The Steepest Race in the USA... And Maybe the World

Is Pittsburgh's Canton Ave actually the steepest street in the world?
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Dirty Dozen Strava activity / strava
Ferndale Strava activity / strava
Thank you to Danny Chew, Chris Helbling, Nick Blauch, and David Good for being incredible hosts. If you enjoy biking up steep streets like me, I highly recommend riding the Pittsburgh Dirty Dozen.
Canton Ave image by
Ana Ceron / axceron
Watch the full unedited ride on my secret second channel 🤫
• The Steepest Race in t...
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[@Ih8GoogleandApple]

Danny Chew is legend! Glad he is still out ripping despite his catastrophic crash

[@jayblankenbiller5385]

Dan's a warrior ! I can remember my director sportif yelling encouragment at him out the team car window during the Thrift Drug Classics and West Virginia Mountain Classics.

[@aliensporebomb]

I didn't know about him and am so happy to hear he at least can do a million kms! Legend!

[@gnobtv2.0]

9​@@jayblankenbiller5385

[@calebschultz5717]

Civil engineer and previous project manager for a Pittsburgh paving company who paves all the city streets including south side slopes. One of you hardest challenges is rolling the asphalt. The rollers will slide down the hill and won't be able to get back up. At times had to wench them up the hill, or ride around the block. Compaction is your difficulty on these steep streets.

[@MitchBoyer]

Thank you for the explanation! That makes sense rolling the asphalt is one of the hardest challenges. I barely have enough grip with my bike tires 😅

[@itsok2023]

Mitch, your cycling content is up in the top 5 of the world’s best cycling channels. Why? Because you tell stories. Sure, you produce training content, bike reviews, ect, but your overall arch leans toward story telling. The story of the dirty dozen ride founder was profound. It made the short film for me. If not for that story, it would have been a well produced story about steep climbs. Keep up the excellent work. Your humble, yet funny, authentic way reeks of truth. You are right up there with Tyler Pierce. You both tell beautiful stories. ❤

[@MitchBoyer]

Thank you, I really appreciate your comment. These videos are very time-intensive, and it’s nice to hear it’s been worth the extra effort!

[@roadcyclist1]

10 seconds of footage of each hill was a huge letdown. I could have done without all the other nonsense. It would have been great to see these hill climbs in their entirety!

[@masterwu22]

Absolutely, keep up the good work 🙌

[@ivanaraque]

Yep, when he said, "There's no coffee," I knew I had to watch the whole video (thanks!)

[@WyliesPop]

@MitchBoyer It 100% shows my man. As impressed as I was with your efforts on the bike..., the video is really fantastic - well-edited, inclusive of those who deserve recognition, and engaging. How you relate your previous experiences with hills is also excellent. CHAPEAU my brother two-wheeled mad-man, chapeau.

[@xsteevox]

1) thanks for giving Danny the respect he deserves. Those of us old enough remember when he was an absolute terror on the bike. 2) hill 12 Barry / Holt Elenor was cobbles at the top until around y2k. Imagine that.

[@galenwachtman9736]

Spoken like an 11 time DD winner and absolute legend.

[@nockee]

Agree. Danny is a legend.

[@MitchBoyer]

Danny is incredible. And you're a legend too! Cobbles on Elenor sounds absolutely miserable in the best possible way

[@travispyle2905]

@@MitchBoyer What kind of handlebars are you using?

[@aaronperelmuter8433]

@@travispyle2905😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊

[@rayF4rio]

I grew up a couple of blocks from Dan Chew, we are the same age. Back when we were 15 or so, I would ride my bike about 15-20 miles a day, and would hear about Dan riding 100 miles a couple of times a week. That blew my mind back then. All he did was ride, while everyone else was playing other sports during the summer. So sad when he crashed. I never did the dirty dozen, I left the Burg well before it was a thing, but riding cobblestone hills and streets was always a part of riding any distance in Pittsburgh. Looks like you had pretty good weather.

[@MitchBoyer]

He's a legend. I can't believe the event used to be in November. I've seen pictures of ice and snow on the ride. Incredible

[@g.gorrell2088]

@@MitchBoyerGreat Vid ', I met Dan in 1981 in Milwaukee "Super Week" race, man he was a character back then, and still is.

[@paulpoletes6341]

I rode up Canton Ave in the summer of 2021, I was glad I did it on a gravel bike with 38mm tires - all the extra traction helped a lot. It took me three tries to get up the hill - if you take the wrong line the cobbles really stop your momentum

[@aemediainc]

This is awesome Mitch! The best dirty dozen coverage by far!

