariable's point - as far as I can tell, BikePgh is pretty explicitly an advocacy group for road/street riding. However, there is absolutely a "welcome all comers" vibe here. I've seen it many times, in spite of all the snarky lycra/hipster back and forth, this is an open community.


Maybe the mountain bikers just need to spend more time here, and less time driving to the trail head (hey-I only said we are welcoming, not that they were immune from having their stones busted a bit!).


atleastmykidsloveme
2011-01-14 15:32:03

except that ptag is part of bike-pgh. people just don't seem to be aware of this fact.


also most mountain bikers also don't want to ruin their expensive soft knobby tires on pavement.


cburch
2011-01-14 20:04:21

double post. weeeee!


cburch
2011-01-14 20:04:31

I didn't create the map, Charles did. There's another Google map of bike racks somewhere on the board; I didn't make that one, either, though I added to it.


The instructions themselves were the result of a couple of hours of trying one thing, then another, and gradually getting better at it. When I had a reliable process, I simply wrote it down. (It's what I do at work, when I have employment, which right now I don't.)


stuinmccandless
2011-01-15 01:51:03

@bikefind


If you have a google/gmail account, you can save personalized maps and fix the privacy settings so that others can (or can't) edit + view your maps. Go to Google>Maps>My Maps for instructions.


pseudacris
2011-01-15 01:57:53

The first group tag: (Three people)



All three of us that showed up to FoC. I thought Nick was coming :( And no Dan :( And then my light died.


If you don't know where this tag is, where would you find a bunch of young inebriated buffoons on a Friday night in Pittsburgh?


sgtjonson
2011-01-15 05:23:18

probably the second tag that I actually know, and I'll be at work until about 12. oh well.


rubberfactory
2011-01-15 07:19:51

Strangely enough I don't recognize that part of the front of that place as well as I should (then again I guess I get to know the inside better).


Of course it was the menus in the window that gave it away... :)


noah-mustion
2011-01-15 14:52:29

I been witness on too many occasions now of some poor thirsty soul asking for a Fat Tire only to have their heart stomped on by the tender when they're told the bar doesn't carry it...


Damn, Kids! That kind of false advertising is wicked mean. *shakes fist*


sloaps
2011-01-15 15:05:33

Walt ordered a Fat Tire in an episode of Breaking Bad. Made me miss the west.


rsprake
2011-01-15 15:48:16

You can see there is a little white strip of paper below the fat tire sign that says "Not yet, but we're trying."


dwillen
2011-01-15 16:19:28

i am sure if no one gets this during the weekend, someone will get it monday evening.


stefb
2011-01-15 17:00:42

Thanks pseudacris and stu!


bikefind
2011-01-15 17:36:34

Finally, one I know!!!!! but, how soon can I get there?


bikelove2010
2011-01-15 17:58:21

Over The Bar Cafe, E Carson Street



I recommend the East End Snow Melt.


pseudacris
2011-01-15 21:36:28

:::::::::::: new tag :::::::::::::::


Witamy DOUGH.



Mahmoud Darwish longed for this.


pseudacris
2011-01-16 18:01:40

Streetview has a dreadful pic of this. I hope it’s not haunted…


marko82
2011-01-17 03:50:45

I guess you could say that street view and the satellite view are not copacetic. It's close, though. heh.


pseudacris
2011-01-17 04:09:32

If this is where I think it is there is a great little coffee shop across the street and it's on my way to work if I choose to take this route.


rsprake
2011-01-17 15:32:46

And if it's not, at least coffee is the second best mind cure I could think of.


pseudacris
2011-01-17 15:36:05

i went looking for this and found it on my way home on saturday morning/early afternoon. it answered a question i've been wondering about for a few months now (no).


hiddenvariable
2011-01-17 16:23:51

@Hidden: not sure what you mean here. The OTB tag or the one I posted on Sunday? A preemptive Bruce?


pseudacris
2011-01-17 17:21:36

i'm talking about the latest tag. i'm trying to be deliberately vague so as not to give any clues, but yeah, i was there shortly before the tag was dropped, apparently. not that i took any pictures.


hiddenvariable
2011-01-17 17:34:03

Then it must be this place...



~3209 Dobson, on Polish Hill; location: 40.457934,-79.965322

Immaculate Heart of Many Church in the distance. Coffee shop and comics on the corner just up the street.


ahlir
2011-01-17 18:00:56

which is a proposed destination for the polish hill community oven!


hiddenvariable
2011-01-17 18:09:02

Coffee shop = Lili. Record shop = Mind Cure. Comics + books = Copacetic. (all on opposite corner in a 3 story building) Nice work Ahlir! There was a fire here several years ago and when the building was razed, this old sign was revealed. I guess Google hasn't been back around since then. I for one am glad they are a little bit slow.


pseudacris
2011-01-17 18:36:24

Oops, just noticed a typo. That should be: "Immaculate Heart of MaRy Church" (though the "many" version sounds like it may be worth considering).


Yeah, the Street View is a bit weird when you check it.


ahlir
2011-01-17 19:22:37

Sometime in late 2008, I rode/carried the bike down the length of Harding Way, which crosses Dobson two buildings away from this. I don't remember if that burned-out building was taken down then or not, or even if it had burned at that point. I did have some trouble figuring out that the satellite view didn't match Street View because of the teardown.


In any case, I find it interesting that this thread is finding so many places that are not very easy to find via Street View.


stuinmccandless
2011-01-17 20:05:54

I used to live in Polish Hill and remember that fire.... story goes that one of the tenants had a candle that fell off and started the fire.... oops :/


Good tag! :)


bikeygirl
2011-01-17 21:01:15



On my way home tonight, as I was passing through an alley, a large white Rabbit leapt out in front of me. I swerved and tumbled into a fence. The rabbit stopped and came back. "So sorry, Sir. I did not mean to startle you. How to make amends? Perhaps, I could offer you a Biscuit!" Without saying another word he bounded down the alley. I decided to follow. Soon I found myself in a field of snow. I head the Rabbit say "Oh dear! Oh dear! I shall be late!" and he hurried on even faster. Suddenly he disappeared! As I got closer to the spot, I spied an underground Passage. By this time, I was determined to get my Biscuit and so I tried to follow. Alas my bike turned out to be too large, and all I have to show is the Photograph above. Perhaps your Luck will be better.


ahlir
2011-01-17 23:14:22

Ahlir, I don't know where it is, but that's a great story.


bikefind
2011-01-17 23:19:00

I have been following this lately and know where this tag is. Hopefully tomorrow I won't be as sick and can try to go get it...


kgavala
2011-01-18 03:01:48

Ha! Nice tag!


Now I have that song "There's a Hole in the Bottom of the Sea" stuck in my head. Terrible song. Lyrically, I think of it as the WalMart version of "The Waters of March." It does kind of presage the BP spill, though. hmmm.


There's a fleck on the speck on the tail on the frog on the bump on the branch on the log in the hole in the bottom of the sea

So let's flick the fleck, brush the speck, twist the tail, chase the frog, flatten the bump, break the branch, burn the log, fill the hole in the bottom of the sea

Because we need it like a hole in the sea.

See?


pseudacris
2011-01-18 03:46:29

I'm gonna pick this one up tomorrow am unless someone beats me to it... or i forget.


salty
2011-01-18 04:13:41

You will probably get there before me, todd. I really like this pic. As dan posted in another thread, be careful with the ice. Maybe by the time some of you ride to work, it will be all rain.


stefb
2011-01-18 11:47:15

That specific hole was discussed in a thread a few weeks ago. I remember placing my bike in that hole on the January 2 Flock-on-Sunday ride.


Alas, while it isn't far from there to get a Uneeda Biscuit, it is long ago.


stuinmccandless
2011-01-18 12:30:36

My bike emerges victorious!



This is the famed "Northeast Passage" near the intersection of Festival & Social in Shadyside.


I posted the other pic in the thread that Stu mentioned, but you can easily tell I didn't re-use an old shot :)


salty
2011-01-18 15:23:17

Boy that looks familiar;



Not a tag.


edmonds59
2011-01-18 15:42:34

By gosh, salty, you made it! I hope you got that tasty Biscuit.

Location: 40.45533578508807,-79.9179182946682


ahlir
2011-01-18 16:05:23

I work in the Biscuit factory, so I said "screw the rabbit, I'll make my own".


Although, I'm not entirely happy that I've now got Meat Loaf stuck in my head... but that cover is great.


salty
2011-01-18 16:19:52

"Selling approximately 200,000 copies per year as of 2010, it is the fifth best-selling album worldwide, having sold 43 million copies worldwide."


seriously? wow.


salty
2011-01-18 16:21:00

edmonds59, you sure that isn't a tag? Because we just had this a couple of weeks ago.


Oh, but that wasn't a tag, either ... though the similarities are amazing.


stuinmccandless
2011-01-18 20:47:29

ahem.....


::crickets::


bikeygirl
2011-01-19 15:36:42

geez - not that it's easy to tell from the overly vague timestamps on this board, but it's barely been 24 hours, let alone 36.


Anyways, I was tempted to look and see if these cans were full of leftover bacon, but I decided that the question was better left unanswered.




salty
2011-01-19 16:05:09

ooh, i was thinking of heading there after work!


hiddenvariable
2011-01-19 16:28:48

Sorries..... is just that the weather this morning felt rather nice for biking, so I was wondering when the next one would go up


:(


bikeygirl
2011-01-19 16:38:14

I tried to do a tag last night but between the rain and the dark, the pictures didn't really come out.


salty
2011-01-19 16:58:12

Used to have tasty spanikopita there.


atleastmykidsloveme
2011-01-19 17:01:07

:-D


Maybe we can have some more bacon-themed tags?


pseudacris
2011-01-19 18:06:43

Mmmm. Everything is better with bacon.


atleastmykidsloveme
2011-01-19 18:21:16

woot, got it! i took this pic a few hours ago, but then ended up having a few beers. the harris grill, on ellsworth in shadyside, an old haunt of mine.




hiddenvariable
2011-01-20 02:21:40


o willa pioneering person venture off the smooth streets and up this cobbled hill?


hiddenvariable
2011-01-21 05:36:59

nice clue! i may try to get this before flock tonight.


stefb
2011-01-21 11:56:16

jeez i keep forgetting to check this thread *before* riding in.


miasme
2011-01-21 15:59:58

I'm scared to see what liberty looks like.

I just want to stay home in my bed today.

But then again, that's most days, haha.


rubberfactory
2011-01-21 16:15:47

i took liberty from winebiddle to ellsworth (well, aiken also), and it was pretty fine. two down-to-the-street paths in either lane, snow mostly just slush, and traffic going slowly. i wouldn't sweat the ride. but dress up! it's cold out there.


hiddenvariable
2011-01-21 16:24:31

yeah, yesterday I was underdressed. Not good.


rubberfactory
2011-01-21 16:26:11

I wanna know where this is!


sloaps
2011-01-21 18:36:10

Got my first tag! Willa Cather's residence when she lived in Pittsburgh: 1180 Murray Hill Avenue.


Two people told me, "It's not a very good day for bikes." They're kind of right, at least when it comes to riding up a cobblestone street. New tag will probably be up tomorrow late morning.




kgavala
2011-01-21 18:54:14

You need knobby tires.


stefb
2011-01-21 19:00:26

Nice pic! I gathered it was in SQ Hill.... but who was Willa Cather?


bikeygirl
2011-01-21 19:01:47

Haha yeah, about that...I've got a cross tire up front and a slick in the back-definitely not ideal, but I haven't had any real problems getting around (just have to be a little more careful). I dislike cobbles already and with the snow covering up a lot of the holes it made it a bumpy ride.


kgavala
2011-01-21 19:04:09

Willa Sibert Cather (December 7, 1873[1] – April 24, 1947) was a American author who achieved recognition for her novels of frontier life on the Great Plains, works such as O Pioneers!, My Ántonia, and The Song of the Lark. In 1923 she was awarded the Pulitzer for One of Ours (1922), a novel set during World War I. Cather grew up in Nebraska and graduated from the state university; she lived in New York for most of her adult life and writing career.


atleastmykidsloveme
2011-01-21 19:31:28

Dag. I got the Cather part. I just didn't do a good enough googling.


sloaps
2011-01-21 19:36:38

The "willa" bit in the clue told me to look up Willa Cather and see if she had a Pittsburgh connection. Thank you, Wikipedia, she did. Footnote 3 took me to a Post-Gazette article, which gave me the street address of extant places she was connected with. From that, I went to the county real estate website [link], where I verified the photo. Did not touch StreetView, though I did use Google Maps to verify its location.


stuinmccandless
2011-01-21 20:19:57

Bruced!

Nice work, Kayla.



I thought the cobbles were one of the easier parts of the ride. Linden was a d-r-a-g.


pseudacris
2011-01-21 21:27:11

i just googled pittsburgh historic landmarks willa cather. i always remember her last name cause it reminds me of catheter.


stefb
2011-01-21 21:57:30

@steffb she had a brother named foley (kidding)


pseudacris
2011-01-21 21:59:33

They didn't happen to be from Texas, were they? *giggle*


stuinmccandless
2011-01-21 22:57:01

HA! When I lived on Murrayhill, cars coudn't go up or down the part of teh road with a curve in it during the worst of the winter. Glacier with crevasse.


I never knew about Willa Cather living there.


mick
2011-01-22 08:42:52

New tag! From this commuting route you can see an even more popular commute in the distance.




kgavala
2011-01-23 01:46:33

That one is going to be hard to place. I could probably go outside my house tonight and get the same shot.


rsprake
2011-01-23 13:30:43

Is the commute route in the distance for vehicles only? Night time pictures are difficult.


stefb
2011-01-23 13:39:27

It might also be helpful to know what day of the week and time of day this was taken. I'm guessing Saturday evening sometime, and if that line of headlights in the distance is the Parkway East (my hunch), it probably would not be bumper-to-bumper on a frigid Saturday -- unless this was right after the Penguins game got done.


stuinmccandless
2011-01-23 14:22:33

I know exactly where this is.


dwillen
2011-01-23 15:53:56

i know also. but i think you'll probably beat me there, dan.


stefb
2011-01-23 16:11:07


The big rock along the Bridal Trail in Schenley park.


I snuck out late last night while Kayla was sleeping. I think she thought I was up to something else.


ndromb
2011-01-23 18:09:59

Hard to get a girl topless in this weather, Nick.


robjdlc
2011-01-24 01:11:22

Haha!!!! Thank you Rob! I could not have put it so succint! ;)


As long as Mr Ninja makes up with a good tag, I'm all game :)


bikeygirl
2011-01-24 03:45:35

...I don't get it.


I have a few ideas. I'll be posting something tomorrow.


ndromb
2011-01-24 05:44:08

...I don't get it.


+1


pseudacris
2011-01-24 13:23:38

NEW TAG!



Sometimes there is water here in the summer, but no Dolphins. You can get drugs here, year-round. Bring a chain to lock your bike to a post with a hole in it.


(It was a LONG ride here on my BMX bike.)


ndromb
2011-01-24 20:00:23

i used to live right up the street from this place. too bad its namesake wont sink money into it...


cburch
2011-01-24 21:00:19

i i love love double double posts posts


cburch
2011-01-24 21:00:22

I had a feeling you would know exactly where it was.


ndromb
2011-01-24 22:44:01


Dan marino field near the end of dawson in south oakland


stefb
2011-01-26 04:27:37

Danny? Isn't he the guy without a superbowl ring? He probably doesn't own a bike either. Go Pitt! (yes I'm still bitter)


marko82
2011-01-26 04:48:30

i like his slimfast (or whatever weight loss commercials they were).. call me by my new nickname: SKINNY!


ok so here is the next tag. i had a difficult time with my flash, so you can't really see my bike there, as i had to use my headlight as a light source. believe me, the bike is there. i don't believe cars are allowed there.




in case you can't read it, it says "tanks but no tanks!"


i will refer you to the lines spoken at 1:35-1:39 of this video clip for another clue:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cj1wcs7SZj0


stefb
2011-01-26 04:55:17

if only I had the motivation to grab it in the morning. one of my favorites in the city :) (this is maybe the third tag I've known the location of, btw, haha)


rubberfactory
2011-01-26 05:00:41



Jail Trail Graffiti, just west of the Birmingham Bridge.


pseudacris
2011-01-26 15:52:36

haha! i love tannks but no tanks.


caitlin
2011-01-26 17:05:38

I love that graffiti too! My fav.


gimppac
2011-01-26 19:54:13

again I forgot to check in the morning, oh well, good job. Tanks is tied for my favorite on that wall with the additive tag: "Nice Work...For an Art Student"

neither fail to elicit a grin.


miasme
2011-01-26 20:17:06

I went to get the tag but by the time I got back, Pseudacris had gotten it. Still, a pleasant (but wet-snow-soaked) ride.


kgavala
2011-01-26 20:37:02

Of all of the times I have taken the trail, last night was the only time i never saw another person using it. I am usually watching out for others and only catch some of the graffiti. Last night I got a good look at most of it. I rode past this one but then went back because it was too funny to not get a tag.


stefb
2011-01-26 22:53:23

Walking along Stanwix this afternoon, I was surprised to see that Snoopy got some well deserved and long overdue maintenance!



Compare with this photo from a couple months ago.



stuinmccandless
2011-01-27 02:59:47

looks like they built a whole new one. hopefully whoever rebuilt it adds a new charlie brown too.


cburch
2011-01-27 03:09:49

Yay, snoops got a makeover!


pseudacris
2011-01-27 03:14:24

:::::::::: new tag :::::::::::::


Okay, this tag is so boneheaded, it doesn't even really need a clue. Nonetheless I'll tell you that THIS IS NOT A BEER CAVE.




pseudacris
2011-01-27 03:16:46

If I wasn't already cold sitting inside, and settled in for the night, I would go get this. Ah.


kgavala
2011-01-27 03:27:55

Seconded.


namtrahselrahc
2011-01-27 03:33:42

NEW TAG!



About a hundred feet down from "D", where it is suggested children rule. It was a wild ride back up this icy road at 1 am.


ndromb
2011-01-27 07:32:18

Ha ha - Nick, you are awesome!

Yesterday the roads got slicker and slicker as I rode home. I thought there was something wrong with my crank set slipping, then realized it was a total lack of traction going up a ramp - doh!


pseudacris
2011-01-27 12:13:55

I think I know where this is and almost went looking for it last nite, but it was too late and roads were not being salted anymore....


bikeygirl
2011-01-28 15:40:37

"Someone get it already!" Nick said with growing impatience.


(I didn't realize Kayla was logged in.)


kgavala
2011-01-28 20:26:47

I know the general area, but not this location.


sloaps
2011-01-28 20:39:28

I may get it before the ride if it happens


stefb
2011-01-28 22:03:54

I am so short


stefb
2011-01-29 16:12:41

New Tag!


Get an ungulate and gallop over to this establishment, named after a distinctly colored ungulate that is unlikely the source of the frozen goods within (also from an ungulate).




dwillen
2011-01-29 19:16:24

plus the name of the place is a sweet movie reference.


cburch
2011-01-29 19:54:28


Ice cream place on Butler, across from the zoo!


ndromb
2011-01-29 20:38:45

So, did you have time to drop in for some dessert?

[ACK! I got scooped...]


As a consolation, I surfed the interwebs.

Not much, but I did find "frozen zebra milk at £15 per pint".

Might be pricier in Pittsburgh.


ahlir
2011-01-29 20:54:35


There was another tag very close to here.


ndromb
2011-01-31 01:41:04

I am getting this right now.


rubberfactory
2011-01-31 02:00:11



rubberfactory
2011-01-31 02:18:35

oh man. too late.


stefb
2011-01-31 02:21:54

can you double tag the same spot?


cburch
2011-01-31 02:24:41

It's a few feet down.


kgavala
2011-01-31 02:47:05

not a tag.



this is what happens when nick gets too close to the zoo to get a tag. i haven't used any form of photoshop in 4 years and this took me 20 minutes to do. it amused me at least.


stefb
2011-01-31 02:51:32

So I saw the tag, got up, got dressed and left. Rode around Salem's Grill in the strip to make sure I had the right spot, took the pic, and rode over to right by nature to steal some of their wifi to post.


Then on the way home, I made a new friend:


After the sudden activity, I was hungry, so he suggested we walk a block to get some food and some beer. Luckily he lives really close!


rubberfactory
2011-01-31 02:53:23

that liger is HUGE! and nick is just oblivious...


sloaps
2011-01-31 18:41:24

Well, I know the location of the current tag (it's along a popular commuter route) and I have the perfect Carrollian follow-up (just up the street!) At the moment I'm studying the Wunderground, trying to figure out if I can make it there and back before the skies open...


ahlir
2011-02-01 01:20:35

Do it!


pseudacris
2011-02-01 01:55:32

Done it...



