The most exciting bike event in the city is happening soon — the Ballard Criterium will take over Old Ballard on Saturday, June 8th.
The Ballard Crit is a bike race in which bicyclists rip around a short course in downtown Ballard at speeds up to 30mph. The half-mile course starts at 20th and Ballard Ave NW, travels south on Ballard Ave before turning right on NW Dock St, then right on Shilshole back to NW Vernon Place, before turning right back to the finish line on Ballard Ave. It’s fast and furious, and always draws hundreds of spectators along the race course.
If you want to sign up to race, you need to have a USA Cycling License — registration details are here.
On Saturday, May 25th, the organizers are hosting a Ballard Crit Pre-Party at 6pm at Rapha (301 E. Pine St). Pro-cyclist Heidi Franz will be at the party, and will speak about her background of bike racing in Seattle. They’ll have raffle prizes, food and drink for participants.
There will be street closures for the Crit — we’ll update with more detailed info before the event.
Photo: Ballard Crit on Facebook
I wasn’t aware of this event. I’m excited to attend. Thank you, My Ballard, for for the information.
It’s a really fun, and intense event. I look forward to every year.
I don’t know what sort of malcontent would down vote comments about enjoying local events but I’m really glad that you and I and hundreds of others look forward to this and will enjoy it. Cheers!
Keep an eye on those bikes, yo
This is a clockwise course. Usually people and horses and NASCARs race counter-clockwise. Olympics universally. Anybody know why this one is different?
What a cool observation. I’ve never really thought about that before but I can’t think of a single sport that travels in a circle that doesn’t go counter clockwise. I really hope someone knows why this one is reverse direction, I find that really interesting. Thank you.
Maybe it has to do with the way the sun is facing? If they were racing counter-clockwise they would be facing into the sun on the longest stretch down Shilshoe Ave. just a thought.
The course has always been run counter clockwise. As shown in the RWGPS route.
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/6818101
Formula 1 always runs clockwise as per the time they ran at Indy.
All of those bike riders are white. That’s racist.