329/366 - "Dirty Dozen (Hill #1 Center Ave.)"

(F/2.8, 70mm, 1/125 sec, ISO 100, Canon 5D Mk II)

For this years addition of the Dirty Dozen it was about 30 degrees with snow flurries.  I wasn't able to ride it this year due to lack of training, so Jonah and I went out to watch the first hill.  You can see the bottom of the first hill (Click Here).  We are positioned at the top and this is probably about half way through the pack of about 200 to 225 that started it this year.  Hill #1 is probably about 25% grade and about 1/2 mile long and starts a mere 2 miles into the ride, so little time to warm up.  

I wish I knew this guys name and I should as he is a regular rider on our Tuesday night rides in the summer.  I do know he originates from some part of the United Kingdom and has a really thick accent, which makes me believe he is probably from Scotland.

If you care to see some more of my photographs from Center Ave. (Hill #1), then jump on over to www.pavephotography.com/dirtydozen2012.  Next year I am planning on either riding again or photographing more hills than just the first one.  Enjoy!

240/366 - "Number 1"

(F/8, 17mm, 3 Exposures, ISO 100, Canon 5D Mk II)

On my way to pick up Jonah from school I stopped as the base of hill "number 1" of the thirteen that are climbed every year by the cyclists in Pittsburgh's Dirty Dozen.  This is Center Avenue in Aspinwall and as you climb out of sight the hill keeps on going for another 100 yards or so.  I believe this hill is in the 25% gradient range if I recall from last year.  I am not riding this year, so I am hoping to be able to get out and photograph it.