At the corner of Liberty ands Sassafras, next to the former Pittsburgh Brewing Company plant, [40.461671, -79.965245]. (I just know that whoever ends up with that property will turn it into an "urban living" complex, complete with shops and entertainment.)


ahlir
2011-02-01 02:42:53

Viva la Morsa!


rubberfactory
2011-02-01 02:57:07

The next tag:


My earlier post seems like a pretty good clue already, but let me add the following:



"The time has come," the Walrus said,

"To talk of many things:

Of shoes--and ships--and sealing-wax--

Of cabbages--and kings--

And why the sea is boiling hot--

And whether pigs have wings."


"But wait a bit," the Oysters cried,

"Before we have our chat;

For some of us are out of breath,

And all of us are fat!"

"No hurry!" said the Carpenter.

They thanked him much for that.



ahlir
2011-02-01 04:18:17

What a frabjous tag!


lyle
2011-02-01 18:39:58

i know this one!!!1111


sloaps
2011-02-01 21:37:43

I'm stumped, but I love the photo, Ahlir.

Argh, I really want to pick up a tag soon because I have an idea for a new one.


I can't think of Alice in Wonderland cnx to Pittsburgh.


Cabbages=haluski

Fat Oysters= hmmmm


pseudacris
2011-02-01 22:14:43

Paul Lumber and Supply on liberty by the Bloomfield bridge.


Tag


sloaps
2011-02-01 23:16:20

New Tag!


Tag


The Mellons were crazy for the material this former headquarters is made of. They had a Rolls Royce made from it, too. Silver spoon is quite the misnomer for their progeny's upbringing.


sloaps
2011-02-02 00:14:38

I know where this is, but it's too late/cold/rainy/icy/other excuses.


rubberfactory
2011-02-02 00:25:00

Photobucket Pictures, Images and Photos


I can't believe I got up off my warm couch to do this!


greasefoot
2011-02-02 01:48:43

You live at Omni William Penn, right? XD


sloaps
2011-02-02 01:59:01

Rats, there goes my morning detour.


pseudacris
2011-02-02 02:00:24

Yes, I actually cheated and had room service take my bike across the street and take this picture for me...NOT


greasefoot
2011-02-02 02:37:10

Damn!!! That's on my way to work!!!!


bikeygirl
2011-02-02 03:05:55

FYI Sloaps, your photos are coming out geotagged. Click on one and Flickr shows a map indicating where you took it. Maybe turn off geotagging on your Nexus One before taking such photos.


steven
2011-02-02 06:42:45

What, nobody's actually named the tag? Regional Enterprise Tower, 425 Sixth Avenue, Downtown. Former Alcoa HQ. That's the William Penn Way entrance, through the Explorion feature.


That rounded square motif is repeated 10,000 times throughout that building, even in the restrooms.


stuinmccandless
2011-02-02 11:13:11

@steven I mapped the location for each tag after i saw greasefoot secured the one I set. Or did the locations show up sooner?


Flickr will use the information within the photo, but I have to manually accept the inferred geotaged location in the photo onto the flickr map. I know twitpic and picasa will automatically publish the location of the photo if the information exists.


sloaps
2011-02-02 11:29:16

To de-identify a photo, display it in your favorite site (flickr/picasa/etc) and right-click to pick up the url for just the .jpeg. Use that in your posting. This is what I do.


You can then geolocate the tag in a follow-up post, unless the map maintainers beat you to it. Those guys are fast.


On the other hand I do like the idea of pointing to the page on the photo site; it would let you edit stuff past the deadline.


ahlir
2011-02-02 13:45:32

New tag.


Photobucket Pictures, Images and Photos


This unnamed sculpture by James Myford was originally commissioned in 1973 for the Carnegie Library in Squirrel Hill...but it's not there anymore...


greasefoot
2011-02-02 14:26:36

Dang, a climb.


ahlir
2011-02-02 15:29:14

Sloaps, false alarm. Didn't occur to me you might have edited it after Greasefoot found it. Cool.


steven
2011-02-02 16:13:50



Grandview Park, at [40.426369° N, 79.997281° W]


ahlir
2011-02-02 18:55:14

On the left past the trees is an empty lot that was just put up for sale. I hope no one buys it anytime soon. I don’t what to have to find a new spot for my kick @ss urban gorilla vegetable garden.


greasefoot
2011-02-02 19:39:32

The next Tag:


The Clue:

From 5 to 7. Every Thursday.


And a Hint:



ahlir
2011-02-02 23:53:30

So, an ambitious person with a smartphone might be able to upload the tag this evening while eating some of those? :-D


pseudacris
2011-02-03 15:39:17

ahhh!! i will be over there tonight and i havent participated in this yet! but i also dont have a smart phone or anything like that :(


caitlin
2011-02-03 15:59:31

Ahlir, you were on the bike for a while yesterday. Up to Mt Washingtion and then all the way over to...


greasefoot
2011-02-03 16:22:18

GF, not sure if I want to respond to that... But I will admit that I biked a bit more than I had planned.


I hadn't thought of it that way but, yes, nailing this tag could be a two-fer. But even if you don't get the tag in time, at least you can get dinner. (Don't forget to sauté up some onions!)


ahlir
2011-02-03 19:37:11

Folks, I'll be away for a few days and will likely not be checking the message board. If no one has a clue as to the location of the tag (as opposed to not getting around to picking it up), let me know and I'll think one up.


ahlir
2011-02-04 21:17:58

I know where it's at(it's roof always brings a tear to me eye), I've just been lazy.


marko82
2011-02-04 21:49:25

ok, that's good enough . I can relate to lazy.


ahlir
2011-02-04 21:54:13

I wanted to be on-time at work so didn't went at get it this morning....


bikeygirl
2011-02-04 22:15:03

Hey caitlin, gopher it!


ahlir
2011-02-04 23:01:52

Pyrohi!!!!!


St John The Baptist Ukranian Catholic Church @South 7th & East Carson St, Southside.




bikeygirl
2011-02-04 23:25:27

::crickets::


greasefoot
2011-02-05 23:46:06

Haha!!! That is deserved! It is coming, hold on to your horses! (or saddles for that matter).... :D


bikeygirl
2011-02-06 00:32:33

You can come down' & count' on this spot to listen to Steelers games & music all year long.... GO STEELERS!!




bikeygirl
2011-02-06 21:10:36

I know this! Don't think it will remain until tomorrow, though, and I go thataway for work Tuesday and Wednesday this week...


jeg
2011-02-07 10:21:40

aaaahhh I pass this on my way to work in an hour, but I'm not able to take my laptop with me to post today. Oh, well. :)


rubberfactory
2011-02-07 12:03:13

Photobucket Pictures, Images and Photos


Jewelry corner at 5th & wood


greasefoot
2011-02-07 18:30:54

New Tag


Photobucket Pictures, Images and Photos


This one is very cheesy...


greasefoot
2011-02-07 20:40:01

Oh, that one is too easy.


lyle
2011-02-07 21:27:01

Greasefoot, you are a Dearheart.


pseudacris
2011-02-07 23:08:13

Thanks Pseudacris, I'm actually told this quite often.


greasefoot
2011-02-08 00:04:19

That is one yummy tag.

Alas, D 97 is my ticket and they're calling B 13...

Pick me up a pound of Sardo when you fetch this tag.


ahlir
2011-02-08 00:37:17

yesterday there was a guy across from this tag holding a sign that said "HOW CAN YOU BUY CHEESE AT A TIME LIKE THIS?"


rubberfactory
2011-02-08 01:04:59

^lmao


pseudacris
2011-02-08 01:35:08

BACK-TO-BACK, Baby!!!!


I'm slightly lactose-intolerant, but getting this 'cheesy' tag sits well with me! :)


Pennsylvania Macaroni Co. Penn Avenue, Strip District



bikeygirl
2011-02-08 02:02:47

Hahha BG


They have allot more then just cheese at Penn Mac. I love the fresh pasta they sell in the front display case...mmm pesto garlic.


greasefoot
2011-02-08 03:01:01

Banana chips!!!


rubberfactory
2011-02-08 03:02:05

00 flour!


hiddenvariable
2011-02-08 17:43:56

I'm curious: who has snagged the most tags? Is anyone keeping a tally?


atleastmykidsloveme
2011-02-08 21:16:22

chirp chirp, lucia. chirp. chirp.


cburch
2011-02-08 21:25:11

hm. Good question, ALMKLM. Since I'm in avoidance mode with respect to some stuff that's actually important, this is a perfect way to kill some time.


Give me a day.


ahlir
2011-02-08 23:19:13

To those with fancy or ivy inklings, a "Members Only" just for you...




bikeygirl
2011-02-08 23:30:52

Oh that's a good one. Hidden in plain sight.


cburch
2011-02-08 23:58:40

Ahlir, I put the tag names and a few of the participants in this publicly-editable Google Docs spreadsheet before I saw you were working on this. I haven't had have a chance to add any totaling logic to it, or finish typing in the data. Feel free to modify it or use its data if you want.


steven
2011-02-09 00:06:01

I think I have to get on the stick and pick up a tag, but the ones I know are when I don't have a bike, and when I do... tags like this.


lyle
2011-02-09 00:15:05

Dam it's cold!


Photobucket Pictures, Images and Photos


The Allegheny Club...William Penn Way


greasefoot
2011-02-09 00:39:21

High five to you for going out in this weather.


stefb
2011-02-09 01:00:09

Wow, 113 tags?! I added my pseudonym to the ones I remember getting. We should have some sort of rendezvous at the first tag on its anniversary date? We can buy all of the soda (um, pop) out of that machine in the first tag.


pseudacris
2011-02-09 01:00:23

woah, that ^^^^ was post # 1300 on this thread.


does this count as "viral?"


pseudacris
2011-02-09 01:06:40

Photobucket Pictures, Images and Photos


After going out into the cold weather tonight I decided to stop for a quick drink before the ride home. I figured any place in town would do and then remembered this estabishment someone once told me about.  


greasefoot
2011-02-09 02:30:13

I finished the tag table (and added the missing daycare center tag #76 to the map, renumbering later tags). Here are the current leaders:


Lyle 11

Ahlir 10

quizbot 9

Pseudacris 7

Marko82 6

stefb 6


The current table doesn't yet keep track of group tags, which I guess should get fractional credits.


Sorry for messing with your time-killing plans, Ahlir. :-)


steven
2011-02-09 06:27:11

Very competitive!


atleastmykidsloveme
2011-02-09 12:40:53

Hrm.... I would disagree with partial credit for group-tags. They don't happen quite often, and would discourage people to participate if they --happened-- to be riding together and find themselves to be picking-up a tag.


I know this personally affects, and don't think that going in a 'group' diminished the value of the tag. It was fun 'competing' with Lou on trying to get the tag first, but then realizing we both knew where it was, and that we were 'departing' from the same spot to pick it up since we work at the same place, we worked together to get the tag, upload the photo, and plan the next one.


Just my 2-cents -_-


bikeygirl
2011-02-09 14:14:37

I agree with Bikeygirl, if only because at least two of my tags were group tags :P


Edit: Actually, I take that back. Only one tag was picked up with a group, another was set with a group.


sgtjonson
2011-02-09 14:49:54

Thank you Steven...

especially since when I tried to think about it I could remember only 8 of the tags that I had picked up.


Some notes:


1) Several photos have dead links.

2) It would be really nice if WordPress could be configured to provide the actual date of posting.


ahlir
2011-02-09 14:51:44

Hrm... just saying.... but kinda-cool to see all the places that have been 'brought to life' by thse tagging :)


bikeygirl
2011-02-09 16:51:00

OK, by popular demand group finds now get full points for everybody, which makes the top scores list:


Lyle 11

Ahlir 10

quizbot 9

Pseudacris 7

stefb 7

Marko82 6


I couldn't identify the third person who got tag 105 on One Wild Place and helped set a tag at Ice Cream Station Zebra (in this photo: dwillen, stefb, and ?). So somebody's short a credit.


1) Several photos have dead links.


I think all the photos with dead links have been Cburch's, posted via Dropbox.com. Cburch, maybe you could use a different site, if Dropbox is perhaps expiring them?


2) It would be really nice if WordPress could be configured to provide the actual date of posting.


Maybe include time too, for the 36-hour rule. Under the existing "Posted 3 minutes ago" text, in small type?


steven
2011-02-09 16:51:51

Yay, 30 pages!


stuinmccandless
2011-02-09 16:57:40

Steven: it was Kayla in the zoo/zebra group tag.


dwillen
2011-02-09 17:25:01

Thanks!


steven
2011-02-09 17:54:44

I've definitely been slacking lately. Happy to see everything moving along these days tho :)


This would be a fun tag, but it's out of bounds:




quizbot
2011-02-10 03:13:59

Greasefoot, would you kindly toss a clue our way? Square Cafe in Regent Square has a round orange logo, but not that black tile or that style of sign. I'm stumped.


Anyone else going for the last tag soon?


pseudacris
2011-02-11 00:36:46

Geez I hope no one becomes red in the face trying to locate this tag...it's not really a far off exotic location...it can be found downtown in the city's cultural district.


greasefoot
2011-02-11 01:22:05

Joint tag! Hyla and I arrived within two minutes of one another. She got the better photo; I will drop the tag sometime tomorrow.


stuinmccandless
2011-02-11 03:15:41

Not too many ladies would expect to meet a Nice Guy outside of a Gentleman's Club.


::::: BLUSH :::::::



Thanks, Stu, for sharing this one.


pseudacris
2011-02-11 03:47:45

Big ups to both of you for going out tonight in this cold weather!


greasefoot
2011-02-11 04:02:27

On my way home from an overly long day at the office...


pseudacris
2011-02-11 04:04:48

I had biked from McCandless to Crafton, then bused Downtown.


stuinmccandless
2011-02-11 04:31:13

That last tag should be titled "attn: Noah". Too bad he is out of the country and may not see this. There was some talk of riding to a strip club but i have no good ideas for a cute name for that ride.


stefb
2011-02-11 10:53:07

New tag!


As you can buy these plaques on the open market, there might be 16 of them around, but you don't need to cross a bridge to get to this one.


stuinmccandless
2011-02-11 14:06:14

Stefb's ride would be apeeling for some. Though I personally wouldn't touch it.


(... you can't top that. )


lyle
2011-02-11 14:22:53

That's the naked truth for sure.


cdavey
2011-02-11 15:06:55

i think lolly already came up with the name for that ride. "the infrastructure porn ride".


or maybe "flock of chlamydia?"


cburch
2011-02-11 16:25:27

ha i wanted to make that a tag if i ever got one!!! not sure ill get there today but tomorrow.....


caitlin
2011-02-11 18:23:33


In the game at last! (It helps if you actually go get the tag, not just find them on Street View.)


I don't know the name of this bar at the south end of the 16th Street Bridge, but based on its sign, I'm guessing it's the Decrepit Shamrock.


steven
2011-02-12 00:29:25

I think i saw you on your way to get the tag. You beat me to it! Great sign, stu. Thanks for making that as a tag.


stefb
2011-02-12 00:34:14

Me beat anyone to anything on a bike? That would be a first. :-)


steven
2011-02-12 00:41:02

Now that I see the shamrock sign in the Photo, I know right where that is. There used to be male gogo dancers on the 3rd floor [so, it's a hilarious if inadvertent follow up to the blush tag], and a game of Ms Pac Man--maybe they still have both of those things. I think the name of the bar is "Lucky's"


pseudacris
2011-02-12 17:14:19

New tag:



This photo was taken on a quiet dead end of many blocks, the last one surviving in Pittsburgh, and endangered.


steven
2011-02-12 20:01:28

This looks like a very special place.


greasefoot
2011-02-12 20:52:15

Roslyn Place off Elsworth:


The road is made of wood!


namtrahselrahc
2011-02-12 20:52:41

Fabulous tag!


ahlir
2011-02-12 23:18:04

New Tag:


'Tis a bit of a hill to get here, and I didn't even get to ride down 'cause I got a flat. Thank goodness for Rack'n'Roll.


namtrahselrahc
2011-02-12 23:52:24

At the tag. Having a hard time finding where youtookthis pic from.


stefb
2011-02-13 17:57:07

Boy, that was a schlep. At least the weather was beautiful.



Riverside Park, next to the Swimming Pool, looking north towards the Observatory. Loc: 40.479210, -80.019264


View of fence on the way up:



Inscription: "In memory of/ David Lex/ park employee & friend"


ahlir
2011-02-13 18:00:14

Man, I was thinking about going out this afternoon and riding up to the siwmming pool. Guess not!


nfranzen
2011-02-13 18:09:49

Ahhhh you beat me by minutes.


I see your tracks. Windy day


stefb
2011-02-13 18:10:17

I've been informed that the name of the park is Riverview, and not Riverside, as I have it in my post. (Thank you, Gresefoot.) This would explain the lack of a river in the vicinity. Alas, the window of editing has passed and I cannot undo my error (now preserved forever).


ahlir
2011-02-13 19:09:24

Even though I ws disappointed that this is the third tag in a row that someone has beat me to, at least i got a good 22 miles in on a beautiful day with a bunch of hills. I wish that perrysville where it wraps around the top of federal would get paved. It has been shitty for the past 4 years and i always fear getting a flat. East ohio outbound before that church isn't much better. It looks like someone shot holes into the pavement. I have to say, this thread has gotten me off of my ass more, and i am grateful for that. Glad the game is still going strong.


stefb
2011-02-13 19:17:31

I have a love hate relationship with Riverview park. It was the home course for my HS CC team. Over 4 years we won and miserably lost several meets in that park.


greasefoot
2011-02-13 19:53:51

when i ride to the observatory i usually take the trail all the way to the end then eckert->mcclure->woods run, it's a pretty pleasant ride.


i saw the observatory in the background of the picture but i had no idea where that fence was...


ps: i still don't understand "riverview" - is there actually a spot from which you can see the river?


salty
2011-02-13 19:56:41

You can see the Ohio River in a few places.


greasefoot
2011-02-13 20:05:51

which trail? north side trail past the science center? i have always either gone up east st (i meant east street in the post above) to baytree to perrysville or up federal from the north side.


i used to run at riverview park years ago when i lived in the north hills. i am not a fan of running downhill. it always hurt and i sounded like a stampede of elephants. i never got the name either. maybe you can see it from the observatory? at least i found where the dog park was and i watched a happy boxer play with other large breeds. i checked the bikepgh map when i got home, cause the thought crossed my mind that it might be too far north to be on the map, but it is indeed there. i saw a lot of other cyclists out today. i am excited for the temps to get into the 50s this week!!!!!!


stefb
2011-02-13 20:09:48

yeah, north side trail. here's a route i did a while ago:


http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=3059111


i remember this ride, we took the detour on the way up (and got slightly lost) but snuck through the "closed" trail on the way home. then had lunch at otb. :)


salty
2011-02-13 20:47:32

The park was not as overgrown with as many trees when the land was donated and named by the city in 1894(?). If you go up to the top of the hill by the observatory and look east you can still see the Ohio.


If we lost a meet our coach would make us run up and down that hill 10 times. The other thing he did was put us all in the van and drop us off in the middle of the nothview higts projects and tell us to run back to school.


greasefoot
2011-02-13 20:47:40

thanks, todd. i always forget about approaching the park from what i consider the back side of it. pedal pittsburgh takes you into the park from the back way, also, but by way of east st and baytree (then across perrysville). i will have to try it out some time. and if i want to torture myself, climb up federal street to get there instead.


stefb
2011-02-13 20:52:24

Where exactly is this tag in relation to Perrysville? I bike Perrysville maybe once a week, usually inbound, but am so lost in thought I don't look at the park much. Can't say I've ever been in it, maybe just drove past the observatory buildings once. I can't even picture where there's a pool; didn't know one existed.


+1 stefb on pavement conditions by the upper Federal/Perrysville junction.


stuinmccandless
2011-02-13 21:05:46

if you are going inbound on perrysville, turn right onto riverside (ave?), make a left and you can take a loop (one way) to the right (downhill) that i think is about a mile long. on the ascent (that starts half way through) towards the end of the loop, there is a swimming pool to your left before you hit the playground. it is a cute small park with some running and i think a few mtb trails. as mentioned above, it has been part of pedal pgh as long as i have done it (i believe at least the 35+ mile options go through there).


stefb
2011-02-13 21:21:35

The next Tag:


I'm not sure how to hint this tag. If you know where it is, you know where it is.


But I do have a story about the place. Several years ago, some transplants from Texas bought this hall and planned to turn it into a honky-tonk saloon. Having lived in Texas (well, in Austin) I had developed a deep appreciation for honky-tonks. If you've ever been to the Broken Spoke, you'll know what I mean. Anyway, some folks I knew got hired to play there, so I went to check it out. I don't quite remember if they served Shiner (bock or green) but I absolutely loved the place: beautiful dance floor with tables along the sides, under a balcony with additional tables (I think). I did research this tag to find out what this building used to be (union hall? ethnic fraternal?) but I couldn't find anything. Maybe you'll have better luck. Anyway, I asked the bartender if they were open to renting the place for events, but I didn't get a particularly encouraging reply. In due course, the saloon closed (being in business is like that sometimes). The building is currently something else in roughly the same vein (sign next to door: "cover charge is not refundable"), but I haven't been there. So I can't say much about it.


