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!

314/366 - "Drive By Landscape - Cold Morning Sunrise"

(F/8, 19mm, 1/60 sec, ISO 400, Canon 7D)

This is taken from my window while sitting in a bit of traffic in Blawnox on my way to work.  With the time change last week I now get to see the sun come up which is a welcome change.

293/366 - "Fort Pitt Bridge"

(F/8, 50mm, 1/400 sec, ISO 800, Canon 7D)

I was sitting in traffic and was able to get a photo as I exited the Fort Pitt Tunnel.  If only I had the wide angle lens with me instead of the 50mm.  Maybe next time.

253/366 - "Let's Go Bucs"

(F/4, 17mm, 1/250 sec, ISO 100, Canon 5D Mk II)

We went to the Pittsburgh Pirate game after church today.  This was Harper's first game so I took a few photos to mark the occasion.  This is my favorite.  The kids had a great time, eating junk, drinking soda, and cheering on the Buccos.

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.

178/366 - "West End Overlook"

(F/8, 29mm, 3 Exposures, ISO 100, Canon 5D Mk II)

Our Tuesday ride tonight went to the West End Overlook.  With this in mind, I brought my DSLR along for the ride.  I really wish I would have had my tripod, so I had to make the best of the situation.  Handheld bracketing for HDR is something I don't recommend.  It turned out okay, but I will be headed back with a tripod.  I love this view of the city.

143/366 - "Fineview Overlook"

(F/2.8, 3.85mm, 1/750 sec, ISO 80, iPhone4)

Tonights bike ride took us to the neighborhood of Fineview and we stopped for a minute at the Overlook for about 5 minutes for everyone to catch their breathe and take a picture.

140/366 - "Tall Buildings"

(F/8, 24mm, 1/125 sec, ISO 100, Canon 5D Mk II)

We met mom and Gary downtown and then took the "T" over to the North Shore for dinner.  After dinner we took the same trip back and exited on Grant at the Steel Plaza Station.  When I looked up this is what I saw, so I snapped a few shots before crossing the street.

133/366 - "Hanging Out"

(F/4, 24mm, 1/400 sec, ISO 100, Canon 5D Mk II)

We were supposed to go kayaking but the river was moving a little to fast, so instead we decided to head to the South Side Works area of town to walk around, shop, and drink some beers.  We had a great time especially at OTB, which is where this is taken. 

36/366 - "Church"

(F/5.6, 10mm, 1/30 sec, ISO 200, Canon 7D)

It has been several weeks since we have been to church and this morning we went twice.  We went to our normal 9:00 AM service at St. Andrew's  and then again at St. Michael's for a baptism.  This is a picture of St. Andrew's smaller side chapel.