[@ogasi1798]

this was amazing to watch so offer thanks from England, never seen your channel before nor heard of this race - wow to all and i truly hope that Danny makes his 800k - what a legend

[@kcumpston]

Hi, Mitch! Your video brought back a lot of old memories for me. DD was also my first bike race back in 2015. I remember starting near the back then passing a ton of riders on Welsh Way. I realized I could've scored points if I had been less cautious. I remember my disappointment at the end of the race when I finished with more in the tank. It's what got me into racing! I've disappointed myself other times since then. But I've had plenty of proud moments when I gave it my all and exceeded my expectations. Now I'm hooked. Thanks for the great video! I hope you crush it the next time!

[@MitchBoyer]

Thanks Keith! It was chatting after the race. I’m afraid I’m in the same boat-hooked!

[@daniellucente4409]

I was so looking forward to this video and did not disappoint! I attempted the DD in 2022and was unsuccessful. I would love try it again and having this amazing video to watch is very much appreciated. You did so well in the event and told such a great story. You have an amazing gift and talent at video storytelling. Thank you for sharing it!

[@MitchBoyer]

Thank you! Let me know if you try it again--you got this!

[@adrianhernandez9939]

I love your way of making content, when I started watching the video I thought it was just another generic cycling video, but man, I got nailed to the seat! Keep it up and stay making great videos for us!

[@MitchBoyer]

Thank you 🙏

[@ScrumG]

Great video Mitch! Was surprised to see myself in the video cheering you on at the top of Christopher. If you are looking for another Pittsburgh ball buster there is the Dirty Onion the Saturday after Thanksgiving which replaced the Dirty Dozen's original post Thanksgiving spot. More casual but relentless hills 53 miles and 10,500 ft elevation gain. Just non stop pain and fun. Great job on finishing the Dirty Dozen. Suffolk and Kendall are the two hills that give me the most issues. Curious to find out your opinion.

[@IlkkaHarmanen]

Such a fun video, definitely worth waiting for! Thanks Mitch!

[@MitchBoyer]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@katherineschon3927]

I really enjoyed this, thank you. Great content, great editing and respectful and appreciative of other people's time. This comment is for support and I wish you the best in your YT journey. I'm also a new subscriber andwill eagerly look for more 😊

[@joebolan4082]

Bravo Danny Chew! I remember racing with you in the RAAM Open East in 1989, I think (round and round the Great Sacandaga Lake). I still cherish that memory!!!!

[@GCPerformance18]

love this content!!! those roads look insane and you do such a great job of narrating the whole story, makes me want to go travel with my bike lol

[@MitchBoyer]

Thank's dude! hit me up if you decide to take your bike to LA sometime 🙌

[@WheelcraftBicycles]

GC! I love you content. I have done it 7 times...you will get eaten alive coming from the flatlands of Flordia. General training is doing hill repeats on +20% hills.

[@GCPerformance18]

@@WheelcraftBicyclesI don’t doubt this one bit lol. I been to Morgan hill for specialized headquarters and rode in the valley over there. Legs exploded at the slightest bit of incline Hahhaha. Way different riding, but would love to try it 😂

[@bearhuntertv]

As always…. Incredible content! Fun to watch and “can’t put this down until I finish the video” type stuff. Thank you for sharing.

[@MitchBoyer]

Thanks Zane!

[@wizkidcyclist9968]

Wow, this is mind blowing. I really loved every aspect of this cyclomentry. You are amazing with your storytelling skills… keep the awesome content coming.

[@ausbrook]

Mitch, great video. Great storytelling and well edited. Thanks for sharing.

[@douglasjam]

Your story telling and edition is awesome, hooked my 4yo into this video as well. Good job

[@Shopsmith10er]

To the TOP presentation! Covers much more than just cycling. Humility, humbling, psych, history, science, physiology. Nothing boring here or fluffed up bikey show and tell. Keep up the great content and work!

[@markhanish4463]

Loved the video and love this challenge. Canton chewed me up and spit me out the last two years. I need better technical skills, but obviously I’m not alone! Impressive how you avoided that crash and still made it up!

[@ArtfulCodgers]

This was a great video, great footage, interesting info, and compelling stories, nice job!

[@stevehayslip5975]

Great video ... well produced, edited, voiced. Awesome job on and off the bike!

[@parrottmob]

I reallllly enjoyed that! 👌 Great video, thanks for putting it together

[@AustinPrest]

Love the Dirty Dozen, glad you got to come out East and check it out! This is also some of the best footage of the the DD to date, thanks for sharing!