The above story is maybe not all that informative (unless you were one of the very few customers that the saloon managed to attract), so the formal clue for this tag is as follows: it's at the foot of a climb less traveled (at least for me).


ahlir
2011-02-14 00:03:01

re: Lucky's: still has (all male) gogo dancers some nights


re: wooden street--Jane Jacobs used to live there. <3


caitlin
2011-02-14 14:18:50

Jane Jacobs used to live there.


Wow, super cool!


pseudacris
2011-02-14 16:29:47

Liberty Hall Building on Josephine Street in South Side. All I could find on the iterwebs is that the Serbian club use to meet there back in the 40's, until they raised the rent to $50 per month. That's crazy money, so they moved to less expensive diggs.



I also found this cool pic on old-fashioned streetview, it's not exactly the same spot, but fairly close. Liberty hall would be behind you (courtesy of Carnegie Library).




marko82
2011-02-14 18:09:56

New Tag



The view behind you is more inward.


marko82
2011-02-14 20:24:14

nice clue (and view)


anyone planning on fetching it today?


ahlir
2011-02-14 20:57:05

I’m stuck working late this evening…not to mention I have no idea where I left my set of rosary beads…


greasefoot
2011-02-14 21:28:19

I live two blocks from this new tag.

=D


sloaps
2011-02-14 22:13:19

Go for it, just be careful that you don't get your scapular tangled up in your spokes.


ahlir
2011-02-14 23:05:13

Great tags: I definitely want to explore futher off the beaten path.


pseudacris
2011-02-14 23:12:52

Saint Paul of the Cross Monastery


Tag


sloaps
2011-02-14 23:31:25

Nice photo. I really wish that somebody would, just once, drop a tag a couple of blocks from my house...


ahlir
2011-02-14 23:48:02

I believe the bishop lives at the South Side monastery?


 Photobucket Pictures, Images and Photos


greasefoot
2011-02-15 00:43:55

Damn Sloaps, if I knew you lives so close I would have timed it for happy hour!


marko82
2011-02-15 00:57:24

I think that makes three within a few blocks of my house?


No happy hour today, Marko, gotsa hankerin' for coconut milk...


sloaps
2011-02-15 01:36:04

Marko, is that really you? I was unaware of your exalted rank. Remind me to kiss your ring next time.


ahlir
2011-02-15 02:22:28

Haha, I loved Dean when I was a kid. As for kissing rings, it's probably not what the bishops have in mind...


marko82
2011-02-15 03:13:15

...dratted double...


marko82
2011-02-15 03:13:26

Tag:


Tag


sloaps
2011-02-15 22:59:23

Clue?


ahlir
2011-02-15 23:15:09

This is a head-scratcher. I like the mix of old + new. Someone sunk some dough into restoring this one, I'd guess.


pseudacris
2011-02-15 23:21:22

From this office, illustrations were made that Henry Clay Frick did not appreciate.


And one of his creations has moved from Forbes to Fourth Avenue.


sloaps
2011-02-15 23:56:25


Frederick J Osterling office & studio - architect

228 Isabella St


bikeygirl
2011-02-16 01:23:43

Fabulous!


ahlir
2011-02-16 01:39:01

Next tag:



Although this clock-piece is sharp,

because of where it is located,

you might still not be on time...


bikeygirl
2011-02-16 02:40:44

Wow. As I type, it's only 9:45 pm, and this photo, taken > 60 minutes ago, shows 10:05.


stuinmccandless
2011-02-16 02:46:36

Not sure where this tag is, but the first thing that comes to mind is Back to the Future.


kgavala
2011-02-16 03:38:58

(Is there a geographic/municipal limit to where the tags can be located?)


atleastmykidsloveme
2011-02-16 12:33:16

@ALMKLM


Yes, that is a sharp question.....Tags have to be in City limits, or *just* within...... like *just* across a river if you're traveling in-time :)


bikeygirl
2011-02-16 13:10:11

@bikeygirl - a burg's a burg, right?


atleastmykidsloveme
2011-02-16 14:41:37

Just be careful not to push too far and hit the wall, if you want to pick up this tag, eh?


reddan
2011-02-16 14:51:59

@bikeygirl & ALMKLM -- a while back folks agreed to let the bike-pgh map set the geographic limits


quizbot
2011-02-16 15:29:47

@ALMKLM, around here our "burg's" have H's on the ends ;-)


marko82
2011-02-16 15:34:42

I don't have a Pgh Bike Map with me now... does that mean that my Tag fails.... :(


EDIT: NOPE -my Tag is good! So come on! Get cracking so I can go get another Tag! :D


bikeygirl
2011-02-16 16:18:55

oops... double post....




bikeygirl
2011-02-16 16:18:56

Just the main burgh has the h. If you look sharp, you'll notice at least burg that doesn't. :-)


We could treat the map limits more as suggested guidelines. There's been one great tag that was off the bike-pgh map, and another that would be on the map except there's some illustration box on top of that part (not sure if that counts or not).


Also, I think we're up to version 2 of the map, and I'm not sure if the regions covered are identical. I drew the boundaries of the v1 bike map on the Tag-o-rama map a while ago, for reference, leaving out the covered portions.


steven
2011-02-16 16:20:35

Oh, I do know where this is. But can I get to it before dark? (I left my clear specs home this morning, and am working in shades)


lyle
2011-02-16 16:48:30

@marko: Steven nailed it: "Just the main burgh has the h. If you look sharp, you'll notice at least burg that doesn't. :-)"


atleastmykidsloveme
2011-02-16 16:59:17

Such stupidity on my part, I should have read the clue better.


marko82
2011-02-16 17:00:12

@marko - dont be so hard on yourself, btw, I'm from here!


atleastmykidsloveme
2011-02-16 17:04:11

I don’t think Guyasuta spelled it that way without the h?


greasefoot
2011-02-16 17:14:11

Probably not. He was a stickler for spelling.


atleastmykidsloveme
2011-02-16 17:16:20



Sharpsburgh


marko82
2011-02-16 18:58:16

drat!


lyle
2011-02-16 20:08:26

New tag: I kept it easy so maybe some of those working off the rust may want to try for the tag. And as you can see, some things are pretty rusty this time of year (yes there is a sidwalk, but there are some stairs)



PS – a shout out to Erok for letting me use the office computer to post the earlier photo. I’m sure Lyle would have beaten me if I hadn’t gotten it up quick.


marko82
2011-02-17 02:01:13

-nother dbl-


marko82
2011-02-17 02:01:55

Hey Lyle, they're gaining on us.

You gettin' this one?


ahlir
2011-02-17 03:30:45

West End Bridge:


What a nice, smooth, clean sidewalk it has.


namtrahselrahc
2011-02-17 03:33:24

Wow Charles that was quick! Yea I’d never used the sidewalk before and found it to be in great shape, with the exception of the stairs. I also heard a rumor that there was a somewhat secret path that hung under the bridge, but alas, there is none.


Gonna be in the 60's tomorrow!!


marko82
2011-02-17 04:18:19

i heard there was a party under the bridge and the slinkies were playing... hm - nick did post a photo from the point.


salty
2011-02-17 04:21:56

re: secret path - there's a catwalk hung under the parkway bridge over Panther Hollow, maybe that's what you're thinking of. Look up sometime. I've never wanted to try finding a way onto it (sarc).


edmonds59
2011-02-17 11:43:27

Wasn't there some design floated in the last several years to provide trail access to WEB? I think I remember one of the concepts being a sort of hanging ramp that would corkscrew up.


Of course, it is also possible that I hallucinated the whole thing.


atleastmykidsloveme
2011-02-17 12:57:09

Yep, not hallucinated, there was a path hung off the side with a ramp down. Not sure what was wrong with the sidewalk. Perhaps the designers had never actually walked across the bridge. This is a common problem with the design profession - not actually trying the thing they propose to design for. Oi.


edmonds59
2011-02-17 13:10:24

This is a common problem with the design profession - not actually trying the thing they propose to design for. Oi.


Or the thing they propose to replace. Likewise.


lyle
2011-02-17 15:45:25

Apparently still looking for funding for this particular project.


swalfoort
2011-02-17 18:11:32

I nominate it to be listed on the TIP . Can I get a second?


Or, isn't this a project of regional and/or national significance - like 9/11, foreign oil, evil doers and stuff? So, go get some TIGER munnies.


sloaps
2011-02-17 19:06:35

Ramps coming down from the bridge would be outstanding, and it's a gorgeous design. But I'm pretty sure that if it ever gets built people will just be able to fly across the Ohio on their jet pack bikes.


edmonds59
2011-02-17 19:17:57

It is a lovely Spring like day to bike through a garden, or up a hill along a mountain road and you'll find this tag:




namtrahselrahc
2011-02-17 19:49:48

Ahlir, you can get this one.


lyle
2011-02-17 20:49:00

This used to be part of a favorite ride of mine. There's another cemetery along my old route that is even neater, in my mind. Do you knwo the one I mean, Lyle?


swalfoort
2011-02-17 20:58:33

Wow, the google streetview of this was taken on an extraordinarily crappy day.


edmonds59
2011-02-17 20:58:58

The other cemetery provides a great panoramic view.


namtrahselrahc
2011-02-17 21:09:56

Great picture of that ivory tower television transmitter.


greasefoot
2011-02-17 21:16:50

there's also a crazy hillside cemetery if you go down the other side of the hill at the top.


hiddenvariable
2011-02-17 21:17:28

Part of pedal pgh. Is that on the BikePGH map? I know where this is but I have other plans for this evening. Charles, I am impressed with the amount of climbing you do. Is that a fixed gear? You must have quads of steel either way.


stefb
2011-02-18 00:23:18

It is barely on the map. Yeah my bikes are fixed. (no unexpected bike babies that way)


namtrahselrahc
2011-02-18 00:33:33

Sadly, I'm all booked up at work this week (in fact I'm typing this from the office). Maybe on the week-end, unless someone gets it tomorrow.


Don't think I've been out there since early fall, definitely some nice riding out that way...


ahlir
2011-02-18 00:35:53

St Mary's cem Mt Troy Rd


Photobucket Pictures, Images and Photos


Photobucket Pictures, Images and Photos


pic suxs without a flash


greasefoot
2011-02-18 01:32:02

New tag!


Photobucket Pictures, Images and Photos


These three guys remind me of a Bobby Brady Tiki doll


greasefoot
2011-02-18 03:23:40

To keep the tags moving I’ll give a BIG clue. This is located above the East Busway


greasefoot
2011-02-18 16:58:24

Hey we shoukd take flock to get this tag tonight. I have never ridden a bike on this road, as cars go 30-40mph over the speed limit. I would feel safer in a group. And the view is probably great.


stefb
2011-02-18 19:56:20

There is a sidewalk to ride on but parts of it are “mushy” with leaves, mud, and trash. Also an old guard rail from an accident is blocking the sidewalk going down the other side. You will need to stop and pick up your bike and step over the twisted metal.


greasefoot
2011-02-18 20:22:17


Frank Curto Park..... oof!


bikeygirl
2011-02-19 00:05:38

We are waiting for You. Now I see why!


stefb
2011-02-19 00:31:57

Cool (and neglected) little overlook/park on Bigelow Blvd next to Polish Hill.


greasefoot
2011-02-19 01:31:26

Can someone please get a photo of this in daylight? All I know about this park is the "french fries" sculpture.


A few years back (1985?) someone managed to disassemble "french fries" and tried to sell the material for scrap. Didn't make it.


stuinmccandless
2011-02-19 02:42:36

There's a daylight photo in Google Street View, linking to here.




steven
2011-02-19 03:16:39

I was waiting for someone to use that park for a tag, but I didn't even recognize it. Are the tiki sculptures new? ish?


lyle
2011-02-19 03:54:24

I was going to drop my next tag there. I suspected that's where it was especially after stef's clue but I didn't recognize the tiki's either.


well, I'm kind of glad I don't have to ride there now :) did the two of you ride on the road or the sidewalk?


salty
2011-02-19 04:19:21

I used the sidewalk. It's trashed with all kind of crap. After I took the pic I then kept going down Bigelow into town on the sidewalk. There is a huge part of bent up guard rail blocking the way you have to walk over. The sidewalk then ends about 200 yards before the end of Bigelow so you have to jump on the street to get to the USX Steel Tower and Ross St.


greasefoot
2011-02-19 04:46:26

New Tag! Something easy for anyone, but steps will have to be taken :)




bikeygirl
2011-02-19 19:29:35

Drat! I just went by here, on the bike, about an hour ago. Well, with this wind, I'm not going out again. Have fun everyone!


stuinmccandless
2011-02-19 21:49:55

Can't believe no one got this today!


stefb
2011-02-20 00:59:57


Hope the link works. On herr's island looking toward the 40thst bridgeand lawrenceville


Argh I hate my phone.


stefb
2011-02-20 14:18:35

that looks cool. I need to get out there some time.


rubberfactory
2011-02-20 14:21:24

You need a dropbox or flickr account. It will make this much easier.


cburch
2011-02-20 14:28:05

I Just fixed it but Thanks.


stefb
2011-02-20 14:28:58

I'm still signing you up for dropbox when I get home. So there.


cburch
2011-02-20 14:30:01

Stupid board being a jerk with my posts.


cburch
2011-02-20 14:31:32

good job! I figured I should check in before getting on the road... And it looks like I can have that second cup of coffee instead.


ahlir
2011-02-20 14:34:45

Yay, stefb!


pseudacris
2011-02-20 14:37:17

yeah i left the house and realized half way to the tag that i forgot money for a bus home in case i got a flat. i usually don't carry tools with me to patch a flat. annnd sure enough i noticed i had a flat at this next tag. my own fault. takes a long time to walk home. oh well.


but anyway here is the next tag:


close to some Rail Road tracks, on the other side of the concrete the music is silent at this time of day.


stefb
2011-02-20 16:18:32

I know this one! Alas, I'm stuck @ home today. Sorry 'bout your flat. Maybe keep a couple of bucks in your seatpost?


pseudacris
2011-02-20 17:27:13



Under the 31st bridge / smallman st.


igo
2011-02-20 19:11:19

Ok, that was my first time ever posting in this thread. I guess I get the next tag



hint: The bridge in the background might help you out.


igo
2011-02-20 19:15:54

Doesn't identifying the tag in the first post kind of defeat the purpose?


jeg
2011-02-20 19:20:15

I guess I will be a bit more cryptic in my hint.


igo
2011-02-20 19:25:13

Well it is a matter of who can get there first. I doubt this tag will stay until tomorrow after work...


stefb
2011-02-20 20:52:03

South side thrift shop...


Photobucket Pictures, Images and Photos


The Salvation Army on S 9th St.


greasefoot
2011-02-20 21:35:54

Argh... I find some tags/clues to be slightly obscure. Pic with no context... flesh out the clue a little more, plz. Close to some RR tracks... I think within hand grenade shrapnel distance :)


quizbot
2011-02-20 22:00:09

Oh I forgot to mention that the tag i dropped is close to the 31st st pub...hence the music reference in the clue.


stefb
2011-02-20 22:05:06

New tag!


Photobucket Pictures, Images and Photos


This is a quiet park bench next to a dirty city street...after I picked up this tag my lungs were burning like someone jammed a wire brush down my throat!


greasefoot
2011-02-20 22:38:30

Such a day.


After dawdling over breakfast and newspapers, I discover that the Herr's Island tag is taken. The 31st Bridge tag comes up. I knew I had seen this, but I just couldn't place it (great clue, by the way). Rather than worry about it I just went for a ride. Of course something had to go wrong. Half way up Hoffman I hear a flat on the back tire. No Problem, right? I have the spare tube (and the patch kit!), I have the pumper but... no tire irons! Aargh.

So I pump up the tire and get myself to the top of the hill. I assess the situation and decide that it's hopeless. I call for a ride. The tire has other ideas though, and stays nicely inflated for the entire wait. It would appear that I could have ridden for the rest of the day, with just the periodic pump-up. And such a beautiful day. Grr.


Moral of the story: get an extra set of tools for the bike so you don't have to remember when you use them for something else.


A second moral: get the tag THEN have the coffee.


ahlir
2011-02-20 23:17:20

stefb: I didn't get the hint but, I was pretty sure it was under the 31 st bridge. I checked with google street view and knew I was wright.


igo
2011-02-20 23:18:19

Ahlir, you aren't the only one. Sometimes I think you have to have a decent smart phone in order to play this game! I was dawdling this morning too, but I checked the board before setting out. Yep, change of plans, no tag available, I just went east to scenic Wilmerding instead of Herr's Island.


I don't know where the latest tag is. Looks familiar, but ?


nfranzen
2011-02-21 00:30:45

two clues within the same reference. well done!


marko82
2011-02-21 01:25:17

I can think of 13 places where that last tag might be.


pseudacris
2011-02-21 01:32:19

Someone ask Steveo if it looks familiare.


greasefoot
2011-02-21 02:01:35

I would have to leave for work at 530am to get this before work. If i have insomnia I will get this, but i dont think i have the legs to do this on a single speed.


stefb
2011-02-21 02:57:19

@Nate, I have a smartphone but I take tag pics with a real camera (they come out much nicer). Getting a tag mostly seems to be about remembering things you've seen while riding around, and having the time flexibility to just go get it, even at night.


I do agree that it would be nice if people perceived the game to be easier to join; at one point I set some tags that I figured would be recognizable to the casual cyclist but these got snapped up right away (like, 10 minutes). I do have some ideas for tweaking the game to make it seem more approachable but let's see how others feel about the whole thing.


ahlir
2011-02-21 15:56:23

I've really enjoyed playing the home version. I don't think it needs modified at all - I think that as the weather improves that will remove a major obstacle to participation. Another Stu-style primer on loading pics to this site wouldn't hurt either.


atleastmykidsloveme
2011-02-21 16:35:20

I have an old blackberry "smart phone," but for the life of me I can't seem to get it to post to flickr or picasa on the spot. So quite a few of my tags were snapped on the phone, but then I pedaled home to down/upload them.


I think grabbing tags is a matter of familiarity & timing. I'm pretty useless at finding stuff outside of the East End, but I have the advantage of a flexible work schedule.


pseudacris
2011-02-21 16:55:51

I've only lived in Pittsburgh a short time, and I have no idea where 95% of these tags are from the picture+clue. For those I do know, I have no chance to get them given my work schedule. I'd be down for some other version of the game for people with my background/schedule.


dwillen
2011-02-21 17:04:40

I have only lived here a few years and I work long hours and i get the tags after work or on the weekends. If i don't know the location offhand I google search words in the clues and figure it out. Is that cheating? I think others mentioned using google street view on things. There has been at least one time where someone got to the tag just before me, so yeah, that happens. But I am sure there will be an opportunity to get tags. You already got at least one group tag.


stefb
2011-02-22 03:02:22

I pretty much only get the tags I know. which have been two.

but it's still a fun spectator sport, for me anyway.


rubberfactory
2011-02-22 03:05:13

I think what Stef meant was," see Rule #5"


cburch
2011-02-22 03:06:31

I agree. It is fun. I wonder how long it will be before someone gets that last tag with this weather hahaha


stefb
2011-02-22 03:06:47

I started to go for it around eight o'clock. I went three blocks and turned around and went back home. The snow is just too deep for me tonight.


marko82
2011-02-22 03:53:55

I was just watching the evening news and several cars are abandoned in the snow blocking the street by this tag. I'm not sure but I think the street is closed and it looks very bad. If anyone is planning on going after this be very careful.


Sorry I put this here Sunday. I had just watched the rebroadcast of the DD on WQED and was all fired up to clime this street.


greasefoot
2011-02-22 04:26:06

Sorry I sounded negative. I was just adding my two cents to what others have been saying all along. Keep your game as it is, I wasn't trying to change it, and my comments were not directed at anyone.


And Stef, I did get a tag, way back on the second page, but more to Colin's point, I did so in a thunderstorm.


dwillen
2011-02-22 04:49:59

Wow marko, i am impressed that you tried!


stefb
2011-02-22 11:30:03

Rule 5: lulz


I'm gonna attempt this one tonight... unless someone beats me to it.


Can I get a ruling on if I can carry my bike all the way there and back?


sloaps
2011-02-22 13:06:21

I think if you can crawl up that hil right now you can get the tag with or without the bike. Don't forget your ice axe and crampons though.


Also why are people treating this silly game like serious business time? Lighten up people!


cburch
2011-02-22 13:40:54

Rappelling is a solid option, perhaps. XD


If this is a business, then I'm taking bikeygirl to court for her monopoly of tag acquisitions.


sloaps
2011-02-22 14:01:14

We discussed carrying the bike much earlier and everybody agreed that is within the rules. I raised the question because I have a tag I want to place that requires a bit of carrying.


lyle
2011-02-22 14:06:37

I walked past this steet on my way to the venicular this morning and it's open.


greasefoot
2011-02-22 14:27:54

Thanks for shoutout Stef, but three blocks sounds kinda wimpy... my plan was to attack the hill from the back side and retrieve the tag from the top. Too busy to get it today though :-(


marko82
2011-02-22 14:34:41

I've chasedd a tag or two, but have been bruced both times due to the need to get back to a computer to post the photo to flickr, and then re-learn how to post it here. I've now got the post here part figured out, but am still trying to make flickr work on my phone. Since I don't live or work in the East End, I am at a disadvantage on a number of the tags, both in terms of locational awareness (I need to clues in many cases) and opportunity. Not using that as an excuse, just an explanation. But, I follow the thread closely, and love how much of Pittsburgh I both know and don't know. It's taught me to appreciate the city (and it's cyclists) in a whole new way. No need to change the rules for me, but I serously doubt that I'll ever get a tag. I might try a time or two, but there is definitely an advantage that goes with experience here, and that will count against me too.


