BikeFest 2010 Recap

We had a turnout of about 10 women to the 3rd Annual Ladies’ MTB 101 ride that Dirt Rag has been hosting.  Like last year, Velomuse helped get the word out about the opportunity and we’re continuing to collaborate with local ambassador Michelle Johnson to bring a new, weekly Monday Ladies’ ride together.

Velomuse Youth Bike Rodeo

The Velomuse Youth Bike Rodeo was something special at Frick Park for a few reasons.  The idea was received by the City of Pittsburgh Department of Public Works well, and we had our permit application for a bike event approved.  This might be the first time that a bike event has been approved, and its a benchmark for continuing building professional relationships between bicyclists and administration in a pro-active manner.   We also were proud to have the support and co-promotion from Free Ride, the Pittsburgh Post Gazette and Bike Pittsburgh. Indeed, all signs point towards the concept that we embrace: “Creating Lifelong Cyclists.”

While it was indeed hot and humid, the youth that came out still rode a bunch of obstacles, practicing for hours on end.  Removing training wheels, learning new levels of balance, bouncing back up when they fell, and winning prizes.  The mtb ride was short and sweet, with ample obstacle practice as a highlight.  Even some adults practiced their skills on the obstacles.  Can I say how sweet the obstacles are?  Thanks again to Seth and Chris for help building them.

Thick Bikes CX Adventure Epic

Last but not least, the Thick Bike Cyclocross Adventure Epic (a long enough name to measure the challenge of the ride) proved humbling.  Starting out in Frick Park, riders climbed on paved roads into suburbia and over to Boyce Park at a good clip.  Upon arriving an hour ealier than planned, we rode a handful of twisty slippy trails before meeting up with the PTAG/PORC MTB fest finale and following “Machete Mike” around for the slow, intermediate ride focusing on more obstacles.  Super fun times.  After 5 hours of riding, we hung out for refreshments for about an hour, and then headed back through suburbia inquiring to the validity of connectivity along some ATV trails for another 2 hours.  It turns out that an abandoned railroad and quarry were up for a Rails to Trails conversion some time ago, but funding fell through.  I see potential for a 3-tiered dirt park that accomodates both ATV and mountain/DJ bikes.  and maybe cyclocross bikes, too!