[@quinnferris6886]

Dude, this video makes me so happy. My handlebars make a split second appearance and I squealed. Respect for coming out to the burgh. Next year you have to try the Dirty Onion! 🌰;)

[@holgercraemer5598]

Greetings from Germany - your video made me smile! Great content and amazing performance, Mitch!

[@thebrowns5337]

Good job on the hills dude. Danny is an inspiration. And the people giving out beer - brilliant.

[@pjammcycling-topsonoma-nap9277]

Exceptional as always Mitch. I love watching your videos 👍👍

[@michaelstoecker4178]

Awesome video documenting your accomplishment! Well done! 💪💪

[@Magoo71]

This was my first "Mitch Boyer" episode...Like many of your fans say....You tell a great story! My heart rate went up just watching yours approach 200! But I'm a Mt Bike dude. Started racing XC in late 80's on a Rigid bike! Then suspension started showing up. Took a 20 year brake to Fly RC planes and just two years ago got back into Mt Bikes and got my first eBike! Anyway, really enjoy your channel and they way you build a story! I actually own a road bike that I use to use for training. Not anywhere close to what's available today although it is made of Carbon Fiber. It's an old Specialized Allez....made from Carbon Tubes and held together with Glue and Aluminum Lugs.....Cheers!

[@Nobodyatallman]

So proud of you dude, way to kill it and congrats on your first race!

[@ginabullock247]

You all are amazing for tackling these climbs!

[@petervonl]

As always, a joy to watch your videos. The others have already said it. You master all the things it takes to tell great stories… and hell, you’re even a beast on a bike. Hat’s of to you, sir 😊👍 On another note: Is Europe on the horizon?

[@MitchBoyer]

Thank you! and we'll see what 2024 brings... 😉

[@Hafiz_Vanyar]

not gonna lie. this channel is my favorite youtube channel for now ❤🚴🏼🚴🏼🚴🏼 AWESOME stuff !!🫡

[@htdtr]

Glad this came up in my suggested videos, great video. Beautiful shots and editing

[@MitchBoyer]

Thanks!

[@timetherington-judge3719]

I defo would have busted out my mountain bike gears for this! Massive congrats to you and HUGE respect for Danny!

[@barneyklingenberg4078]

I would have put an gravel 48t-31 crank in there with an 11-42t 11 speed cassette.

[@coenwesselman8389]

This gave me goosebumps, I spotted some familiar faces and it brings back awesome memories! Great video!

[@Derkenblosh2]

Every mountain biker laughing at these attempts

[@bddso6331]

If you're ever over in the UK, or more specifically, England - please give the Ronde van Calderdale or the Brontë monster a go. Lots of very, very steep and horrible cobbled climbs. Plus, it's in a beautiful location.

[@simonverrill]

Go Mitch, Go!!! Another great video. Looking forward to the next 🎉❤

[@MitchBoyer]

Thanks Simon!

[@FantaconeBoxWorks]

Great video. Your editing is perfect and thank you for keeping the background music low.

[@markmonroe7330]

Excellent presentation. Thank you. Glad I ran across your channel.

[@ReimaginedAdventures]

Wooohooo !! Fantastic video we have been looking forward to this video. Excellent job, you made it look easy !!!

[@MitchBoyer]

Thank you! So glad I stumbled onto your channel the other day 🙌

[@dereknovaes4217]

That was a fun watch! Way to go dude!

[@escsniper]

I don't EVER want to do this race. But riding along with you was highly entertaining! Great video!

[@karenstewart3047]

Awesome vid Mitch! As someone from Buffalo, Pittsburg is now firmly on my cycling bucket list!

[@MitchBoyer]

It’s a pretty cool place, especially if you like short steep climbs. Lives up to the hype!

[@neverendingweekend]

Great edit. Very enjoyable. Congrats on finishing! 👏

[@theaspheltascenderdescende3959]

wow watching this makes my day as I live in North Yorkshire (UK) and my training rides comprise with around 20 steep climbs of 20% to around 40%.. time for a dirty dozen in my local area - but saying that its my daily ride. keep up the good riding...

[@petestephen4922]

Great video Mitch.. I've ridden up Center Ave... once. You rode a great race in the Dirty Dozen. Thanks for sharing.

[@jevangelista-nh-23]

Just downloaded to watch on my flight to... of all places... Pittsburgh. Thanks for covering our great city!

[@MitchBoyer]

Haha perfect!

[@jong3397]

Thank you... having lived, raced and coached in Pittsburgh for several years it's truly an amazing cycling community. It is however truly disappointing that that there isn't a bigger pro race in and around Pittsburgh with all the amazing/challenging terrain along with a beautiful city.