I think I'll create my own game this summer, and make a point to try to visit each tag -- maybe even in sequence.


swalfoort
2011-02-22 14:38:25

I have a problem with flickr mobile too. I have flickr set up online, and can post a pic from a computer, but on mobile I can't get to the "img src..." thingy to post it on here from the phone.

If anybody has a walk-through on that, it would be appreciated.


edmonds59
2011-02-22 14:43:20

For the most part I’m stuck at work during the day and have to pick up tags on the weekends and during the evenings. When I find a tag I post it with my phone so I don’t get bruced. I’m using the mobile photobucket app on my iphone and it’s fairly easy . I recently charged up my digital camera and when I drop a new tag I’ll use it to take the picture and then post the tag when I gat back home. My camera has a flash and better resolution so I hope this helps with new tags.


I have given some poor clues in the past because I see how fast some of the tags are located. I’ll take some time to work on providing better clues with the tags going forward.


greasefoot
2011-02-22 15:28:11

@sloaps: What? What? What? What did I do? :)


Monopoly? Tell that to Ahlir and Lyle :)


I'm having fun with this game... it took me awhile to be able to catch to it, but now I've been peeling my eyes-open on this thread to stay on top-as much as i can :)


I've been bruced 3-times, so it hasn't been easy for me. And some of thetags I've gotten, have been after-hours with bad-weather, so that is just the opportunity.


And about rapelling WITH a bike... darn it... I technically did when I got the Frank Curto Tag!!


Long story, but I did a total of 3-attempts from the bottom of the hill to get the tag from the bottom of the park, going up Stockholm St, Kenny Way, and Finally Brereton Hill, which leads you to a maze that ends by the stairs that go to the park... After I found the stair, I climbed up among 2-fallen trees, and then as I could see the park FINALLY above me, there were 3-broken steps that I needed bigger-legs to climb.... at the end when it got to the point that I have had been holding to my bike for dear-life for 45 minutes trying to shimmy-up the broken steps without losing my balnace as it was getting dark with that crazy howling wind, I decided to suck-it-up, be wiser, and go down Polish Hill one 3rd time to climb it again to the top via-Brereton and Herron, and go via-Bigelow Boulevard....


It was kinda-awesome, but at the same time I think dangerous..... at that point I was just so excited that I kept going...... I think that the scariest part was the last house on Brereton... there are 5-6 Pitbull dogs on chains who got frantic when I went-by.


In terms of posting, I use photobucket -simple.


bikeygirl
2011-02-22 16:20:18

You are badass Lucia. I think your bike weighs more than you. And I loved the view from the last tag you dropped. Forgot about That spot. Would love to have a quiet picnic there sometime.


stefb
2011-02-22 19:01:32

I came down those steps in daylight, in October, with the bike, and had a helluva hard time. I can't imagine climbing them, in the dark, with a bike, in February. BA indeed.


*Adding this to my steps-to-fix list.*


stuinmccandless
2011-02-22 19:34:41

This game was a lot more fun before people started counting points, although I did enjoy the short-lived thrill of having the most tags for a she. (I think Stefb has caught up or passed me by now).


Now what will I do?


I can't grow a beard.


I doubt I could make it up any of the dirty dozen hills, much less win the race.


Now it kind of feels like the equivalent of asking Steevo (who I've never met) to take one of the pedals off his bike so the rest of us can have a fair shake at the dirty dozen...


[end sniveling]


I think we should delete the score card, let Tag-O-Rama continue as before and try out some of the new games proposed on other threads.


Variety, folks!


I will continue to watch dirty dozen you tube videos (which we now know might contain a clue for this game...) for vicarious fun.


pseudacris
2011-02-22 20:40:54

Danny Chew believes it's impossible for anyone, even with extremely low gearing, to climb Canton with only one leg. Steevo disagrees.


johnwheffner
2011-02-22 21:15:07

Canton with one leg? With the right equipment, it might be possible:


Would still really suck, though.


reddan
2011-02-22 21:32:29

You can so grow a beard. You just don't want to badly enough. (not that there's anything wrong with that)


lyle
2011-02-22 21:57:08

I feel kind of bad now for asking the question-who had the most tags. I had no idea it would turn into a scoreboard. I agree it detracts from the "game" which really seemed to be humming along in spite of the weather.


I really think participation will jump as the weather improves. I think if someone wants to keep score, that's great. But I don't think anyone else should let that be a deterrent. The point isn't getting there first, it's getting exposed to some cool spot, a different destination or something that was right under their nose the whole time.


I'm from here, but a lot of folks on this Board - and playing this game - are not. This game seems an ideal tool, albeit a challenging one, to open up the city. I have learned a lot just by following along on the computer. I can't wait until I am able to take a crack at a tag!


So I hope tag-o-rama will continue, and maybe the Board needs to invoke Rule #5 to the dissenters, because at the end of the day, we all like a challenge, right? (Sorry if that sounds harsh, but cycling IS a rugged pursuit, isn't it?)


atleastmykidsloveme
2011-02-22 22:13:43

reiterate -1 on scoring. I did find it fascinating when I once looked at the map how many parts of the city had not been touched.


Looking at it now, I still see wide swaths of the North Side, West End, Hill District, beyond Mount Washington, and east of Wash Blvd, that have zero or few tags.


Is this a measure of where cyclists actually ride or don't (no, even central Oakland, Shadyside and SqHill are sparse), or merely that we haven't found anything worth tagging there?


stuinmccandless
2011-02-22 23:17:51

Bit of both, plus a good slug of randomness.


lyle
2011-02-22 23:53:33

@edmonds59 - regarding the flickr problem...


I've been experimenting with mobile uploads too - on the off-chance that I can actually get a tag someday. I've found that I can get to the img src by going to my flickr page, then holding down on the image I want. Holding down on the image makes a new window appear. The new window has several options (like "open," "open in a new window," "copy link URL," etc) - at this point, scroll to and select "VIEW IMAGE." When you View Image, the img src jpeg info is in the browser URL. Copy it, enjoy success!


Don't use the seemingly-correct "copy link URL."


I have a Verizon Fascinate - it works for me, hope you have luck with that technique too.


teamdecafweekend
2011-02-23 02:04:58

i have a hard time linking from my phone. i have found that if i upload to facebook, then go to the web version (not mobile), i can get to the URL so i can post. sometimes it gets messed up and i have to edit my post a million times before it works right, but i usually get it eventually. i was at the lasted tag on herr's island for about a half hour trying to get it to work properly. i think that someones people i am friends with on FB see that i uploaded the tag before it gets put in this thread. sometimes i do come all of the way home to post and hope no one bruced me, but hey, it happens. just man up and have fun.


stefb
2011-02-23 02:47:56

Back on topic here folks! Who is going to get the tag?

I have not been participating because it is winter (I know, Lame excuse). As soon as the warmer weather I plan on chasing some tags, I bet there are a lot of other people who feel the same way.


Some tags are a bit obscure, when I created the game I kinda wanted to focus more on making people (and myself) ride more and less about having to google for the location of the tag. Regardless, there seems to be no shortage of people participating given the winter weather. The same thing happens with the motorcycle version of the game. In the winter, sometimes the tag will sit for a few days but in the summer sometimes there are 3 or 4 new tags a day.


In conclusion; lets try and focus more on riding and less on the riddles. If someone posts a difficult tag feel free to give them a hard time or ask for a hint.


As far as posting photos, I have an iPhone and use the photobucket app. Once uploaded to photobucket, I copy and paste the "html" code from photobucket into my message.


jwright
2011-02-23 14:09:51

join Dropbox


2 GB of free online storage/backup that you can sync over multiple machines and share individual folders with others. dropbox is freaking awesome. i use the iphone app to add photos to my account and copy the url all at once. no trying to trick safari or track anything down, there is a button to get it.


for real, its the best thing since kitties going "pew pew pew"


again


cburch
2011-02-23 16:04:47

+1 Dropbox. Great app, and they give you extra space at the drop of a hat (or a friend referral, whichever...)


reddan
2011-02-23 16:53:38

I like the riddles. Even though I have yet to get a tag, I still really enjoy trying to figure out where the tag is.


bikelove2010
2011-02-23 18:29:00

I like the riddles too.


Does this tag show up on StreetView? I was pretty sure I knew where it is, but then I looked at Streetview and can't find it there.


lyle
2011-02-23 18:42:41

This bench was put in last summer so it’s not on street view. It’s at the switch back.


greasefoot
2011-02-23 18:54:44

Just hit 1500 posts on this thread! Awesome!


swalfoort
2011-02-23 19:31:56

Yeah, the Streetview is out of date. But what are you going to believe, Google or your lyin' eyes?


@Jason, a quick rejoinder: with a few exceptions familiar tags get snapped up very quickly (modulo snow storms). So the game necessarily boils down to dropping what you're doing, racing down with your smartphone and grabbing the tag.


A more obscure tag, with a nice clue, is more fun since it challenges both your memory and your puzzle-solving skills. Hints and comments trickle out, eventually someone actually goes out to get the tag.

I feel that Googling is acceptable; there's no way you can search the entire city (or even neighbohood) with it, so it's no substitute for the real thing. But you can use it to confirm a hunch, which is what I use it for. Remember that we're playing this on bikes not on motocycles; it's a lot more effort to cycle from (say) Grandview to Riverside parks just to check out a possibility. In any case, a fair number of tags do show up in spots that just aren't visible in Streetview.


ahlir
2011-02-23 19:42:24

Cburch, I don't know if it's related to your using Dropbox, but I'll observe that all the pictures you've posted in the game so far have now become inaccessible. I have no idea if it's because you've manually deleted them, or if Dropbox just drops images after a while. But other folks don't seem to have this issue. FWIW.


steven
2011-02-23 19:57:34

It's more fun when you use Street View before dropping a tag, just to be sure that reality doesn't match Google. It's a good way to play up changes in our daily environment and/or point out new and/or potentially interesting places to go and see.


I did this (albeit unintentionally) with the NSide Library tag. I thought the Pizza Hut wasn't on SV; turns out it was and the library itself wasn't.


The huge "at" sign I was sure was on SV, but it's so obscure a tag I figured you just had to know about it in order to go pick it up. Ditto the 1897 plaque, which you can't really see on SV.


That, I think, is the spirit of the game.


stuinmccandless
2011-02-23 20:14:10

Hairpin turn up on sycamore street.


Tag


I disperse my elebenty points to the group and transfer all hugs to the BikePGH staff.


sloaps
2011-02-23 22:30:31

+1 on cats going "pew pew pew"


rubberfactory
2011-02-23 22:45:57

Oh man. I had initially thought it was the first hill, since the clue was said on the dirty dozen documentary about how people feel after the first climb. Then i thought about how marko was gonna get it from the backside and figured it had to be the one close to where he lives. Before I left work today i saw that someone mentioned a switchback and I figured it was sycamore. I don't believe I could have gotten that without gears today. Good job! Next tag please!


stefb
2011-02-23 23:10:43

This building ain't where it was.


Tag


sloaps
2011-02-23 23:33:06

@Ahlir, the game we play on motorcycles is the state of PA, not Pittsburgh. Try riding to Altoona just to figure out you got it wrong or someone bruced you. I have ridden into WV to chase the WV tag-o-rama just to get bruced also. Now that I think of it, I get bruced a lot. There is also a 48 state tag game and the rule is if you grab the tag you have to move it at least one state.


Granted, I would not want to ride from grandview to riverview park on a winter day.


jwright
2011-02-24 00:45:42

Good work getting the Sycamore tag. I also thought it was Center / Guyasuta from the wire brush reference.


The other stuff... let us not forget tag-o-rama rule #6 laid out in the first post :)


quizbot
2011-02-24 01:17:48

@steven I deleted them. I use my dropbox account for a lot of stuff and i had to clean house a few weeks ago. 100GB is simply not enough storage for the way i use it.


cburch
2011-02-24 02:37:01

@Jason, point taken. So what skill(s) does the motorbike version emphasize?


ahlir
2011-02-24 03:40:06

JASON::::::::


Thanks for starting this game here. It's been quite fun!


pseudacris
2011-02-24 03:42:22

I just tweet my pics, go to yfrog, grab url.


I use Dropbox for work projects and music. Also do a lot of svn ignore.


quizbot
2011-02-24 04:05:19

@Ahlir, Pretty much the same as this game.


@Pseudracris, thanks, I hope to catch a couple tags once the weather breaks. I have some interesting places I'd like to drop them.


jwright
2011-02-24 14:29:13

Sloaps, There were rumors back in the 80’s that Michael Keaton had huge all night parties at this place that were so loud they could raise the dead.


greasefoot
2011-02-24 16:14:05

I think it's one of Rick Sebak's documentaries that had people recall taking their dates to this place.


sloaps
2011-02-24 17:02:14

I wish I had ridden to work today....


stefb
2011-02-24 18:27:15



County morgue on 4th Ave


miasme
2011-02-24 23:05:34

looooooooool on the hipster high lock! have any county sheriffs wondering wtf your were doing there? I just got "you must be an alien" kinda looks.


sloaps
2011-02-25 00:53:21

Heh, your tire mark was well defined still. Certainly got one suit in a trenchcoat bewildered as I posted the pic with my two coworkers all blinkyed up waiting for me. I think he thought it might be a bike gang initiation from the look on his face. Like, should I call the cops?!


miasme
2011-02-25 01:53:24

new tag:

i sure ad-meier this piece of modern pittsburgh architecture!


keeping it relatively tame for the weather.

also, for the mappers, the last tag was @ 542 Fourth Avenue, downtown, just down the street from my office :)


miasme
2011-02-25 16:50:52

So getting back to the last tag, why did people take their prom dates to that building?


stefb
2011-02-25 20:31:55

There was a documentary on WQED about downtown Pgh and they went to visit the morgue. I guess before Al Gore invented the internet it was a popular destination. Kids would take their prom dates to go look at dead bodies...At least that's what the guy in the documentary said.


greasefoot
2011-02-25 20:46:27

Further, there was a gallery above the examination room or whatever it was, but bodies were essentially on display as they were being processed or whatever. Sounds like it was the thing to do in the fifties.


atleastmykidsloveme
2011-02-25 20:47:56

I hear Kramer would go and throw junior mints at the corpses.


greasefoot
2011-02-25 20:57:01

haha! +1 @kramer!


bikeygirl
2011-02-25 21:01:30

I know generally where this is, but can't find the real place.


rsprake
2011-02-25 21:38:58

Found it!


miasme, your photo is gone.


rsprake
2011-02-25 21:40:23

isn't this near the Mies and/or Gropius designed place(s)?


sloaps
2011-02-25 21:42:44

grr for not being on my bike... I spent 4 years walking by this place on a semi-regular basis.


gimppac
2011-02-25 21:50:22

Here's a 2009 PG article that mentions the morgue building being moved a hundred yards down the street in 1929, and about how the morgue was moving again (but this time not the whole building!).


This city sure has some interesting architecture.


steven
2011-02-25 21:50:45

heh, i'm sure, it was disappearing as i was taking it. i prefer this place with the white lawn and sky. don't even get me started on the building behind it.


miasme
2011-02-25 21:50:45

I can't place this but I am pretty sure I have gone past it many times. Where is it?


stefb
2011-02-25 23:16:32

I will drop the tag tomorrow morning, it's too dark to get a nice photo of it.


rsprake
2011-02-25 23:35:30

Wow, closest one to my house yet and I had no idea


salty
2011-02-25 23:39:54

Tag


Moved from the Woodland Drive to a Tranquil Trail. This is one of my favorite houses in the city.


rsprake
2011-02-26 16:17:08

How's the single track? Is it a muddy mess?


stefb
2011-02-26 16:26:48

It was frozen solid this morning. Depending on side of the park it was either sharp ice or solid ground.


rsprake
2011-02-26 16:56:39

Yuck. Too much snow and ice for these tires.

/


And climbing out was worse. But my shoes have holes in the bottom for the cleats, so walking sucked even more.


lyle
2011-02-26 19:28:27

This is Frick Park, for the newcomers. If I had seen the cross-country skiers first, I probably wouldn't have gone for this. Oh, who am I kidding, I woulda done it anyway.


Next tag not coming until tomorrow - not enough daylight for me to do it now.


lyle
2011-02-26 21:07:09

Nice, two tags within 50 yards of each other. Is that the closest two seperate tags have gotten?


jwright
2011-02-27 00:15:06

@Jason: I think that last pic is the "getting" of the tag, which was presented in the previous picture. And it doesn't look as though Lyle has presented his tag yet.


I think.


atleastmykidsloveme
2011-02-27 01:10:51

Indeed, I didn't remember the exact angle of the earlier tag. I'll be posting the next tag tomorrow, probably in the early afternoon.


lyle
2011-02-27 02:16:38

@AtLeastMyKidsLoveMe: There was a tag about 50 yards up the hill at the park bench during the fall sometime. Let me see if I can find it...


Edit, check out page four, the park bench is right up the hill from there.


jwright
2011-02-27 03:01:42

I put this new tag on the map in what I think is the right place (on the Tranquil Trail, about 500 feet north of the bridge that carries Forbes Avenue over the trail).


The park bench tag (#20) is currently on the map about half a mile to the south. If, in real life, the bench is 150 feet from this new tag (north or south along the trail?), it seems like it's in the wrong place.


I'm not familiar with this area. Is this new tag in fact 500 feet north of the Forbes bridge on the Tranquil Trail? Is the park bench closer or farther from Forbes than the new tag?


steven
2011-02-27 07:09:11

The park bench is north of Forbes Ave, about here


nfranzen
2011-02-27 11:31:40

Lyle, drop a tag! I am heading out for a ride. Lol


jwright
2011-02-27 15:14:28

@Jason: Holy sh*t. That is some serious recall!


atleastmykidsloveme
2011-02-27 15:23:28

yeah drop a tag! i am waiting to go out and ride!


stefb
2011-02-27 15:39:01

I remembered that one because it was one of the few places I actually knew in this thread.


jwright
2011-02-27 15:55:06

I dropped the bench and the Carrie Furnace tags. I like Frick Park. :)


rsprake
2011-02-27 16:14:15

Thanks, Nate!


steven
2011-02-27 16:55:55

/


As I promised, anyone with 1 tag or fewer can pm me for the exact location. I twittered and facebooked it earlier. The clue is: 36G.


lyle
2011-02-27 20:08:42

No motors!


lyle
2011-02-27 20:09:22

Stairs? - nice view!


pseudacris
2011-02-27 20:15:00

i hate stairs


stefb
2011-02-27 20:16:42

Are they going to let me walk into this building carrying a bike when I flash my old Penn State student ID???


greasefoot
2011-02-27 20:30:44

May have to employ the unicycle for this one. I'm not sure I'm up to hauling the bike up that far.


stuinmccandless
2011-02-27 20:53:19

I suspect that this works best as a Sunday tag (given the building). Sadly, I'm done riding for the day.


ahlir
2011-02-27 21:09:03

This is just getting silly now. I'm calling ToR Rule 5 violation. "The bicycle in the picture must get to the tag location under its own power."


So... you rode up those stairs, right?


For my next tag, I will jump a shark.


quizbot
2011-02-27 21:17:31

@quizbot, you might be right, but we need to have Lyle explain how exactly he got there.


I'm willing to cut Lyle a break if he actually climbed the stairs, but does this mean that whoever picks it up has to do the same thing (I believe access method is not constrained in the rules). Or is all this getting too complicated?


[UPDATE: stefb did it! Climbing! Good job. But I still stand by the comments below.]


More generally, I'm a bit concerned about the recent trend in setting difficult-to-access tags.


For example, the one on Bigelow required people to get to it in potentially unsafe ways. The one in Frick Park involved (I understand) going down an icy trail. (Had I gone after it, I would have tried it from the lane that the building fronts on).


The game should really be about knowledge and speed, and decoding cues.

Having said that, I have a bunch of climbing-required tags on deck. And not all of them are as friendly as the one on Sycamore...


