– There was no “official” racing in Chicago, but area riders had a great showing this past weekend at Jingle Cross Rock with several podiums. Congratulations to everyone who didn’t stuff themselves silly with turkey and pumpkin pie and traveled to Iowa to race in the mud.

– Turin has announced that the Montrose Harbor total prize purse will total over $2,100. Team Kenda has also stepped up and will be providing additional Woman’s cash prizes. EJ’s Place, Craft, and Lake Cycling are also supplying cash and merchandise.

– Artist Jay Ryan is creating another original poster for this years State Championship. Posters will be available for purchase at the race and at Turin Bicycle in Evanston.

– In addition to the usual CCC announcing, for 2010 Turin is bringing in ace announcer Todd Busteed to lend a hand with calling out all the action as it happens at Montrose.

– Turin is still looking for volunteers to help make the day run smoothly. Any volunteer who works a 4 hour shift will have their race fee waived/refunded. Turin will tailor your volunteer assignment to fit with your other plans for the day of racing.

– In case you missed it the Montrose Harbor race not only acts as the final stop in the CCC but also the IL State Cyclocross championships. The CCC along with Turin and the ICA will be presenting State Champion Jerseys to the first IL rider to cross the finish line in every category (except the 4B’s). Remember that in order to win the state championship you must be an Illinois resident (we’ll be checking ID’s), a US citizen, and hold a valid 2010 USAC license. Look for the usual course preview at 9am on Thursday where we’ll again detail out the call up order.

– The original CCC founders are getting the band back together. Many of the original crew that began the CCC way back in 2004 are getting together for a reunion party at The Globe on Friday night from 7 to 10pm. Beer specials all night long and possibly bar heckling See details here. On Sunday the founders will be displaying a slide show in one of the warming tents showcasing cyclocross history in Chicago.  If you have any photos from the inaugural 2004 season, 90s Supercup, or early pickup races to share, please send them to mikecacciabondo(at)yahoo.com by Wednesday night.

– West Town Bikes and Ciclo Urbano will be out at Montrose as well supporting Chicago youth and adults.  WTB provides on-site adult supervision, equipment (bike, helmet, etc…), transportation, food, encouragement and coaching for kids and really anyone looking to get into bike racing. If you know anyone that can benefit from the program (even just a bike loan for the day) please contact Mike Young.

– CAMBr is having an end of the year party as well. Details are here or at The Bonebell.com.

– Still holding on to you CCC race numbers? If you don’t feel like spending the money to turn them into a jacket and would like to recycle, Rhythm Racing‘s Evan Jahn found a way to recycle Tyvek through DuPont. Bring your old numbers to Montrose and we’ll have a recycling bag for you to give back those bib numbers.

– And finally… don’t forget about the CCC’s end of the season awards dinner taking place on Sunday January 9th at EJ’s Place in Skokie. Tickets are the same price as last year ($30 adults, $15 juniors) for a delicious buffet dinner and we’ll hand out the coveted CCC cowbells and other fabulous overall series prizes donated by Tati Cycles, Mox Multisport, The Bonebell, and Main St. Bicycles. We’d love to see you all there!