Hazard Warning
– Photos by Shae Combs
Cincinnati is a city of hills and a city of neighborhoods. Nothing combines those two essential elements of the Queen City quite like Danger Wheel.
“Danger Wheel started with a group of friends who lived and believed in Pendleton. We wanted to share our excitement about our little neighborhood,” says Judd Watkins, one of the events founders. “We wanted to create something that would allow new neighbors and longtime residents to have a shared experience.”
Now in its seventh year, Danger Wheel has become a fixture in the neighborhood. Part Evel Knievel thrill ride, part block party, the event brings people from around the region to Pendleton watch the competition.
“What I love most about Danger Wheel is that it’s so uniquely Pendleton. I mean, you have Vine Street which is super clean and trendy. Then you have Main Street with its art galleries and music venues and Second Sundays, which is all great,” says Aaron Sharpe, owner of Lucius Q. “But then here’s Pendleton – an actual neighborhood – where we’re basically just inviting our friends over to play in the backyard. We build some ramps, fill up some water balloons, have a few beers, and eat some burgers and barbecue. No pretense. No theme. No poops given. And just a ton of fun!”
The races are free and open to the public to watch. This year’s competition is Saturday, July 30. The official location is 378 E. 12th St., but once you get to Pendleton, just east of Over-the-Rhine, you’ll be able to figure out where the excitement is.
“We came up with the idea of throwing adults down a hill over crazy ramps on giant steel big wheels,” says Watkins. “Because nothing helps folks come together like a hot day, cold beer, good food and a little ridiculousness.”
If you’re concerned about not having a big wheel, don’t worry – one will be provided for you.
Registration begins at 12:30 p.m., with the first race at 2 p.m. Waivers will be signed, gear will be checked, and costumes will be appreciated! With an eye toward safety, every rider must have a helmet, gloves, close-toed shoes, and of course, pants. It’s also recommended they wear elbow and knee pads.
Though Pendleton is known for its restaurants and bars, and the audience is encouraged to enjoy all the neighborhood has to offer, there are rules for the riders.
Anyone visibly intoxicated will forfeit their race. Anyone not competing with a “friendly spirit of playing in the backyard” will be ejected. And the “Master of Danger” has the. final say on all rulings.
“Maybe most core to the event, we wanted everyone to just be able to come and have fun just for the sake of fun,” says Watkins. “Like when we were all kids. We didn’t need a curated experience, we just needed something frivolous to do and some people to do it with.”