Anyway, my 2 bits.



ahlir
2011-02-27 21:27:56

I carried my bike up



Stairwell 36g of the cathedral of learning. I can take a pic of my dirty shirt from my chain later if you don't believe me


stefb
2011-02-27 21:30:00

It's a beautiful day for a ride. I just got back from 40 mi around town & up north. Why drop it in a building? Maybe in the dead of winter... but on a day like this? I'm sure Lyle climbed the stairs (no motors)... but jeesh. The point of the game is to ride your bike & discover fun stuff.


quizbot
2011-02-27 21:36:43

Thx stefb! I was just about to drive over there with a rear wheel & take a pic thru its spokes.


quizbot
2011-02-27 21:40:56

Now that is a hardcore tag!


igo
2011-02-27 21:49:42

People were complaining about not being able to play because they didn't know where things were. So this was a different kind of tag that didn't require knowledge, speed, or risk. Just a little bit of guts. And yes, I carried my 30 year-old steel-framed bianchi and my 30 pounds of winter fat up and down, and I posted a glympse track while I was doing it. (I hope glympse encodes altitude.) We had previously established that carrying is kosher.


@quizbot: "the point of the game" like most things, will vary from person to person. For me, the point is to mix things up.


That said, I promise my next tag will be more visually pleasing and easier to reach.


lyle
2011-02-27 22:04:35

Ahlir, the tag in Frick Park probably wouldn't have been hard with a mountain bike or good knobby tires. It was more slush than ice when I did it, and I -chose- to grab it before the trail got easier to ride. It's possible that rsprake came at it via the road (hutchinson?) and the lower trail, and didn't encounter such difficult conditions, I don't know.


lyle
2011-02-27 22:14:49

Carrying is kosher, sure. I've carried myself. About 7 steps. Outside. Where one rides a bike.


quizbot
2011-02-27 22:28:36

Beforei left the house I said that I should take the front wheel off and carry it up but the pic Lyle posted has part of his frame in it, so I couldn t cheat. I nearly cried when stairwell g ended for a floor or two around floor 30. I found my way back to it though.


It is a wonderful day to ride. I am gonna be out for a while longer. Too bad I always have to pee when I am out too long.


stefb
2011-02-27 22:29:49

I was going to cheat and photoshop my bike into this pic:


Photobucket Pictures, Images and Photos


greasefoot
2011-02-27 22:46:45

@Lyle:


1) Knobbies are great; I have them on my winter bike. I don't know the state of that trail, but I've had some pretty tense riding over mixtures of ice/slush/mud this winter. The slush and mud I can deal with, but ice, frozen slush and so on can get pretty difficult. Tags should be reasonably accessible.


I think my point is still valid, we shouldn't be trying to make tags difficult or inaccessible. The game is not about taking physical chances or potentially getting the unwary into dangerous situations. Let me add a last word: "lawyers".


2) 30 pounds? And I thought that my +10 pounds was a major issue. I did ~30 mi today, which works out (I think) to about 1/3 pound (1200 kcal). Only 270 mi to go! (Which, unfortunately, somehow sounds like not enough, maybe my math sucks).


ahlir
2011-02-27 23:00:00

badass! I think variety is good so long as the game keeps moving at a reasonable pace. There was recently a thread about cyclists climbing the stairs, so I think it was reasonable to presume there'd be a few folks who'd tackle this (not me!).


2 cents.


pseudacris
2011-02-27 23:07:36

Tag o whaaah ma.


quizbot
2011-02-27 23:16:29

"Let me add a last word: "lawyers"."


Let me add a word: weak.


Stop your whining, get out on your bike and ride, climb, hop skip or whatever it takes, then post a picture of it. If it's too hard for you, then Rule 5.


You sound like the four-hundred pound woman who is pissed because the airline won't hire her as a flight attendant.


atleastmykidsloveme
2011-02-27 23:35:13

As a Pitt alum I like the CoL tag. Too bad it wasn’t posted before I left the house or I might have met Stef either going up or coming down. Granted this is an extreme tag that not too many people would go after, but some of the hilltop tags are extreme for some of us too. Besides there have been several easy tags lately.


Climbing 36 floors carring your bike = Badass!


marko82
2011-02-28 01:02:27

I would have preferred the ladybug covered southeastern corner of the Cathedral. fewer stairs.


I believe those ladybugs got me through Political Philosophy because I sat by the open windows and they kept landing on me.


sloaps
2011-02-28 01:18:36

I am carrying 20lbs more on me than I should be, but I had my carbon fiber bike today. I have a bad right shoulder, hence the dirty tshirt from the chain. Hoping that comes out in the wash.


Next tag:



Although you can see the upmc sign on the steel tower from up here, it is a different hospital you can see on your left as you descend this hill.

Although it is a climb, you can approach this from the top, which would be a lot easier than than the way I approached it. It is not a dirty dozen hill, and my lungs were wondering how it isn't.


stefb
2011-02-28 01:20:08

...speaking of hilltops...


stuinmccandless
2011-02-28 01:23:01

yeah, this one starts easy enough, but gets progressively steeper and steeper.


sloaps
2011-02-28 01:24:58

I hate going down steep hills. I brake a lot. People do uturns in the middle of this street near the bottom, so anyone going down this hill needs to be cautious. I see it regularly outside of my office building.


stefb
2011-02-28 01:30:16

Whoa, must have hit a nerve there...


Unlike you, @ALMKLM, I actually play this game and thus have earned the right to comment on its details. I've moreover had the opportunity to reflect on what's been going on and why we might be seeing this drift towards gratuitously difficult tags. I don't feel that it's a positive development. (More on that some other time.)


Also, consider the possibility that I might be more in tune with Rule 5 than you are, and the possibility that I might actually be concerned with the welfare of novices (such as you). Rule 5 is about pushing yourself to the limit, not about pushing others.


ahlir
2011-02-28 01:30:49

@stefb, you came straight up the Ext? Great job!


ahlir
2011-02-28 01:46:04

@ahlir: the only nerve you hit is you whine a lot about the tags. I think claiming you've earned anything because you play a game is silly. Gratuitously difficult? Huh? The gratuitously difficult tag is the one that sits out there for six months and goes unclaimed.


I don't need your concern and never asked for it.


atleastmykidsloveme
2011-02-28 02:04:17

Rule 1 (of 2) for the message board is "be constructive"...


I kind of got a kick out of the cathedral tag, but I don't think we should encourage taking bikes into buildings - especially ones where they might not technically be allowed. I'm not sure if that's true in this case - but I know from personal experience and hearing other people's stories that Pitt is somewhat anti-bike.


Anyways, my proposal is we keep it outdoors-only, and avoid spots where it's obviously dangerous/illegal (i.e. HOV lane on 279 or something). Otherwise, play on!


salty
2011-02-28 02:10:19

awww now it's message board-y!


stefb
2011-02-28 02:18:10

Okay, kids. I'm sorry. I meant to push the envelope a little, I didn't mean to start a flamewar. I'll be good now.


Stefb, I was right there (after bumping into Dan) maybe a half hour before you were by the looks of it. just got home now (with a break in the middle) and I agree it was a beautiful day for a ride. Potholes after dark == badness.


In the middle of my riding around I stopped at the oh yeah cafe for a big thick chocolate milkshake. Maybe I burned 1200 calories, and I sucked down 2000, so, yeah, that about balances out.


lyle
2011-02-28 02:42:15

I'm all for difficult tags. Have dropped a few myself. But I still think it was a waste of a good ride today to spend time climbing stairs inside. YMMV. Lol.


quizbot
2011-02-28 02:49:59

As a spectator of the tag o rama, and in a bad mood from my terrible night shift, all i have to say is ITS A FRIGGIN GAME PEOPLE. We always talk about "not" doing illegal things, why should this game be any different. Easy tags are dropped and left for people who have a hard time and some wicked tags need to be dropped for those who dominate this game. Although, I guess I have no right to comment since I can't figure out where any of the tags are to get them. I'm super bummed to see such backlash here :(


bikelove2010
2011-02-28 04:10:32

I take none of it seriously. Citing the rules is just an exercise in snots & giggles for me. Pretty good results so far.


quizbot
2011-02-28 06:10:45

Was my tag really that hard? You could have taken the shot from the street above the house, walked down the small bit of trail that was icy or ridden a mountain bike.


rsprake
2011-02-28 18:39:51

I wasn't clear that taking the shot from the front of the house would be legit. Walking would have been fine in decent shoes - it was my own choice of non-waterproof soles that made walking unpalatable.


Look, I was only muttering to make myself look more badass, ok? Really, it was a cinch.


(fwiw, the thumb-index finger web of my right hand is totally bruised and swollen today, and the left hand isn't great. I suffer for this game.)


lyle
2011-02-28 21:53:58

Lyle we believe you...

please don't cut off your arm :)


ahlir
2011-02-28 23:14:32

At the top of Federal Extension, just before it turns into North Federal.



coordinate: 40.465074, -80.01000


ahlir
2011-03-01 16:54:14

next tag:



clue: we've had some tough to reach tags in the recent past.

but to get this one, you'll have to go to the max.


ahlir
2011-03-01 17:08:09

swalfoort, this one's for you.


lyle
2011-03-01 17:32:30

Yay! It's nice to see crisp shadows appearing in the tags. Sun is back!


pseudacris
2011-03-01 19:47:10

for the record i just look at picture tags in this thread. so uh, keep it going! what are people all in a tizzy about?


ive never gotten a tag but i still enjoy it.


caitlin
2011-03-01 22:02:15



St Peters on middle St on north side, across from Max's Allegheny tavern. 3 blocks from where I work :-)


stefb
2011-03-02 11:28:34

Just wanted post #1600....


lou-m
2011-03-02 20:28:35

+ 1 Max's Allegheny tavern. They make the best potato pancakes!


greasefoot
2011-03-02 23:20:42

next tag:


domo arigato. i once watched local and touring bands play this tiny space. kinda made me sad when i went back there tonight and hardly recognized the place. it used to get really hot and stinky there on the warmer days, especially when there were crustier artists and fans in attendance.


stefb
2011-03-03 00:52:12

Photobucket Pictures, Images and Photos


Roboto (RIP). Wood Street in Wilkinsburg. It's been a while, and I know that we all miss it greatly.


chrispissingrivers
2011-03-03 03:14:11

Can someone post a pic of this in daylight so I can see what the place looks like?


stuinmccandless
2011-03-03 12:46:20

Stu, think Wilkinsburg dilapidated storefront and you have it. :)


rsprake
2011-03-03 18:27:47

::ckrickets:::


bikeygirl
2011-03-03 19:54:02

@Stu, you can see it in street view @ approx 722 Wood Street, Wilkinsburg.


pseudacris
2011-03-03 21:28:15

@caitlyn ive never gotten a tag but i still enjoy it.


Me too!


mick
2011-03-04 00:01:52

Wow a newbie gets the tag with his first post! Good job Chris, and welcome aboard....


marko82
2011-03-04 00:08:16

Hey, the Big Idea used to be there! (I just started volunteering there, and they mentioned roboto in their little "history of" blurb)


rubberfactory
2011-03-04 00:42:45

New tag;


Photobucket Pictures, Images and Photos


In this "ethnic" neighborhood there's a spot for 4-wheelers too.


chrispissingrivers
2011-03-04 11:45:16

Oh damn I might have to commute on my bmx today.


cburch
2011-03-04 12:58:02



Polish Hill, West Penn Park.

coords: 40.455940, -79.970373


ahlir
2011-03-04 15:05:41

On a side note, Ahlir, do you do any of the flock rides? I am wondering if I have met You.


stefb
2011-03-04 20:20:46

@stefb: well, no. The Flock starting times are a bit early for me, work-wise. Though a little while ago I did make it to a Midnight Flock!


ahlir
2011-03-04 21:34:02

Polish hill skatepark. It isn't the best skatepark around but, I still go there from time to time.


igo
2011-03-04 23:53:16

Great photo, Ahlir.


pseudacris
2011-03-05 03:01:23

new tag



Clue: It's a wood on a wood in a wood. With a bike rack.


ahlir
2011-03-05 16:46:58

is the photo perspective of the wood in a wood not on a wood? ;-)


sloaps
2011-03-05 17:22:24

Edgewood Rec Center, 1 Pennwood Ave in Edgewood!




pseudacris
2011-03-05 17:37:25

Does anyone know if this building was designed by Scheibler?


pseudacris
2011-03-05 17:40:57

It's in the ballpark, but their website says Edward B. Lee .


sloaps
2011-03-05 18:05:59

:::::::::::: NEW TAG ::::::::::::



I have no idea what goes on inside this building, I just like to wonder about who used to park here + I admire hand-lettered signs.


Not too far from this spot you can take up Hines Ward's new avocation, or find a slightly used furry friend.


pseudacris
2011-03-05 19:48:04

I'm guessing Ahlir will pick this up within 45 min.


pseudacris
2011-03-05 19:52:29

I wish I could. Especially since I know where it is.

But I'm all booked up until late tonight. Sigh.


ahlir
2011-03-05 20:29:55

rain is keeping me inside. i don't have proper gear or fenders.


stefb
2011-03-05 21:34:58

P3050001

On Hamilton Avenue, some of us ride back and forth on this stretch.


I don't understand the sign, though.


nfranzen
2011-03-05 22:27:19

Pico, for a cat is, reasonably smart. Or in other words, pretty dumb


PC130569


We got her on Hamilton Avenue


nfranzen
2011-03-05 22:40:42

Transtar (the sign over the door) is the name of automobile paint manufacturer. They are a second fiddle to PPG paints. The term Jobber is an autobody repair slang for "insurance job". This is probably a wholesale outlet for autobody repair supplies.


greasefoot
2011-03-05 22:41:38

My best guess would be that "ing" is covered up by that cement staircase and that there are some old loading docks hidden behind the corrugated steel. I like all the grays with just a few streaks of blue and yellow in your photo.


pseudacris
2011-03-05 22:42:35

Didn't want to leave you all hanging for a tag. Didn't move it too far. I had a long story in mind, but then I checked, and it turns out I have here a picture of the wrong gas station, without the dramatic story.


P3050004


Poor tree (sorry Caitlin), the urban environment is tough.


nfranzen
2011-03-05 23:17:24

We got our Rufus at ARL.


stefb
2011-03-06 03:17:44

I know where that tag is nate. I might get it tomorrow if there is a break in the rain.


igo
2011-03-06 04:50:43

the same homeless guy asks me for money at that latest tag all of the time.


stefb
2011-03-06 15:19:47

Hmm. If that is where I think it is, that "homeless" guy isn't homeless at all. Bumming money is his "day job." He has an apartment on Avondale. When he's not "on the job" he doesn't limp either.


atleastmykidsloveme
2011-03-06 16:07:55


Sunoco at ELB and Highland with the seminary in the background. (sorry for the terrible phone pic). It's true, chances are good someone will hit you up for something if you stop here. Also a good first place to look if your bike is stolen in the neighborhood.


dmtroyer
2011-03-06 18:58:57


In memory of those who lived and died on our streets. We believe you are no longer cold, hungry, lonely or frightened. May you watch over us from a warm, caring home above.


Cold nights and morning commutes make me think on this monument.


dmtroyer
2011-03-07 13:46:54

Fort Pitt Blvd Ramp @ Grant Street Downtown.



pseudacris
2011-03-07 15:57:33

Plz drop one by the end of the work day. Not that I would necessarily be able to get it, but I would like to try.


stefb
2011-03-07 16:38:26

I'll try, but tomorrow is a little more likely...deadlines amok today.


pseudacris
2011-03-07 17:00:09

Hah, I thought I could wait a few hours to go out for this. Three blocks from my office, too :(


lyle
2011-03-07 19:12:42

** regarding the poor tree, well, at least those new trees on hamilton are lookin good! too bad i didnt check this thread over the weekend, i could have grabbed that tag in like 5 minutes!! arg!


caitlin
2011-03-07 21:08:05

::::::::: NEW TAG :::::::::


If this thing weren't so bronze and so chimeric, I'd invite you all over for some Valencian Paella. This tag is just a hop a skip and a jump over from the one I picked up this morning.



Took the photo on my way home, but then had to run out the door to an event...just getting around to posting it now (sorry, stefb & Lyle...)


pseudacris
2011-03-08 02:24:12

definitely getting this tomorrow if it's still there.


rubberfactory
2011-03-08 02:29:16

Wow, "Posted 13 seconds ago". And I know where this is. My chances of getting this? Not zero but not much. If nobody grabs this by mid-morning, I might have a shot at it.


I'm impressed by all the tags you guys have placed and picked up over the weekend!


stuinmccandless
2011-03-08 02:39:28



the little parklet outside of PNC, right in between AIP and the shannon hall dorms


somewhat unrelated: every time I see this thread, new posts or not, the "new thread" icon is next to it, and it takes me to the first post instead of the first unread post.


anyway, I will put up a new tag tonight.


rubberfactory
2011-03-08 13:52:18

Today is fine weather for monkey business.


/


Note: not a tag!


lyle
2011-03-08 14:14:56

New Tag!

I love the graffiti in this particular area



hint 1: The smells on the way here are fantastic! For the most part, anyway: it starts with the stench of stale fryer grease. yuck. but as you get closer to this spot, you can smell grilled meats, fresh seafood, chocolate, and some very strange chemical/swimming pool kinda smell.


2: it's never lupus.


rubberfactory
2011-03-08 23:02:57

I am pretty sure that I rode past this on the way to work but didn't realize it.


On a side note, I think that the graffiti along the portion of the jail trail that is being worked on has been painted over. Sadface.


stefb
2011-03-09 13:03:28

Very likely. For the lurkers, everything you need to find this tag is in RF's earlier posts here -- no special knowledge of Pixbergia is needed. I'm waiting for better weather.


lyle
2011-03-09 13:49:48

there's definitely a love/hate thing going on between me and this particular place.


rubberfactory
2011-03-09 13:54:26

Cool. An olfactory clue.


ahlir
2011-03-09 15:30:28

that clue only works in that order when heading outbound


rubberfactory
2011-03-09 22:35:41

Now that gives it away.


lyle
2011-03-09 22:52:15

I looked for this graffiti in that fragrant neighborhood today, but struck out!


paulheckbert
2011-03-10 02:08:26

That person with a cigar in the corner has an entourage, if it help to find this spot!


rubberfactory
2011-03-10 02:11:44

There is a stencil on the Herron Avenue Bridge sidewalk in the same style of the shark. It's a bird that says something like "birds sleep in trees!" Makes me laugh when I see it.


rsprake
2011-03-10 02:47:30

Spring Way, behind the car wash. I got help finding this tag. By way of penance, the next tag will be super easy.


/


lyle
2011-03-12 17:06:54

This is what I thought the "lupus" clue referrred to. Buy a pepperoni roll, they're hot, delicious, and only $5.


/


This tag should last 20 minutes...


lyle
2011-03-12 18:00:49

/


This is what the "lupus" clue really referred to. (The previous post is the tag, not this.)


lyle
2011-03-12 18:43:40

I did not actually know where this was (apparently I don't look upwards), although google did tell me. What google says first, though, is that Wolfe Publishing Company is now in Arizona. So then the question was, what did they do in Pittsburgh? I'm still not sure, perhaps they were related to the school on Ohio River Boulevard. The school is not the site of the tag -- although that spot is one of the more cycling-friendly sections of ORB (I've ridden there), it is just beyond the edge of the Bike-Pittsburgh map.


:)


nfranzen
2011-03-12 18:58:25

I am not getting out today because of all of the st party's day celebrations. It makes me too nervous. too bad. It looks like a nice day


stefb
2011-03-12 19:33:34

It is great weather out. I saw the other stef out with a hoop, and where I was, the traffic was moving at a walking pace.


It's not the patty partiers, it's the potholes :(


lyle
2011-03-12 20:23:58

pepperoni roll? why not just buy a whole pepperoni (and, while you're at it, some capicola)


ahlir
2011-03-12 20:36:14

I struck out on Spring way today. Mostly glad I didn't get a flat. Where's the car wash? I also couldn't figure out the 2nd clue.


Lupus took the life of Flannery O'Connor, she wrote many a good book before death came upon her.


That's some great lettering on the latest tag, Lyle!


pseudacris
2011-03-12 21:36:21

Well, jeez Paul, Pseud -- you were only "this far" from the latest tag! The car wash is on Liberty Ave. I too was sure I was going to get a flat on Spring Way, between the potholes and the broken glass. I scoured and scoured Spring Way (and all the other alleys in the strip as well), I asked the garbage men, and finally concluded that it must be under the fresh paint. So I ducked into Mancini's and got a clue.


lyle
2011-03-12 23:53:30

What's the trick to get your picture to display? I'm using Firefox. Drag & drop doesn't work. Cut & paste of a picture doesn't work. What's the recipe to get a picture to display on this bboard?


Do I need to write HTML?


Let's try that:



paulheckbert
2011-03-12 23:56:06

^ awright! I see you got the html figured out. You can also edit your posts for up to ~1 hr. Good tag: hidden in plain sight. I think I've noticed it from afar driving up Liberty Ave or from a window while zooming past on the E Busway...


pseudacris
2011-03-13 00:25:20

I think we need a sticky post explaining how to post photos. Quick take, get a Flickr account, or suitable alternative. Post photo there. Grab the URL of the actual photo, starting with "http" and ending in ".jpg", then post here, replacing square brackets with angle brackets:

[img src="http://www.hostname.com/path/to/yourphoto.jpg"]

stuinmccandless
2011-03-13 00:33:21

geez, I used to stare at that for 8 hours a day and still couldn't identify it without the fudgie wudgie awning.


rubberfactory
2011-03-13 00:52:45

The Wolfe sign is a good tag. If you're on a bike, this will be behind you as you go down (one-way) Penn. You need to shop (or work) the neighborhood to know it.


ahlir
2011-03-13 01:27:29

Posting pics:

1) upload to your favorite site (flickr, picasa, etc.)