[@BarryJHoffman]

Hey Mitch, I thought your videos were great- now they have clearly reached a pro and award winning epic level. As a hill loving climber on Long Island, NY, I love your content, delivery and can relate to much of what you share. You're funny too! Please keep it up (just like your hill climbs). Happy holidays!

[@MitchBoyer]

Thank you, Barry!

[@Protoman888]

AFA racecraft my $0.02 basically when you are climbing on any steepness particularly when it is narrow or wet road you always want to be out front. if you start to lose momentum you are blocking the riders behind you instead of being blocked yourself when the cyclist in front of you loses momentum or crashes. it is of course super satisfying being able to come out of the wheel and pass someone who loses momentum on a really steep bit and starts grinding but if they wobble it becomes really difficult to pass them out plus you have to up your wattage to pass. But dont beat yourself up either it's the first time for you doing the event and you didnt do serious recon Great vid. Putting this event on my bucket list

[@nblauch]

Thanks for showing the world our weird race. Footage, editing, and story telling were on point!

[@MitchBoyer]

Thanks Nick, it was great riding with you before and during the event!

[@Ih8GoogleandApple]

You and DC Rainmaker are the 👑 of camera content

[@jeepsterc104]

Great ride sir! I love how you displayed the ride data, it make us apreciate your effort every climb. 👏

[@r_unner_G]

Love this! So much fun (and hard work!!)

[@brianmurray8943]

Awesome video. Canton was tough with the light rain; I can't believe you recovered from the left side. Lobster girl on Elenore was the highlight of the ride imo.

[@MitchBoyer]

haha totally!

[@Elc0chin0]

Great video with some awesome back stories. You are a better person than I am. I'm 68 and have only been riding for about 3 years on a regular basis. This of course after riding when I was a kid but you know how unserious that can be. LOL I do challenge myself on the hills around where I live but nothing like what you do. Great job and thanks for sharing.

[@raelynnclinard]

thanks for the tear-jerker section in the middle! you're a beast.. i couldnt even do the easiest hill with multiple rests!!!

[@greggenna]

Thanks for this video. I'm a Yinzer living in London. I've never done the full Dozen but have ridden most of the hills, and this was a nice nostalgic trip home.

[@greggenna]

Also nice seeing old teammate Chris in the vid.

[@MitchBoyer]

Chris is a great dude! He spent a full day showing me around Pittsburgh and previewing the hills

[@-P-Z-]

What a banger! Keep going on with this journey.

[@JBmadera]

not sure how I came across your channel, but I am glad I did. Excellent content.

[@sergeik.5]

Awesome video, Great job to all bikers who did this race ! you are heroes 💪👍

[@t0eKnEe103]

Great video! Following you on Strava. 👍🏼

[@skandhaprasath2767]

Danny is an absolute Legend man. Thanks a lot for featuring him and his story. ❤

[@michaels8607]

Love you Danny and people like yourself are why many of us ride..great hills great efforts..

[@minimcewen]

Just ran across your channel...very well done. Congrats on Dirty Dozen.

[@SoftTofu123]

i like that this video is a lot more than just riding a race/ride. it's also about the people around it.

[@yellowquantum4240]

It was authentic to see just cyclist at it with passion and effort. I always follow the classics and world tour elite racers. My ex wife is from Pittsburgh that brought me memories...Thank you Mitch!!

[@user-vs6vc5ze6b]

BRAVO!!! BRAVO!!! Great job Mitch.. Thnx for sharing..

[@michaeljames2250]

Great video! Just came across your channel. This looked HARD!

[@paulevans6403]

I interviewed Danny at the finish line in Savannah the first time he won RAAM. If I remember correctly I believe he told me he used 39-23 as lowest gear. That was back when 23mm were considered wide tires - lots of people rode 20mm clinchers or 22mm Continental tubulars on 32- or 36-hole Mavic rims. The one thing I do remember is that I asked him what he thought about during the ride. Without hesitation he said he just concentrated on getting to the next state line.

[@chowchowtales]

I love hill climbing, but, wow this is next level.... or 2!! Really enjoyed watching your coverage. A suffering kind of fun! Well done Mitch. Good ride.

[@andrewhillman9632]

Fantastic story, thank you for bringing us along for the ride🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@maniastrat]

Brutal! Thanks for showing us!

[@user-on6ul5ke8b]

The uphill sections in this video are even steeper than those in Taiwan. Thanks for sharing, I can even feel your effort through this footage.

