• Last minute event name change to “George Garner Sr Memorial Race @ Melas“. Read more about Mr. Garner here. Please continue to use the hashtag #MelasCX.
  • This marks the 13th year of the original Northbrook CX race, started by Mark Harris in 2003 to raise money to “Save the Drome” (that’s short for velodrome, as in track cycling for all the rookies out there).
  • First things first, there is NO snow in the forecast, but temps will be dipping quite a bit so please bundle up (especially the little ones) and bring appropriate clothing for before, during, and after your race(s)!
  • Chris Henning and Ted Berger (Northbrook Garner Bicycle Club and Flatlandia) take us racin’ through the basin.
  • Parking will be at Multi Pack Solutions @1804 W. Central Rd., Mt. Prospect, IL which is behind (to the North of) Robert Bosch Tool Corporation.  Registration and S/F are adjacent to the Multi Pack lot.  There is a pedestrian gate to access Melas Park from the Multi Pack lot.  The Multi Pack lot is located to the West of the Melas Park entrance, just east of S. Arthur Ave.
  • There is no parking at Melas ParkWe need to keep the lot clear for the locals using the dog park. You may drop off team tents in the park parking lot, but must move your vehicle to the Multi Pack lot.
  • Team Trailers.  Please e-mail Chris Henning if you’re planning on bringing out a trailer, he will try and coordinate a setup location for you.
  • Preliminary staging will be posted here.
  • No alcohol, park rules. Please be respectful of the park and behave so we can come back again next year.
  • Warm Ups:  Please stay off the ball fields while warming up and if you do use the walking paths please making sure to yield to any pedestrians / other park users.
  • Speaking of cars, no parking on the grass – anywhere.  There is plenty of parking available.  This includes team vehicles intending on dropping off team tent and compound equipment.
  • Dog Park:  Unfortunately you must have a membership to get inside the fenced dog park which is available from either Mt. Prospect or Arlington Heights and unfortunately they don’t sell daily passes. Dog park membership
  • If you can, please help tearing down the course after the Cat 4/5 race. It will get dark and cold quickly.
  • Cleaning up: The race does not have access to a public water. There is a self-serve car wash (Z Auto Wash) just west of the Bosch lot @ 820 S Arthur Ave, Arlington Heights, IL 60005 less than a half mile away.
  • Due to the cold temperature there will NOT be a kids race this weekend. Sorry, keep those kiddos warm.
  • Food truck: The Chicago Pizza Boss food truck will be onsite serving brick-oven pizzas.
  • Volunteering: Chris Henning is still looking for a few volunteers spots to be filled. Volunteers race for free & lunch is provided. Please sign-up here.
  • The Course: Similar to years past but without a foot of wet snow. Tough hill(s) getting out of the Basin and 3 trips through the beach volleyball sandpits. Course might change based on conditions encountered during setup.