2) right click on the pic and select "Copy image URL" or equivalent.

3) paste in between the quotes in the following string in your post: < img src="" />


[[

by the way, it would help immensely if whoever put this website together could write up an actual guide to posting. The stuff in the yellow box (ending with "and so on") is pretty useless. Meanwhile people keep posting "how to"s over and over.


For that matter, enabling some additional markup (img alignment and simple tables come to mind) would immediately improve the visual quality of the Board. How hard can that be? It's all right there in the WordPress docs...

]]


ahlir
2011-03-13 01:32:39

New tag:



I wonder where this is.


Slight hint: photo was shot at 2:30pm yesterday.


paulheckbert
2011-03-13 07:51:16

wow great video. i like the "classic disaster music" in the first video. interesting to see all of the people in the second video wearing their nice pants, coats, and hats in the cleanup (although there are a few guys wearing some booties and overalls, it appears).


i love how this thread goes off on different interesting tangents, mostly with discussion about a particular tag.


i think i am gonna head out to get that last tag, although my warm bed sounds good right now, too.


stefb
2011-03-13 13:01:04


Wonder hostess bakery thrift shop on island Ave and preble. Manchester? This marker is taller Than me.


stefb
2011-03-13 14:30:32


i actually dropped one near my house for once. i rode to Higher Land to get this. It's near a Park, but beware: in the summer it tends to smell a lot in this area.


stefb
2011-03-13 16:22:36

Wait... is that a fish with a bicycle?


To clarify, I was angling for a connection to the following quote:

A woman without a man is like a fish without a bicycle. -- Gloria Steinem


ahlir
2011-03-13 18:14:11

I'm sure that while underwater, fins are all you need to propel yourself on a bicycle.


rubberfactory
2011-03-13 18:35:17

"A woman without a man is like a fish without a bicycle." Except maybe this fish.


(Seen on some girl's handbag at college, circa 1977-79. Geneseo was 70/30 female.)


stuinmccandless
2011-03-13 19:18:49

70/30?


I went to the wrong college.


atleastmykidsloveme
2011-03-13 23:31:27

Photobucket Pictures, Images and Photos


One Wild Place on your way up the hill to the zoo in "High Land" Park. Happens to be really close to our place too. Sorry for the poor quality, but it's pretty late. I tried to angle my headlight so at least the bicycle fish is visible. I'll post the next tag tomorrow after work if that's cool.


chrispissingrivers
2011-03-14 04:06:00

^ up to 36 hours is cool for posting the next tag. I like the nighttime shot.


pseudacris
2011-03-14 11:43:47

ah man... I need to jump back in on this stuff!


gimppac
2011-03-14 16:21:34

some tag trivia: the One Wild Place mural & Octopus's Garden are by the same artist


quizbot
2011-03-14 17:30:01

Next tag:


Photobucket Pictures, Images and Photos


The plan was to take this picture from out on the docks in the background, but the really high water we have right now wrecked that plan. The water was even higher in this spot 15 years ago in late January 1996.


Another hint: think potato chips.


chrispissingrivers
2011-03-14 23:01:37

I think this location should be benched


sgtjonson
2011-03-14 23:06:35

Quizbot, that mural was made in 2008. I thought it was from the 70s! I thought the octopus was also old, until I did some research last night.


stefb
2011-03-15 00:52:42

Quizbot, that mural was made in 2008. I thought it was from the 70s! I thought the octopus was also old, until I did some research last night.


stefb
2011-03-15 00:53:35

If you look at One Wild Place on Google Street View, some views show the current mural on a fresh new wall, while others show a decaying wall with a faded mural, surrounded by construction signs.


steven
2011-03-15 01:20:09

I discovered a cool thing about Street View last night, which is that the Google van going up Wild Place was tailing some cyclist. Either the guy was really good, or the van slowed down to follow him. (Was this spotted and commented on previously?)


It always creeps me out when some car behind me slows down and just starts following, when there's plenty of space to pass. I haven't yet decided if this is worse than the cars that gun their engine before they pass you.


ahlir
2011-03-15 02:07:58

A previous tag was very close to the current tag.


jeg
2011-03-15 02:11:01

I noticed the dude in the blue Riding up one wild place and also wondered If he was super fast!

Thanks for pointing out that mural on google maps, Steven!

Yeah i got lazy tonight and didn't go out. Tired after work, or I may have ventured out to get this tag.


stefb
2011-03-15 02:33:25

That wasn't a guy, it was a girl.


lyle
2011-03-15 02:42:28

@Lyle: hard to tell, but I should have been more generic in my reference. Do you know who it is?


ahlir
2011-03-15 02:44:57

If it's a woman she's very tall. Either way, it appears to be not a cyclist but a triathlete.


johnwheffner
2011-03-15 03:54:34

Haha yeah that cyclist ditched the bike and set off on foot!


stefb
2011-03-15 11:15:19



Three Rivers Rowing Association (and Beach Club?), Herr's Island. Coords: 40.466644, -79.976858

Boy, what a mess. What you should be seeing is a nice clean patch of asphalt; looks like the water may have poured into the building as well.


Off to the right across the water is the new stretch of the Heritage Trail, and Rt 28.


ahlir
2011-03-15 13:36:52

This is a very new Tag:



When I first saw this statue, I was convinced it had escaped from an institution just up the street and was running away. I was wrong, it was simply walking.


ahlir
2011-03-15 23:03:05

@jeg "A previous tag was very close to the current tag. "


Hence my "I think this location should be benched " pun


sgtjonson
2011-03-15 23:09:31

I didn't even know this thing existed 3+ weeks ago when it looks like that other tag was used. Big deal. It's not like it was the same spot or anything.


chrispissingrivers
2011-03-16 05:31:08

The tag that's close to the same spot as Chris's Washington's Landing tag was tag 16, set by jeg back in September. One of the two other tags on that island, Bikeygirl's tag 127, was set last month, but it's 1500 feet away.


This isn't the first tag set very close to an earlier one. Nick D set tag 107 very close to Ahlir's tag 64, both showing different bits of graffiti at Salem Halal Market. We've also had two tags on the same block of William Penn Place downtown.


Just some fun facts to know and tell.


steven
2011-03-16 12:06:37

Tag-oh-WAH-ma! Just because it was in the same area doesn't mean that it's not fun to go back. Maybe someone wanted to get the last tag there but didn't get a chance. It's a cool spot in Pittsburgh.


rsprake
2011-03-16 13:49:14

plus it isnt like every person playing has looked through this entire huge thread. it is a game, and it shouldnt matter too much if some tags are repeated. you still get a chance to grab that tag and tag a new photo. and if you have paid attention and know where one is because it is a repeat, good for you! you are better at it and can grab it easier!


caitlin
2011-03-16 17:03:09

X3, Pittsburgh is a small city and we will get some duplicate tags. I have several creative places for tags, I just need to catch one. I am too slow and keep getting bruced. I have no clue where the current tag is though.


jwright
2011-03-17 00:34:04

I had an idea of where this tag is and I looked around like the area like CRAZY and climbed some big hills but either it is not in that area or i missed it since it was dark. I had to call it a night, as i have been up since 430am.


stefb
2011-03-17 01:42:38

Following up on a sub-thread:


Most of the time people try to place tags that at least seem to be a bit challenging to locate. It's part of the fun: do you happen to know some spot in Pittsburgh that not too many others might know? Is your photograph just offbeat enough to obfuscate some common landmark?


There's really no particular incentive to place totally obvious tags: they get snapped up immediately. (Hey, I had one picked off in ten minutes. I should have known better.) Even if your goal is to get new people involved, there isn't any point to setting an obvious tag. I've tried it: the adepts just swoop right in and grab it.


Anyhow, to get to the point: there's nothing wrong with placing tags in more-or-less the same place, as long as you don't make it an obvious repeat. Heck, if dispersion was a criterion, downtown would have been out-of-bounds a long time ago. (Which is not to say that people ought'n try harder to fill in the blanks on Steven's map even if some neighborhoods are, in fact, just plain boring. I'd take it as an incentive to try harder.)

As an aside, I'm hoping that T-o-R will eventually give us an empirical view of what Pittsburghers actually find interesting in this town (the tourists can point us to the obvious stuff).


As for the current tag: For me, this is on a regular biking route (I see bikers all the time). Note that the "very new" qualifier is relevant: The statue only appeared a couple of weeks ago (I saw the workmen unloading it from the truck!)


ahlir
2011-03-17 01:58:59

Thanks to the clues, I know which land mass it's on, but no idea the specific location, or how to get there without drowning. I might give the bridge a try tomorrow. I want to see that sculpture from another angle & tap on it a few times to see if it's bronze or resin.


[edit] interesting link, ahlir!


pseudacris
2011-03-17 02:09:14

Given that we're in the City of Bridges, it might be neat to have a tag that's at the exact same spot on the map as another tag, but a different elevation.


(And credit where it's due: it's Charles's map, not mine. I've just put in a bunch of the more recent tags.)


steven
2011-03-17 04:17:14



cburch
2011-03-17 04:30:25

Ah guess I was way off on this tag. I think I rode past it yesterday after work but it was out of view or I didn't notice it.


I really think the only issue with this game should be if someone would drop a tag like 20 miles outside of the city, which i don't think would happen


stefb
2011-03-17 10:03:58

To save people unnecessary pedaling around:


- this tag is pretty far from any river

- the statue is pretty close to the street and is completely visible from it

- there have been other tags in the neighborhood


Just to be clear:

This isn't a serious game, but it doesn't follow that only unserious people should play.


ahlir
2011-03-17 12:29:16

can someone relink the map? i have no idea where it is in all this!


caitlin
2011-03-17 14:20:15

I thought I might know where this was, and rode up and down a bunch of hills, but I guess I was mistaken. Finding this one will be fun.


lyle
2011-03-17 15:28:52

No worries, I have not done much with the map in a while, but am glad it is being kept up to date by the community.


namtrahselrahc
2011-03-17 16:16:23

I thought it was Oakland. Rode up lothrop and hills beyond but didn't go down every street. Is That What you did, Lyle?


stefb
2011-03-17 16:57:30

Yup. I could swear I've seen that building somewhere.


lyle
2011-03-17 17:08:18

It looked like a parking garage up there. There is also a lot of constriction near the Peterson event center.


I am curious as to What that statue is doing. It looked like maybe he is wearing a toga or something but I didn't see it by any of the frats


stefb
2011-03-17 17:10:57

To me it looks like a Buddhist monk.


pseudacris
2011-03-17 17:19:38

To me it looks like a Zen Buddhist getting ready to ding-dong-ditch a Mahayana Buddhists house.


edmonds59
2011-03-17 17:50:16

i totally just passed this but didnt have my bike!! i might run back over to it. good tag!


caitlin
2011-03-17 20:00:58


caitlin
2011-03-17 21:00:42

augh im leaving town in 45 minutes and i might not have time!!!! but ill be back saturday....


caitlin
2011-03-17 21:00:54

Might have an idea...I'm in class until 9 but maybe ill test my phone camera's night capabilities..


kgavala
2011-03-17 21:36:15


I laughed out loud when I spotted this thing on my way home. I was daydreaming about places to look for it on Pitt's upper campus. It is on my Usual Route, but I've been taking other ways home lately.


Shady Avenue, near the corner of Kentucky.


Great tag, Ahlir!


pseudacris
2011-03-17 23:58:56

Ahhhhh. What is the institution in the clue?


stefb
2011-03-18 00:18:05

Newman Chiropractic and the Ronald McDonald House are nearby. Pittsburgh Center for the Arts, too.


Also, the thing is BIG. Maybe 1.5 scale.

A couple was peering over the caution tape as I rode up to it. One of them read me the inscription, which has to do with bridging the past and the future through architecture, or something.


(ding dong ditch the present?)


pseudacris
2011-03-18 00:23:12

Hah. I knew I recognized the building. I must have passed that place on foot, bike, or car, several thousand times. That is a new tag indeed.


lyle
2011-03-18 02:14:02

::::::::::::::: NEW TAG :::::::::::::::



This is in a popular neighborhood just outside of the city limits. A good place to watch an old movie or get a bite to eat.


Although there is great beer and great food right on this block, the coffee is sub par at most places. Why? Wah!


pseudacris
2011-03-19 13:06:12

Heh. This one is obvious for me and I agree about the coffee.


rsprake
2011-03-19 15:35:33

Maybe Espresso A Mano or Commonplace Coffee could be convinced to expand into this part of town. They'd probably do very well.


pseudacris
2011-03-19 15:55:23

D's 6 packs & Dogs

thousands of beers in the beer cave!

P3190009

Regent Square is well represented on this message board :)


A couple weeks ago we watched Pittsburgh Filmmakers premier Cold Weather ( trailer ) (in the Oakland theater, not at the RS Theatre). This was the show where they had the producer/director/writing team at the theatre, to talk about the film afterwards. These guys have left Portland and moved to, well, Wilkinsburg. Yes. They said they're excited about a couple new projects, one local film which will or should involve D's as a significant shooting location.


Tag-o-rama-wise, I'm going out on a longer ride now, going to move the tag westward. If you go now and start taking pictures of the West End Overlook or California Avenue or the McKees Rock Bridge or some other scenic location, maybe you can get lucky in advance.


nfranzen
2011-03-19 16:46:20

Regent Square is well represented on this message board :)


How many are Coffee Drinkers? Perhaps we have a critical mass?


pseudacris
2011-03-19 17:33:08

I thought this photo was a bit too obscure, although it's on a little stretch of worthwhile road. Go find it!


The tag

tag-o-rama

is not so obscure, although I had never been there until today.


nfranzen
2011-03-19 20:57:02

good job on that tag i was hoping to get!! of course nate goes and posts one ill have to ride far away to get to.


caitlin
2011-03-19 21:13:51

Photobucket

I looking forward to getting a drink from the water fountain only to find out it was turned off for the winter.


"West end overlook"


igo
2011-03-19 22:25:40

(Add the contents of THAT photo to the list of things Cleveland doesn't have.)


atleastmykidsloveme
2011-03-19 22:26:26

new tag

Photobucket


I bet Cleveland doesn't have any roads like this either.


igo
2011-03-19 22:48:28

Rising Main Avenue (tag photo actually shows part of Toboggan Street, too)


The red stenciled letters visible through the spokes read "371 STEPS". I believe this is the second-biggest staircase in the city.


stuinmccandless
2011-03-20 18:23:50

How many are Coffee Drinkers? Perhaps we have a critical mass?


I tend to spend my cafe time at 61c, Make Your Mark or Coffee Tree (shady side or bakery square.)


Well done with the unicycle Stu.


rsprake
2011-03-20 18:31:08

No hint needed, I go up these stairs all the time. As long as no one beats me to uploading the photos...


ndanger
2011-03-20 18:52:36

Yeah, I thought about that when I uploaded the photo. Oh well, it was a great day to take out the wheel.


Maybe the take-away is that Cleveland cannot have enough roads like this that you can get them confused with one another.


stuinmccandless
2011-03-20 19:06:08

TAG


Windom Stm off of P J McCardle.


ndanger
2011-03-20 19:10:24

NEXT TAG:


NEXT TAG


Continuing the trend of "steps" and "awful places to ride your bike to." Apologies if it's a repeat, I don't check this thread that often.


ndanger
2011-03-20 19:11:19

Damn, bruced :(



dwillen
2011-03-20 19:22:49

Dave: How about a hint?


jwright
2011-03-21 01:40:00

I'm pretty sure I recognize those stairs, but I can't remember precisely where. I have a couple of ideas.


lyle
2011-03-21 03:20:20

I know where this is, but when do I have time to grab it?


namtrahselrahc
2011-03-21 03:36:27

OK, dumb double post. I've done my internet duty by finding the map of transmitter towers. I thought it would be a matter of minutes looking at that one and the stair map, but I didn't see the site. Must be too tired. G'night.


nfranzen
2011-03-21 04:13:04

Hint: dirty dozen


ndanger
2011-03-21 05:17:49

I got nothing, I have been looking at maps for almost 40 minutes now, comparing DD climbs VS tower sites.


jwright
2011-03-21 13:42:09

I think I maybe just saw this from my office.


lyle
2011-03-21 14:10:55

Sounds like you need to go for a ride...


jwright
2011-03-21 14:35:56

After work, if it's not raining. I got a new helmet light AND FENDERS but I still don't want to mess with the potholes in the rain any more than I have to. Bruce me!


lyle
2011-03-21 15:11:44

I figured it out, but work and other obligations until 10pm for me, and that place does look like a crappy bike ride.


You can see the building and tower on street view :)




(Image sourced from Google Street View)


I believe this is about midway between the tag and the tower...


dwillen
2011-03-21 15:19:11

Found it! Gonna go for a ride now. Hopefully I can get there in time.


jwright
2011-03-21 16:00:17

I have not climbed that hill in a long time. Could be fun.


jwright
2011-03-21 16:01:30

Tag:

Photobucket Pictures, Images and Photos


Sycamore St, about 1/3 the way up.

That hurt a bit.


jwright
2011-03-21 17:13:37

dwillen & Jason got it.


Was the VHS copy of "Panty World Volume 2" still hanging from the fireplug? Because that was my favorite part:


A plug for Panty World Volume 2


ndanger
2011-03-21 17:17:42

New tag:


Photobucket Pictures, Images and Photos


Who ever thought that termites could cause potholes?


jwright
2011-03-21 17:51:28

I did notice a bunch of tape in the bushes but did not see the cassette it's self. What happened to volume 1, did you keep that for your self?


jwright
2011-03-21 17:52:47

I have volume 1 on beta.


ndanger
2011-03-21 18:23:08

is that a big deal?


hiddenvariable
2011-03-21 19:06:46

Damn, if someone want to grab it, go ahead, I don't think i am going to get back out for another tag today.


jwright
2011-03-21 19:07:05

I don't think it is a big deal, the city so only so big and there are bound to be duplicate tags. You can't expect everyone to remember all the previous tags.


jwright
2011-03-21 19:08:10

i think jason gets to leave whatever tag he wants since he started the game!


cburch
2011-03-21 19:25:43

I think dups are good, actually. I try to pick tags that are good places to see, worth visiting. The point is to get out and ride, I think.


If we stopped riding to places we'd already seen, we wouldn't ride very much.


nfranzen
2011-03-21 19:54:57


Worth a visit because the wood has such a nice impact on the ambient sound of this block.


pseudacris
2011-03-21 20:46:16

::::::::::::::::: NEW TAG :::::::::::::::::


Not very far away from the other one. I snapped this on the way home. The alley on the left has a great view of the Cathedral.



This spot may not seem that special, but I get little pangs each time I go by it because there used to be working Linotype, Ludlow, and Compugraphic Editwriter machines on the second floor, and the guy who ran them was a total sweetheart.


pseudacris
2011-03-21 20:53:50

Hahaha, I love the TWO parking tickets. Little too close to the corner, I'm guessing.


dwillen
2011-03-21 20:56:21

Dwillen, there are actually more than two there! At least one of the tires is flat.


pseudacris
2011-03-21 20:59:15

Hmm. It doesn't take a Village anymore...


atleastmykidsloveme
2011-03-21 22:46:49

^ HEY! Are you toying with potential tag seekers? That seems shady.


pseudacris
2011-03-21 22:55:17

Just havin' some Olde Tyme fun!


atleastmykidsloveme
2011-03-21 23:09:11


Comet way and I am not surea the street name. Right off of walnut.


stefb
2011-03-22 00:36:53

Ivy St. 2nd floor was home to Markowitz & Haas printers.


pseudacris
2011-03-22 00:47:26

I still want to visit the wooden street. Somebody with a bamboo frame and bamoo fabric clothes should ride over there for ultimate hipster cred


sgtjonson
2011-03-22 00:48:39

I wish it was light outside when I took this picture. The view of the cathedral is quite nice.


I hope it is still light by the time i get home from work tomorrow to drop the next tag.


stefb
2011-03-22 01:07:14

The wood street is off Ellsworth, very close to Aiken. I've lived in the E End for over a decade but only found out about this street through the Tag-O-Rama.


Do visit it: it's very cool! There's a ~2" wide strip of asphalt (or chipped tar) running up the length of it. Maybe some kind of expansion joint? Anyone know?


pseudacris
2011-03-22 01:08:41

Stef's mention of views of the cathedral reminded me of "One A Day: 365 Views of the Cathedral of Learning", a series of 365 paintings, each one featuring somewhere a bit of the Cathedral as seen from many different neighborhoods.


They're all on display on the 7th floor of Oakland's former Masonic Hall, now Pitt's Alumni Hall, at Fifth and Tennyson (after a stint at the Carnegie Museum in 1999).