[@EvidenceofaFabulousLife]

Maintaining grip on wet cobbles at 800 watts is an achievement in itself! 🚀🚀 Thanks for the video, enjoyed your commentary, the riding and the scenery. Cheers!

[@glenjo0]

Great vid! And GREAT JOB MITCH!

[@CamNicholls]

That’s a good video idea though! ‘How I took out an entire group ride with my camera jousting pole’ 😂😂😂 looking forward to watching the whole vid later this evening 💙

[@MitchBoyer]

Haha maybe next time I’m in Australia we can both give it a go 😂😂 thanks Cam!

[@pat_welsh]

Mitch, I THOROUGHLY enjoyed your climbs! Fantastic editing and voice. What I PARTICULARLY like is that you didn't over dramatize the experience. We as riders understand the pain and the somewhat perverse need to put ourselves into IMMEASURABLE PAIN! I'm gonna use my chest strap in the front (currently I wear it backwards) to get that floating look from my GoPro.

[@mraidymaddful]

That was amazing, you did really well, well done! I live in a town called Huddersfield in England. We are situated right next to the Pennine Hills. There are many 'really' steep hills around here; some tarmac, some cobbles. One in particular stands out though and that is Lockwood Scar. I can't find anything about how steep it is, but the local council have refused to put speed cameras or road humps there as the angle of the road is too severe. Maybe you could check it out.

[@green4black]

Love your content. Hill climbing is a favorite pastime of mine, and my friends and family don’t get the appeal of riding UP a hill rather than down. It’s been great to discover that there’s a community of other hill-climbing nuts out there.

[@WyliesPop]

The great thing is that if you love the UP, you "get" to do the down, and who doesn't love that? (not that all downs are a great time)

[@DoctorDiaperRash]

Wonderful race/ride recap! I was in your group, in the blue and orange kit with a green camo helmet. You dusted me up most of the climbs. But we finished! Keep making awesome content!

[@MitchBoyer]

Thanks dude! We had a great group, good riding with you!

[@MrOmfghi2u]

you're a great story teller, thanks for the content

[@peterbmattsson]

well done friend!! - I spent 9th grade in pittsburgh, and now reside on bernal hill, blocks from bradford - my street rutledge is about 18%, so sucks to leave and come home, but so it goes...this video commends the hill climbers for all of us!!

[@boxseathighlights]

As a Pittsburgh native super cool to see you climb our streets!

[@sebastianelizagaray1155]

A shout to Chris Helbling! So happy to unexpectedly see you in this video.

[@kevinwill8542]

Cool video. I grew up on top of seavey Rd..rode up and down high street 1000 times.. thanks for the memories 😊

[@robertocarlos88]

As cyclists and Pittsburgh Steelers fan. This gives me more motivation to go Pittsburgh to watch favorite team play and to test out the hills 🖤💛

[@connornial8237]

Dude, I absolutely love your videos. You are one of the main reasons I got into cycling back in 2021 and you inspire me to get better everyday. I hope your channel completely explodes one day and you can use your videos as your main source of income to support you and your family. Never let the haters drag you down, keep spinning those cranks, and keep having fun doing it!!! Much love from NY

[@MitchBoyer]

Thanks dude!

[@user-zx3hl4hq3t]

Great video! I live in Bath in England and hills in Pittsburg remind me of Bath and punchy hills here. Even the asphalt is as rubbish though there are no cobbles!

[@enzovanbanning4163]

Went there on vacation in febuari was great!!

[@Fruitcupper]

I live in a county town of 2300 people. Kylee Chew passed away 2 years ago and in her will left a $3k bar tab at the pub after her funeral. Unofficially, she was the mayor of Mount Beauty. She inspired my future and life.

[@jeremiahbishopswheelhouse]

Great video, Mitch, sometimes we don't find what we're looking for, but then we realize it was perfect.

[@JeffreyAnderegg]

Loved the video, I’m glad the algorithm served it up to me. I’ll be following along. If you ever find yourself in Wisconsin we have a fun century ride called the Sadistic Century with 30 climbs and over 9k of climbing.

[@gregvassilakos]

Bravo! The hills aren't the only thing scary in Pittsburgh. Those streetcar tracks ...

[@MitchBoyer]

Especially in the rain!

[@CiclismoPeba]

Just bought my Insta360 x3 from ur video! Awesome video man! Keep'em coming!

[@MitchBoyer]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@antonkruger5652]

What crank length did you use? Nice video and well done. You make it look easy when overtaking the others. 👏💥🥂

[@printerror]

I genuinely want to try this on my super-stable hardtail 29er with 32F/52R gearing. Ultra-Granny!!! Great video Mitch!