dirty dozenSince 1983 the Dirty Dozen bicycle race/ride has been serving up the 13 steepest hills in Pittsburgh, amidst 50 miles of pedaling, as a sure-fire recipe for burning off Thanksgiving calories. The race attracts an eclectic mix of road racers, messengers, mountain bikers and casual cyclists to share in the collective agony and ecstasy of climbing the brutal baker’s dozen.

The 2009 Dirty Dozen is scheduled for Saturday, November 28th at 10:00 a.m. with registration starting at 8:00 a.m. at the Washington Boulevard bicycle oval. Registration fee is $15, and this year you get a commemorative T-shirt.

For a brief history of the Dirt Dozen race, some background on race promoter Danny Chew, and the story/photos from the 2008 event, check out Carol Clemens’ article on the Bicycle Times website.