Crystal Diamond Derby Part Deux. Coming in September

[Arlingtonrider]

I’m there! Thanks for the heads up. This was awesome fun!

[PotomacCyclist]

I saw that earlier but I wasn’t sure if that was official, or just a test poster.

The timing is kind of bad for me this time, just a few weeks before the Marine Corps Marathon. I did the scavenger hunt in March. While I didn’t crash, I got tired on the last lap and wobbled a bit after the final hay bale obstacle. I smacked the pedal into the back of my calf and got a nasty bruise. It wasn’t serious but if I suffered something similar a few weeks before a marathon, it wouldn’t be good. I may just be a spectator this time. The temperatures should be warmer than in March.

[vvill]

I might try to make it this time – it sounded like a hoot.

[Tim Kelley]

Just a little team practice in Rosslyn today! We’re in it to win it!

[ATTACH=CONFIG]1747[/ATTACH]

[Arlingtonrider]

I’m volunteering again to help with this event, but it sounds like they could use a lot more help if others are interested. They need people both Friday evening and on Saturday. There’s a place to sign up to volunteer on the http://www.diamond-derby.com website (but see paragraph below) and it would help them if you can indicate the day and times you might be available. It was a lot of fun to be part of it last year, and I got a cool Tshirt too! . The people helping Crystal City BID put this on are some very cool people – Sheba Farrin, Shawn “Bega” Blumenfeld, James Kerns and Joel Gwadzilla, among others. Please volunteer if you

[PotomacCyclist]

That link is missing the hyphen: http://www.diamond-derby.com/

[acc]

My bike[ATTACH=CONFIG]1749[/ATTACH] basket is ready.

And it lights up. [ATTACH=CONFIG]1750[/ATTACH]

[Certifried]

wow! That’s pretty awesome!

[vvill]

I set up some extra lights on my bike too! Will try a test run tomorrow and hope nothing falls off.

My arrangement is definitely not as pretty though.

[Arlingtonrider]

What hasn’t received enough attention in this thread is the racing and the extraordinary variety of cyclists this event brings out. Where else can you see commuters, bike polo players, gnarly bike messenger types, ELITEs, CaBi riders and fashionistas all competing against one another in races? And enjoying each other’s company as well!

Aside from the adorable kids’ race, the first event, open to all, is a cyclocross race with a scavenger hunt and challenges, and is very fun to watch. You’ll see all kinds of people in this event. Last year it was won by a father/daughter team in fox hunting clothes on a tandem. In addition to the regular race course, riders had to go over bales of straw and through obstacle courses, and could earn optional extra points by things like carrying their bikes into the side door of a van and out the back, dropping rolls of tape accurately over the top of pylons and meeting other challenges. The next race was where teams compete in more serious racing. The course is fast with lots of turns, and spectators get to watch from the center area as racers speed all around them. This race also has a wide variety of cyclists, but you’ll see fewer of the casual weekend riders. The final race brings out the most serious racers, and really shows off the bike handling skills and technical expertise of the more highly skilled riders. It’s all incredibly fun!

I forgot to mention that last year they also had bike polo going on outside the garage. Some of the polo players do amazing trackstands as well.

[Arlingtonrider]

Just back from starting preparations for the Diamond Derby! The sofas, bar, and tables for food are getting set up, and the 2 level (update: I think it was 4 levels!) race course is taking shape. The party starts around 4:00 pm, with kids races at 4:15 and arrival of the group riding from DC. The first adults’ race, the urban cyclocross/fun challenges one, is scheduled to start at 5:15, and my understanding is that all are invited to ride and check out the course before that. From there, the racing and partying continues through the evening.

The event starts on Level G3 in the big public parking garage at 2345 Crystal Drive, right at the intersection with 23rd Street and very easy to get to by bike or car. From Four Mile Run Trail, I took Eads Street then went east on 23rd to Crystal Drive. From the MVT, take the Crystal City exit and make a left on Crystal Drive and the parking garage will be on your left when you get to 23rd.

From all the heavy boxes we were unloading, this looks like it is going to be a major party. Come get a cowbell and root for several of our forum friends, including the Princess and her Cabi Team! Don’t forget the big group leaving DC with our one and only ACC earlier in the afternoon! Details and the schedule are on the Diamond-Derby.com website.

[jopamora]

I wish I could have stayed for the entire event. The kids really enjoyed their races. I saw a very tall princess being chased by a mushroom and two Italian guys. As we were walking out a very pretty and brightly lit basket passed us. It really was amazing to see the mix of ELITE, hipster, messenger, and regular cyclists all mixing it up.

I hope this’ll become a biannual event.

[Tim Kelley]

Holy crap that was fun!

[vvill]

Agreed!

[PotomacCyclist]

@Tim Kelley 32553 wrote:

Holy crap that was fun!

You were pretty reckless with the teddy bear in the child seat. Think about the stuffed bears of the world! They are people too… er, well… you know what I mean. I think. LOL

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