They were painted from 1997 to 1999 by Spanish artist Felix de la Concha, one for every day of the year.


This PG article talks about how he hauled his painting gear around the city by bike.


The paintings are worth checking out.


steven
2011-03-22 02:37:33

^ I love those paintings! Now, when I get an unexpected view of the Cathedral, I think about paint :-).


They're really lovely.


pseudacris
2011-03-22 17:03:58

if it happens to be a re-tag, could you just keep quiet about it? i mean, in the rules it doesnt say anything about re-tags, i dont think, except "no whining", which would seem to cover the re-tagging discussion.


caitlin
2011-03-22 17:45:20

What she said.


cburch
2011-03-22 22:32:01

LOL, x3


jwright
2011-03-23 01:39:12


luckily colin was with me after we left the theater. his phone Works a lot better than mine in the dark.


edit - this has nothing to do with the tag, but i am very pleased with my new redline conquest classic from Thick.


stefb
2011-03-23 02:11:11

@psuedacris The wood street is off Ellsworth, very close to Aiken. I've lived in the E End for over a decade but only found out about this street through the Tag-O-Rama.


I walked past the street maybe a thousand times (really!) before I found out it was wood.


In the early 80's, there was a gas line problem underneath the street and the gas company rebuilt the whole thing. It was a smooth, gorgeous surface when they were done.


Great for dancing - which I did, regularly on Saturday nights, as I staggered home from the punk rock bars.


I once danced down that street playing a bass guitar through a battery powered amp strapped to my ass. 3 am Sunday moprning. I was trying to impress some woman with my scArY musical chops. Only to find out later she was Michael Hedge's girlfriend.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fTO4y5Mo8rk&feature=related


No matter. Michael's girlfriend was the chorus for my rendition on bass guitar, of Beethoven's 9th. I can deal with that memory.


One night, about the time I turned 40, I was out there dancing in the rain. And some wood nymph like creature just appeared and started dancing with me. One of the most amazing experiences in my life.


But then... she started appearing every time went out there. I realized she was (maybe) 15 years old and like a juvenile delinquent.


DANGER WILL ROBINSON!


I was about 273 in dog years.


I figured it was time for me to hand over the wooden-street-middle-of-the-night-dancing to the next generation.


It's probably safe for me to go back now.


mick
2011-03-23 02:48:56

Wow. Cancel the remainder of the season. Close the Board.


There will never be another post to top that from Mick.


God bless you, brother. That made my day.


atleastmykidsloveme
2011-03-23 02:55:05

Which bars were punk rock? Are they still around?


stefb
2011-03-23 09:18:49

@Mick - brave enough to dance up to the edge of the cliff, smart enough not to dance off. Thumbs up.

Sadly, the subject of punk rock bars is probably better left to the old farts thread at this point.


edmonds59
2011-03-23 11:17:24



Sauf Side Werks, across from Tusca. (I prefer the old mural around the corner, but this one has its points too.)


reddan
2011-03-23 11:33:38

*muttergrumble*


double post.


reddan
2011-03-23 11:34:21

Hey, the board likes me enough to let me post again. Yay.


reddan
2011-03-23 12:30:39

Yeah, there was a glitch.


edmonds59
2011-03-23 12:34:05

test


erok
2011-03-23 12:35:15

Oh man I remember hearing about that venue. Never had the pleasure of going. I did make it to graffiti before it closed. There was also a venue/bar on Butler I think where belvedere's is or near there. Can't recall the name.


stefb
2011-03-23 16:14:34

@stefb Which bars were punk rock? Are they still around?


Electric Banana was the premier punk rock bar. It's now Zarra's restaurant, on Bigelow Blvd, just after the Blvd splits from Craig St to go to Oakland. It's run by the same family.


Various other places Lion Walk -off the Melwood Alleyway, , Phase III in Swissvale, American Legion (???) in Squirrel Hill, general venues like Graffiti, assorted basements and living rooms.


31st St Pub had punk rock occasionally, probably still does.


"Punk" in Pittsburgh in 1979 might not be what you mean by punk now. Is a band with drums, two synths, and a saxophone punk? It was then.


My impression is the scene around Garfield/Bloomfield is pretty strong in comparison = at lest in some ways.


mick
2011-03-23 16:27:33

These are probably later than some of the ones that Mick mentions...but I'll throw in a shout out for the Turmoil Room (Wilkinsburg) and the Millvale Industrial Theatre.


pseudacris
2011-03-23 20:47:07

does anybody see dan's bike in that tag grab?


hiddenvariable
2011-03-23 20:54:28

I see a non-recumbent bike right in front of the mural. Presumed it was his.


pseudacris
2011-03-23 20:56:56

Razzberry Rhino, before the Banana Hammock Republic moved in.


edmonds59
2011-03-23 20:59:11

@edmonds I thought the Shadyside Banana Republic used to be a Gulf station (& former home to the fabulous Walter's Automotive now located on Baum)?


pseudacris
2011-03-23 21:02:16

Hmm, you're right, the Rhino was probably the next one, maybe, Chico's? Long time ago.


edmonds59
2011-03-23 21:19:44

I was planning on grabbing a new tag on the way home, but the hailstorm dampened my desire. I'll drop a new one tomorrow AM on the way to work...


reddan
2011-03-23 21:59:28

Oh such memories at MIT.


Dan, I don't Blame You. I am sitting with my bike waiting for a ride home :-(


stefb
2011-03-23 22:05:46

I'll post pics of my contusions, too...sort of a supplemental game of "pain-o-rama".


reddan
2011-03-23 22:34:14

Hey, let me thread-jack: let's not forget the (Ma)Sonic Temple in Wilkinsburg. Many a fine show were played there.


bjanaszek
2011-03-23 23:39:00

Wow. bjanazeks post there made me think: the perfect Pittsburgh game: "Stuff That's Not There Anymore-O-Rama!"


Nostalgia for the yinzers, torture for our out-of-town cousins.


atleastmykidsloveme
2011-03-23 23:50:40

Amusingly, one of my potential choices for next tag falls into that category.


reddan
2011-03-24 00:27:49

New Tag:



Something that's not there anymore, but I really wish it was. Woods Run is no substitute.


reddan
2011-03-24 11:37:16

"Bridge Closed". Yep, it sure is.


stuinmccandless
2011-03-24 12:54:07

I consider that sign a masterpiece of understatement.


reddan
2011-03-24 13:42:33

Hm... I know where it is, but I've never actually been there.


salty
2011-03-26 04:40:16

Figured it out on street view, but have never ridden out that way. Maybe I'll attempt it Sunday if the tag's still lingering?


pseudacris
2011-03-26 12:00:18

I think figured it out on street view also. I like how there is a bridge in the pic. I probably can't get the tag till monday if it is still there.


jwright
2011-03-26 13:13:48

I'm surprised this one is still up. Tonight I will have my new wheels set up, and should try rolling out there tomorrow. Interestingly, I don't know which side that photo is on and I kinda think I shouldn't check in advance. On the other hand, my new setup is fixed, so guessing wrong is costly...


nfranzen
2011-03-26 23:32:56

In the interests of avoiding utter anguish on the part of Nate or others, I'll say that it's the side closer to California.


reddan
2011-03-27 02:11:17

Continuing in my efforts to keep the tag out of the east end, we have

tag-o-rama

Rebel without a cause, has a deal on wheels for you.


nfranzen
2011-03-27 18:07:30

Edit: I thought this was somewhere else. This looks different on street view now.


stefb
2011-03-27 18:47:27

Interesting. Yeah, I bet the street view images are several years old.


Mostly I liked the western PA geology with the icicles hanging.


nfranzen
2011-03-27 19:19:27

so, i went on the side farther from california. whoops! but i knew i'd likely be bruced anyway, and i'm sure i would've been.


hiddenvariable
2011-03-28 14:45:09

crap. another tag practically in my backyard (I think) that I have little chance of actually grabbing thanks to my crazy schedule. But, maybe now that I know how to post photos, I can actually grab one, if still available tonight.


swalfoort
2011-03-28 16:59:15

The weather turns cold and the tag sits.


Swalfoot, it looks like you are going to have to get it.


jwright
2011-03-29 12:50:56

I may be able to get it this evening. But, there are only three ways in, and they are all ugly hills in one way or another. The least attractive route, in and out, is the one most convenient to me.


Ok, if it is still there this evening, I'll get it.


swalfoort
2011-03-29 12:58:11

Edit: double post.


Hey, Nate, did you check out the waterfall in a nearby backyard when you got this tag?


swalfoort
2011-03-29 12:58:28

No, I didn't, I was rolling out westward & exploring after picking up Dan's tag on Davis Ave, and I'd never ridden up that particular "Run Road", so I took it. I thought it was pretty nice all in all, but it turned into something grueling for me on a fixed-gear with all my wintry flab. Ouch.


I took pictures along the way. Since I made kind of a loop, I considered making the new tag the *other* side of the Davis Bridge. But I picked something more out of the way for most of us.


nfranzen
2011-03-29 15:02:00

Yay! My first successful tag!


James Dean Auto Center, near the intersection of Jacks Run Road and Brighton Road. Interesting location in that heading away from this site you have three options, all uphill. That should mean that you have a nice downhill to get to it, but two of them are pretty hairy, and the third is only slightly better. Allegheny County riding at its best!


James Dean


swalfoort
2011-03-29 23:57:25

New Tag - still staying out of the east end.


Tag1


swalfoort
2011-03-31 13:50:07

Is it another by Frank Vittor?


nfranzen
2011-03-31 13:55:52

It is NOT by Frank Vittor, but by a contemporary of his.


swalfoort
2011-03-31 14:25:36

@Swalfoort: I'm highly amused, as that was the other option I was contemplating in place of my Davis Ave No-Bridge tag.


The painted toenails are a source of endless amusement to my kids.


reddan
2011-03-31 15:01:27

It's a great sculpture. I just noticed the toenails for the first time today.


I was so slow in getting the Jacks Run tag that I wanted the next tag to be accessible ehough for people to get to quickly so we could keep things moving.


Did you know that the same artist did the Doughboy statue? That was dedicated a year earlier, but commemorated the same war.


swalfoort
2011-03-31 15:09:04

I can't wait for nice weather so I'll actually be motivated to ride for reasons other than necessity: exercise, exploring, this game...


kgavala
2011-03-31 15:25:42

I looked at that as I rode past it on Wednesday. I took another picture just a few hundred yards away, IIRC.


stuinmccandless
2011-03-31 17:31:22


Legion Memorial Park, Brighton Heights, near the intersection of Davis and Brighton Rd.


reddan
2011-03-31 20:59:34

Sculpture is called "Sacrifice" and is dedicated to the soldiers of WWI. Sculptor is Allen G. Newman, who also created the Doughboy statue in Lawrenceville (just outside the Bike Pittsburgh offices). His most famous sculpture is "The Hiker" aka a WWI infantryman, on display in Buffalo. It is thought to be one of the most iconic images of WWI.


swalfoort
2011-03-31 23:19:43

Reddan (and Stu) - sorry for making this one so easy. And, I expected closeups of the toenails!


swalfoort
2011-03-31 23:20:03

Somebody should put a tag at the copy of the Hiker statue. At least once I stopped on my bicycle and ate a sandwich next to it. Maybe more times.


Also I've ridden past this Sacrifice statue several times without stopping to see what's in that triangle of grass where Brighton hits Shadeland. Next time I will stop and look.


nfranzen
2011-03-31 23:59:42

New tag:



I wanted to drop something more interesting, but realized I wouldn't have time until Sunday.


Ah, well. TGIF.


reddan
2011-04-01 11:41:16

I think I know where this tag is. I just can't get excited about going out and grabbing it in the cold slop I was just out in.


swalfoort
2011-04-01 18:31:13

I have an idea of where this is, But this damn cold has turned into a sinus infection. I hope to be participating in this game again by the end of the weekend. I am going through withdrawal. I haven't been on a bike in 9 days


stefb
2011-04-01 18:45:41

Funny, when I saw the tag this morning I had a quick quess as to where it was, tried a check on google maps and decided I was wrong.


Just now, after a more exhaustive look, ... , more careful streetviewing, my first guess was completely correct.


I keep thinking of sandwiches. Late summer last year, M and I were out on the tandem and bought hoagies from ... a few doors up the street from this tag. Rode away to a nearby park and had a picnic.


I've several times gone past this tag by way of Sewickley, but that's definitely the long way round.


nfranzen
2011-04-02 00:00:24


Tom Friday's Market


ETA: In Brighton Heights. I took this almost 5 hours ago, and was very lucky that nobody grabbed it first. (On the way back I stopped downtown to see a really good stage production of The Elephant Man.) (Disclaimer: I'm involved with the local theater company hosting the show. [It's still really good though.])


steven
2011-04-02 02:41:15

New tag:


Clue: Crash here? Who do you think you are?


steven
2011-04-02 18:12:05

People, people, people, come on!


This tag isn't going to last till Monday.


My first two looks at this picture I thought, nope, no idea. Then my unconscious said to me, wait, isn't that at ... and it was.


Understanding the clue took some additional googling but definitely lol-worthy


nfranzen
2011-04-03 01:36:30

Good one!


stefb
2011-04-03 11:49:46

Drat - Bruced! I should have riddin home faster.




marko82
2011-04-03 17:51:01

New tag? It is a nice day, unlike tomorrow.


jwright
2011-04-04 11:17:51

The fact that you have a 36 hour time window to drop a new tag does not mean you have to wait that long. What is wrong with dropping a new tag during the same ride you picked up the tag? Rant over.


jwright
2011-04-04 16:40:36

Heh. I'd like to request a re-reading of Rule 6.


reddan
2011-04-04 16:45:21

What is wrong with dropping a new tag during the same ride you picked up the tag?


Some players don't have smartphones that can post pictures from the road. They may want to rush home to avoid being bruced, especially if they've got a location in mind in another part of town.


steven
2011-04-04 17:15:12

I can't post from the road. Sometimes I don't have time to get a 2nd tag on the same ride unless it were to be right next to the tag I just picked up. Other tags have sat a lot longer than this one, geez. Here comes the new tag...


pseudacris
2011-04-04 17:19:10

:::::::::: NEW TAG :::::::::::


Don't stare et this tag too long or you might grow eyes on the back of your school.


pseudacris
2011-04-04 17:24:42

Ha, good one reddan!


I know exactly where this one is at! Now if I can get out before the monsoon moves in...


jwright
2011-04-04 18:26:30

* * * c r i c k e t s * * *


(kidding)


pseudacris
2011-04-04 19:01:03

I always try to drop another tag right after I get one, but that is just me. I am home and showered already after a long ride. What beautiful weather it was


stefb
2011-04-04 19:27:36

*looks out window*


Beautiful weather.


*looks out window again*


"I do not theenk that word means what you theenk it means."


reddan
2011-04-04 19:31:09


ETA: Selkirk and Edgerton, behind Sterrett Classical Academy.


Apropos of a tag behind a school, I learned several things today.


1. Having rain gear is important, but bringing your rain gear with you is even more important. (Even if you're sure you'll be back before the rain starts, since you're not going very far at all.)


2. Bringing a map is a good idea, even if you think you must know the area pretty well, since it's not very far at all. Getting lost (twice) can slow you down.


3. I am now, it seems, a (rather soggy) badass.


steven
2011-04-04 19:32:05

New tag


Clue 1: There are several pieces of street art in this area.

Clue 2: The wind! All we are, as the song says.


steven
2011-04-05 20:19:51

that's right by where i work! too bad i haven't figured out how to start riding to work yet.


twinreverb
2011-04-05 21:18:24

That's on my commute (ish), too bad I took the bus today.


lyle
2011-04-05 21:38:17

I have no idea about this one. The total absence of vegetation, narrow sidewalk, and age of the building in the foreground seem like good clues. hmmm


pseudacris
2011-04-05 22:00:18

well, that sign narrows it down a lot - seems perfect for Mick.


[edit: and I lol'd about the clue when I figured it out... well done.]


salty
2011-04-05 22:14:22

If I'm following the clue correctly, I don't think the street view truck made it here. Am I on track?


marko82
2011-04-06 00:51:11

Great clue, hahaha. Marko, the tag is on street view...


I wish I had time to go get this.


kgavala
2011-04-06 01:02:36

,


marko82
2011-04-06 01:11:28

I just spent way too much time obsessing on finding this. It took me a long while to get the gist of it.


nfranzen
2011-04-06 02:50:35

Did we break the board? It says there is a repy from nate but I can't see it.


I almost went to get this "on my way home" but I figured it was really on a lot of peoples ways home and I'd get Bruced...


salty
2011-04-06 03:00:02

I don't know what salty was complaining about, this thread works. I took the bus again today, though. Maybe tomorrow.


lyle
2011-04-06 12:57:45

Are you kidding me? I JUST rode past this yesterday and mentally mapped it to be my next tag. I'll see if I can pick it up this afternoon, if still there.


swalfoort
2011-04-06 13:13:50

i am off today. i can't figure out where this is. sounds like it is on a commuter route if this many people know where it is...

is the man in the painting in bill and ted?


stefb
2011-04-06 13:40:00

He's a local guy. He's known for bringing food to a regular gathering in the area (now ended).


I don't want to give the whole thing away, but if you're Reading this series of posts, you can find more than one hint on the street name.


steven
2011-04-06 16:02:43

Gist Street, just a stones throw from the former residence of Joe F.


Gist Street, Hill District


Actually, technically in a small alley just feet from Gist Street. About half a block south of Forbes.


swalfoort
2011-04-06 17:40:38

New tag:


I couldn't resist this tag. I don't remember it being used before, but if it is a duplicate, I apologize.


Flying Colors


swalfoort
2011-04-06 17:44:28

Ha... I almost skipped out of work to go get this, and I think I would have gotten Bruced.


It's actually on Tustin St, n'est-cs pas? (cue chucking and/or audible groan)


I have no idea where the new one is...


salty
2011-04-06 17:48:15

@salty - while I was getting a potential (but unused) tag nearby, I saw a cyclist on this block. He seemed to shake his fist at me, as if he had bruced me. I was just hoping that he did not have remote upload capabilities, or I would have been bruced.


swalfoort
2011-04-06 17:51:01

I was clueless until Swalfoort posted, but I found some interesting history on the google thing:


In 1808 James Tustin acquired by purchase the property where he established his homestead then in Pitt township This property was bounded by what is now Fifth avenue Soho street and Wyandotte lane north of Fifth avenue There was also a manor lot of many acres south of Fifth avenue and extending along the Monongahela river from Lock No 1 to Brady street In Tustin street near the center of this plot James Tustin's name has been commemorated while the whole district of Soho the name given by him is still retained in Pittsburgh nomenclature The Tustin home was built of stone and stood on the north side of Fifth avenue opposite Seneca street and was one of the finest mansions in Pittsburgh in its day and stood until 1903. "History of Pittsburgh and environs, Volume 1 By American Historical Company"


marko82
2011-04-06 17:55:48

The recently-ended Gist Street Reading Series was in the building just across Tustin Street from the one with the renaissance painting, in the home/studio of sculptor James Simon. The painting "Portrait of Antoine", of local Gist Street resident Antoine Lynn, is by John Fleenor.


James Simon and John Fleenor have produced quite a few artworks for Gist Street. I took some photos, and James Simon has a web site with more.


Simon also made the three tall musicians on Liberty Avenue downtown, and a Bloomfield memorial to the three police officers killed in Stanton Heights two years ago, which was just dedicated on Monday.


steven
2011-04-06 18:06:47

The frog sculpture was the tag I was taking when I thought I was being bruced for the Gist/Tustin tag. I love the tall musicians!


swalfoort
2011-04-06 18:18:52

oooh, I do know where the new one is.


I didn't recognize the last one despite having been to several of the Gist St Readings (R.I.P.).


pseudacris
2011-04-06 20:45:35

Salty, that's how I found it, too.

I'm pretty sure I know the new tag, unless there's another sculpture just like it somewhere else. Maybe I'll get it tomorrow, but not today.


lyle
2011-04-06 20:49:03


5th and Gist St.


I never knew this sculpture was wood. Also it is really falling apart.


namtrahselrahc
2011-04-06 22:19:12

New Tag:


The stairs in this picture are labeled as a road on google maps. Off of one of the center streets in Pittsburgh.


namtrahselrahc
2011-04-06 22:23:45

How about a historical clue as to what church that is or maybe hint on the street name? I might have some time in the morning to try and get this.


jwright
2011-04-06 23:43:38

Doh, just realized there is a clue in there.


jwright
2011-04-06 23:45:38

Found it, going in the AM...


jwright
2011-04-07 00:10:34

Tag:


Photobucket Pictures, Images and Photos


jwright
2011-04-07 13:10:53

Anything interesting in that trench? Is it a slough? I love the view of the church.


pseudacris
2011-04-07 13:16:48

I forgot to say where the tag was, centre ave and watt St. I have never been on that part of center and it is actually a nice ride.


