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