On Saturday, June 4, Ballard will host the 18th annual Second Ascent Twilight Criterium, one of Seattle’s classic bike races. Commonly known as "The Ballard Crit", the race is a favorite among both racers and spectators, and promises plenty of action, entertainment and danger.

"This is the best crit in Seattle hands down," said organizer and Second Ascent racer, Nicholas Rhodes. "We hear it every year from a lot of participants and spectators. Having raced all of them ourselves too, we agree."

What makes the Ballard Crit so popular is a combination of a challenging course, a great crowd and good organization.

"While [the may look like an innocuous four corner crit, it's anything but," Rhodes said.

The competition at the Ballard crit is good, and the course is fast but also dangerous. Rhodes said more than a few accidents have happened on this course due to cobblestones, old tarmac and general bad road conditions.

"If it rains, riders will run lower tire pressure, but even at that, it takes a really good bike handler to make the rubber stick on a challenging course like this in the rain," Rhodes said.

"All that said, it's not an overly challenging course so we get a good turnout of racers. Ballard usually sells out several fields."

In addition, Ballard always bring a great crowd.

"With more bars on the course than anyone can count, there's no short of non-bikeracer spectators," Rhodes said, adding that The Loft bar is conveniently located on the inside of corner four, which always has a raucous crew out cheering for the racers.

"Crowds are what make a crit and [our gets really into it," Rhodes said.

"We'd like to think we put on a good race. We aim to have good music and good announcers. [And for the we try to have great prizes and usually aim to make sure everyone in prize paying positions makes at least they're entry fee back."

There will be six races starting with the Cat 4 Women who race at 3:30 p.m. The pros will take to the Ballard streets last at 7:30 p.m. All races start and finish at the corner of Ballard Ave. N.W. and 20th Ave.

"From a spectators' standpoint, this type of race truly is the NASCAR of bike racing," said fellow race organizer Nik Rebhuhn.

"Spectators will feel the push of the wind as the riders fly by them.  You literally can reach out and touch the racers, but please don’t!  Also, unlike other bike races that have long courses where you only see the riders every 20-30 minutes, the spectators here get to see them fly by every 50 seconds which keeps them right on top of the action."

In an interview earlier this month, 15-year-old Ballardite Max O'Neal, who races in the Cat 3 Men's field, said not only will he race the Ballard Crit, he intends to win it.

For more information about the races, please visit www.stepdownracing.com/twilight.htm.