I did not notice anything in the trench other than a tire.


jwright
2011-04-07 13:42:44

It looked like the remnants of some sort of water retention system.


namtrahselrahc
2011-04-07 13:52:27

New tag:

Photobucket Pictures, Images and Photos


Here is a little bit that was on the side:


Photobucket Pictures, Images and Photos


According to my computer it was about a 10 mile ride to this tag. I think this is just off the edge of the bike pgh map by a few hundred yards.


jwright
2011-04-07 14:35:01

This is a horrible tag, in a rocky kind of way. (cross thread reference;-))


marko82
2011-04-07 15:04:49

these tags have been really good lately!


caitlin
2011-04-07 15:12:45

That sign is pretty cool at night all lit up.


It is a beautiful day out there for a ride. I am glad I got one in this morning. That is the most I have ridden in over a month.


jwright
2011-04-07 16:04:34

I'm very interested to learn where this is. As far as I know, there are two streets in PIttsburgh named for members of this fine expedition: Celeron Street in Park Place (different spelling from what's pictured above) and Joncaire Street in Oakland.


Neither one is the tag.


mmfranzen
2011-04-07 16:16:47

Ah when I lived in larryville and wanted a mostly flat ride, I would ride out there...unless there is a lighted sign somewhere else along That river also. Maybe I can get this after work.


stefb
2011-04-07 17:22:55

Dang, I can't go that far today.


lyle
2011-04-07 18:09:58

These light up? I never knew that! The ones in my neck of the woods don't. That must be SO COOL to see! Although the non-illuminated versions seem so much more authenticly historic.


swalfoort
2011-04-07 18:27:46


18 miles from home. ARB in Verona


marko82
2011-04-07 18:41:43

OK, so Jason now has tagged down the north-eastern corner of the map. At the moment I still have the farthest points on other three corners.


Here's a link to the google map: http://tinyurl.com/3sehl3c


btw, I think the blue lines on the google map are well inside the borders of the paper map.


nfranzen
2011-04-07 19:10:59

New tag: Find the previous Verona tag on the BP map. Flip the map over and look on the bottom edge. Strange that there are no brooks lining any of the streets…



It was a long day, I think I’m ready for a malt beverage.


marko82
2011-04-07 22:22:37

@swalfoort-there was a story in the PG about those markers - apparently there were four "boulevards" that were part of a master plan (I can only think of ORB and ARB). But they were built around the same time (I want to say 1920's or '30's?), and to similar design specifications. Each originally had this same type illuminated marker on it. So, apparently the illumination feature IS original.


atleastmykidsloveme
2011-04-07 22:46:17

I googled it. "Directional pylons" is the key search term. Yep. Four boulevards: ARB, ORB, Saw Mill Run and Mosside Boulevard. Mosside were never constructed. Saw Mill Run were lost to a) accident and b)construction. I went to get a photo of the ones on ORB, a few blocks from home and discovered that they are now GONE. Victims, it seems, of the Lowries Run Bridge reconstruction. I wonder if they are coming back?


swalfoort
2011-04-07 23:55:30

Marko, plenty of malt beverages available at the drive-thru place right across the street from your tag


buzz1980
2011-04-08 01:27:06

I took a pic on the way home tonight. I think it looks really cool all lit up.


Photobucket


jwright
2011-04-08 01:37:06

Nate, I jut looked at the blue lines and I know the eastern edge is too far east of the map limits. The map shows Sandy creek (RT130) and ARB intersecting pretty clearly. I am pretty sure the ARB pylon was only a few hundred yards off of the map (if you look at the bit that shows behind the legend).


jwright
2011-04-08 01:46:35

Is anyone planning on getting this today?


stefb
2011-04-09 21:02:02

I was hoping someone would get it today, since I'm planning on riding out tomorrow morning, and in the opposite direction. But if no one has gone to buy pitas today, I might have to change my plans for tomorrow.


nfranzen
2011-04-09 21:22:07

I am going to set out for it after dinner I think


EDIT: my husband doesn't feel that it is smart to go through the neighborhoods i would have to go through as it gets dark/is dark, so perhaps tomorrow morning.


stefb
2011-04-09 21:44:55

^ +1 daytime should be ok though.


marko82
2011-04-09 23:01:39

Yeah. After living in a few of the neighborhoods she would be slowly climbing through near or after dark I didn't like the idea. I like having a live, non-mugged wife.


cburch
2011-04-10 01:16:47

You're so square.


lyle
2011-04-10 01:18:59

Thread is broken again?


cburch
2011-04-10 01:21:05


Brookline Blvd and chelton Ave.


Now I have to figure out if I want to go back Into town the way i came.


stefb
2011-04-10 14:51:55


i don't think this has been used yet. i just love this. the White balance may be off and i didn't know how else to Line my bike up with this headstone other than laying it down on the ground.


stefb
2011-04-10 17:20:53

Well, I know where this is, but I don't know *where* this is, if you get my drift.


stuinmccandless
2011-04-10 17:54:58

i left hidden directions in the clue


stefb
2011-04-10 18:16:04

STOCK PHOTO!! not a tag pickup


In summer, the vegetation growing out of that roof adds a nice touch. Probably would be spooky if not for the bright sunlight.



nfranzen
2011-04-10 19:34:36

AH I RODE PAST THAT 20 MIN AGO


caitlin
2011-04-10 23:06:35

Stef, it’s a little late but good job picking up the Brookline tag. I’m not sure which route you took, but yeah, the South Hills suck for bike riding.


(when is this board going to be fixed :-/)


marko82
2011-04-11 01:43:32

How I would've gotten to the Brookline tag, had I recognized it: Bus it to the South Busway's Central stop, hauled the bike up the right staircase, about 150 steps, then biked Brookline Blvd. That would have taken you right to the place. Nice combination of bus, stair climbing and a pleasant ride there.


The bigger question is, how did you get home? I'd've been tempted to come down Pioneer, cross West Liberty onto Hargrove, hop up on the half-abandoned railroad tracks, and when you get to the end of the building across from the end of the Wabash Tunnel, cross 51 on their parking lot, and use the tunnel.


stuinmccandless
2011-04-11 08:35:06

I have a friend that lives a few blocks away and he sometimes goes through the liberty tunnels into town. Not something I would do, especially without a blinky.


I got there the same way I went home: 18th street to Brownsville road, nobles lane, cross 51 to whatever the road is named before it turns into whited, then it dropped me onto Brookline. The ride home was a bit hilly but nothing compared to the ride there. It was an interesting ride. I thought about bussing part of it but I need to get miles and hills in before pedal Pittsburgh.


stefb
2011-04-11 09:52:21

West Liberty is the better option, when compared to Pioneer. Pioneer is full of potholes, is a rough road where there aren't holes and does not allow for enough room for cars to pass safely.


buzz1980
2011-04-12 02:37:50

I may grab this tag on my way into Tahn this morning.


stuinmccandless
2011-04-12 06:58:22

If you are going up, look over your right shoulder. If you are going down, look to your left shoulder


stefb
2011-04-12 10:54:22

Landshark.



Lester C. Madden's grave in Allegheny Cemetery.


street view


quizbot
2011-04-12 13:47:50

By the time I came through last night, the cemetery was closed :(


lyle
2011-04-12 14:42:13

Darn, bruced.


0412011008


stuinmccandless
2011-04-12 15:23:16

Double Bruce:



That was a fun tag. I don't go through that cemetery very often: it's a very strange and wonderful place.


pseudacris
2011-04-12 16:20:59

(Sort of a triple Bruce - "Bruce" was the nick-name of the mechanical shark used filming Jaws. I watch too much TV.)


atleastmykidsloveme
2011-04-12 16:22:45

i love this grave. i love many cemetery graves, that if i had a tag i would be tempted to always go there!


caitlin
2011-04-12 16:40:47

Also, Bruce was the shark in Finding Nemo (although that was a tribute to the Jaws Bruce, so I don't know if that counts)


rubberfactory
2011-04-12 18:07:21

LOLZ


stefb
2011-04-12 18:10:29

RF - That makes it a Bruce to the Fourth Power!


atleastmykidsloveme
2011-04-12 18:17:21

Flock of Bruces.


mick
2011-04-12 18:35:34

g'day bruce!


hiddenvariable
2011-04-12 20:05:11

I've been in my mind,

it's such a fine line

That keeps me searching

for a cup of gold




quizbot
2011-04-12 23:35:00

Hey quizbot, love your bike, man.


People come staggering out of there, high on psychoactive stimulants, who knows what they're gonna do.


nfranzen
2011-04-12 23:46:18

I am 95% sure I know where this is and it is like 4 blocks from my house but I am in my pjs and there is a fire going and a 100lb dog is on my lap with a 62lb dog laying on him. Not leaving house


stefb
2011-04-13 00:38:08

This post number is my birth year. In the next week we'll go through all our birth years and on ..


...into...


THE FUTURE!


mick
2011-04-13 01:06:38


tazza d'oro on highland


stefb
2011-04-13 10:25:49

Hey, Stef! Glad the dogs let you up to let you get to this tag! Fire and large lap dogs sounded good last night, after walking a mile from the bus in the cold rain.


swalfoort
2011-04-13 13:18:33

bah! i had absolutely no idea where that was or i would have saved you the trouble of going out in the dark to get it.


salty
2011-04-13 13:54:38

I recognized it instantly, but I know that >20 of you live closer to it than me, and it's a 57-minute bike ride away.


[ah, post # missed my birth year by one!]


stuinmccandless
2011-04-13 14:01:02

I got it on the way to work. Sorry my phone takes shitty pictures in low light/dark. Plotting my next tag


stefb
2011-04-13 17:30:59


The street that intersects with this street is a name a laugh at. "La Adams apple" street. We rode past this on the flockride last week.


stefb
2011-04-13 20:21:28

Federal Street at Lacock, underpass under railroad.


Federal Street at Lacock, underpass under railroad


That's Bike #3, my son's ride. It usually travels down to AIP on the front of a McKnight bus, but with two other bikes down with chain trouble, I decided to make a trip into Tahn on it.


stuinmccandless
2011-04-14 18:45:56

0414111554


Like the phoenix rising from the ashes, some things Sprout from Kuhn's Quality Foods.


stuinmccandless
2011-04-14 20:40:30

I think I might have to ride in tomorrow morning after all.....


swalfoort
2011-04-15 01:02:10

I took this exact photo a couple weeks ago and almost posted it as a tag. So I have some pretty fresh stock photos I could try to pass off as the real thing, tulips, rowers, my bicycle, I got it.


nfranzen
2011-04-15 01:18:06

@Nate, do you have a photo of the other side of the building? Or the lower left corner of this side? Those are what make the clues make sense, obvious if you happen to be right there looking at it.


stuinmccandless
2011-04-15 01:24:40

I'm so bummed! Last night I went out to get the 2 Wheelset of Fortune tags. I had no idea that the Tag-O-Rama tag was just a few blocks from my route to the Middle Street tag.


I could have done a triple-tag night, arggghh.


teamdecafweekend
2011-04-15 01:29:41

Boo, not sure. Apparently no pictures on this computer here. I might not have, um, kept them at all. I think there's some pretty clear clues there. I'll add one more, the location is not at all convenient to us easterners.


nfranzen
2011-04-15 01:52:16

Oh man I am a dumbass. I went out looking for it but came up empty and now i realize where it is. I looked around the kuhns off of Brighton. I should have thought harder. When i lived in the cascades, I would come down this road at the beginning of my treck into town. Fffffffffffuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuudge. Maybe tomorrow before work if I am not exhausted. But if i get bruced, at least I will have gotten some good climbs in.


stefb
2011-04-15 01:58:59

I won't bruce you.


lyle
2011-04-15 11:14:24


Perrysville and Vincentian in observatory hill. I will post pics of theother side of the building later. Gotta get to work. All downhill from here


stefb
2011-04-15 11:30:48



This is the other side of the building that the previous tag i picked up. i guess that is commodore perry in the mural. a co-worker's nephews goes to perry and they are the commodores.


new tag:



this tag does not push the Boundaries of this game, but I do love going past the ghost guys from pac-man. i do not love the loud, sketchy noise that pipe makes.


stefb
2011-04-16 18:54:16

a co-worker's nephews goes to perry and they are the commodores.


Probably not these commodores.


pseudacris
2011-04-16 19:01:37

wakka wakka wakka


quizbot
2011-04-16 20:38:53

Photobucket

This was an easy one. Boundary st.


Isn't that bridge supposed to be a rare type?


I will post a new tag tomorrow. We really should think about starting tag-o-rama #2. The thread is messing up because we have so many replies.


igo
2011-04-16 23:45:41

The pghbridges page on this bridge says

This trestle is one of the few wooden trestles in the county -- and all the more special since it handles almost daily railroad traffic. The other wooden bridges in Allegheny County are pedestrian bridges.


steven
2011-04-17 05:28:26

The "daily railroad traffic" part is no longer true: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10028/1031690-155.stm


Since i read that article I've been wondering if they were going to take the bridge down. I hope not, because its probably the only thing preventing Boundary St from turning into a freeway.


salty
2011-04-17 11:38:22

TURINING into a freeway? I think the speed limit is 25 and i know cars pass me at 45 as it is


But anyway, what is up with that noisy pipe?


stefb
2011-04-17 11:48:18

Yeah, good point... but imagine how much worse it would be if the bridge wasn't there.


salty
2011-04-17 11:52:08

I believe the pipe carries steam that heats all the buildings on the Carnegie Mellon campus. Those and the Carnegie Museum and Library were all heated from the central boiler plant that is adjacent to the trestle, so none of those buildings had to have individual heating boilers. Super efficient, really. The trestle used to carry railroad cars of coal for the boiler, but it was converted to gas not too long ago.


edmonds59
2011-04-17 12:25:02

Ok. I did see the articles. Guess I didn't realize that the pipes would be that loud from something like that.


stefb
2011-04-17 12:27:45

Photobucket

This tag comes with a cliffside view. It is much easier to see when looking up in a particular district.


igo
2011-04-17 14:02:42

I know where that is. if you look over the cliff side view you can see the footings of an old incline that went up that hillside.


Also that new construction is what caused the damage to the house on the right. The house on the right was occupied when the cinder block wall of the new construction fell down, caving in the roof of the house while the owner was home. You can see new cinder blocks inside of the old house.


Now to work up the motivation to go ride... Probably not going to happen today. I was going to get yard work done.


jwright
2011-04-17 14:37:46

I will stop being such a tag hog. But if this sits for several days, I will get it to keep things moving along.


stefb
2011-04-17 15:06:56

I can't believe the story about the block falling on the other house, that's awful. I wonder what the contractor's excuse was. "I didn't see the other house", "The other house was in the way of my house", or "The other house wasn't wearing a helmet". Accidents, hmph.


edmonds59
2011-04-17 15:26:25

@edmonds - thats a cheap shot. Construction accidents and auto v. bike "accidents" have zero in common. We all like low fruit, but that's a stretch.


atleastmykidsloveme
2011-04-17 15:38:50

Concrete block is pretty stable and predictable stuff. Single wythe masonry walls are required to be braced with temporary lumber shoring at some maximum vertical height as they are constructed to prevent just such things from happening, so they either had mason who didn't know what the hell they were doing, or were intentionally shortcutting. Either way, in any given realm, many accidents aren't "accidents". Threadjack apologies.


edmonds59
2011-04-17 16:31:03

Hmm. Just spent almost a half an hour googling every variation of "block wall falls on house," and couldn't find anything. You'd think something like that would have been covered in the news. Looking forward to someone getting this tag so I can search with more precise information. Would love to know what happened there.


atleastmykidsloveme
2011-04-17 21:56:26


Hill Climb!

Ridgway St - on top of the world, it seemed.

First tag, yay!


teamdecafweekend
2011-04-17 21:56:55

It is in the hill district. Here is a file photo of me from a few months ago, it does not look like much work is getting done on either house. I bet there is some litigation going on.


Photobucket


jwright
2011-04-17 22:56:19

Wow-awesome view!


pseudacris
2011-04-17 23:14:32

You can easily see this apartment from the strip district. I always wanted to check it out. Getting a tag was a good reason to bike up there. Yeah, the view is great.


igo
2011-04-17 23:20:42


Holy Crap, I mean Holy Crap. The world of Pittsburgh is beautiful from this vantage point. Above is a montage of image's that I shot while in the Hill.


Standing here, bike under butt, I really felt like the "King of the Hill".


teamdecafweekend
2011-04-18 01:01:42


The next tag... having been on top of the world, I just went down, down, down, to get this next tag. At my feet are messages of mysterious origin found embedded in asphalt in about two dozen major cities in the United States and four South American capitals.


teamdecafweekend
2011-04-18 01:14:30

I'm getting this on my way to work.

Also, The 16th st bridge is definitely my favorite.


rubberfactory
2011-04-18 01:19:54


I've seen a few of these dahntahn.


Will drop new tag either today or tomorrow. We may hear some crickets depending on my motivation level.


rubberfactory
2011-04-18 09:21:38

RF: The one you took a picture of looks different. Are there more of these? Where was the one you took a pic of?


Edit: almost to 2000 posts!


jwright
2011-04-18 12:29:01

Ok, it looks like there are 5 of these tiles in pittsburgh.


TeamDecafWeekend: any hints as which tile you have a pic of?


jwright
2011-04-18 12:44:59

There are several in town, RubberFactory's isn't the same one as mine, no offense, just sayin'.


Here's another - not the same, not the tag.




teamdecafweekend
2011-04-18 13:29:05

There may be 5 tiles, but mine is 6th.


teamdecafweekend
2011-04-18 13:30:12

Hmmm, I gotta go drop the truck off to be inspected, then I'll be off and hunting.


Is this tile in the traffic lane? Am I going to get run over if I hang out to long?


Post number 2000!


jwright
2011-04-18 13:42:08

Huh, I would have posted the same shot as RF. I don't know where the others are.


lyle
2011-04-18 13:55:17

It's in the right lane, which is protected by parked cars most of the time.


teamdecafweekend
2011-04-18 14:05:34

Amazing, the website that listed the locations of all these things first popped up on archive.org in 2003, and listed six of them in Pittsburgh (one cross street has two?). It appears that they were placed long before then. How in the world can bike lanes last less than 12 months, and these things have been on the road for more than a decade? :)


dwillen
2011-04-18 14:25:42

I've been wondering how they last so long too - it is amazing.


teamdecafweekend
2011-04-18 14:31:21

After reading about them, when the city plans to repave the locations of these, someone should definitely saw cut these things out.


edmonds59
2011-04-18 15:06:53

i love the toynbee tiles. they are in philly too.


caitlin
2011-04-18 15:20:53

Tag


Photobucket Pictures, Images and Photos


Smithfield and sixth


I passed 2 others on my way here.


jwright
2011-04-18 15:24:10

Gonna have lunch down down, give me a hour and I'll post a new tag.


jwright
2011-04-18 15:36:02

Had lunch with mom, she suggested this spot. I thought it was pretty cool.


Photobucket Pictures, Images and Photos


Hint: the tag did not move very far.


jwright
2011-04-18 16:20:19

I think it would be cool to check this out at night. The lights dance an move with the sound of cars and trucks.


I think this was put up for the G20 summit.


jwright
2011-04-18 17:20:36

Yea, just watch out for that drain grate...


dwillen
2011-04-18 17:25:33

Not a problem with my tires. ;-)


jwright
2011-04-18 17:43:07

I knew there were more, I just rode up and down smithfield until I saw one. Oh well.

Mine was in the crosswalk between CVS and 7-11


rubberfactory
2011-04-18 21:25:40

I walk over that one every day but, no bike today.


edmonds59
2011-04-18 22:16:28

is that the same one that was above the wood st gallery? wait, maybe just by the same person? i think that one is still there..


caitlin
2011-04-18 22:25:05

Tito Way, behind the Benedum




quizbot
2011-04-18 23:06:30

New:



Thank you for riding your bike today!


quizbot
2011-04-19 00:06:16

was all ready to go to sleep, but then I saw the tag, so I had to grab it. I'm glad I did, too, it's a beautiful night, and now I'm awake and energized!


just 4 blocks down from my apartment, the beautiful and stylish bike-pgh office, complete with knit bike rack cozies :)




rubberfactory
2011-04-19 00:34:19

34-6=28 minutes between tags? That's gotta be a record!


stuinmccandless
2011-04-19 00:42:56

haha, It takes me about 3 minutes to ride to the office, and it took about 15 for me to do the walk/ride back uphill. It was exciting! I need to go on more night rides that aren't to work.


EDIT: 15 can't be right for climbing 4 blocks. Either way, it was an awesome ride.


rubberfactory
2011-04-19 00:46:56

i'm back now. test?


erok
2011-04-22 14:28:53

you like how that guy in the suv waved you through the intersection this morning and then didn't heckle you? you're welcome and welcome back!


cburch
2011-04-22 18:44:17

We missed you, erok. *hugs*


Unrelated: sweet new avatar, cburch. From the new jersey?


reddan
2011-04-22 19:17:58

I'm from New Jersey! That was you Colin? Thanks! It was appreciated!


erok
2011-04-22 20:03:41

Can you just close this thread?


rsprake
2011-04-22 20:11:27