– Welcome to 2011… we hope everyone had a safe, fun, and Happy New Year. From what we’ve seen and heard on the innertubes many of you rang in the new year in style… and then got up early the next morning to ride you bikes… no rest for the wicked!

– We’ve also heard from a few of you that you really miss cyclocross season and can’t wait for September. Well, we won’t disagree with you, but we would like to suggest that you get on your bikes and start training now. Besides the fact that CX Nationals is practically in our backyard (Madison), Masters Worlds isn’t too far away either (Louisville), we’ve seen a boatload of Cat 4’s and Cat 3’s (both men and ladies) upgrading, and there are several new Chicagoland CX projects currently in the works that will extend the season, make it more fun, and faster at the same time. We won’t spill the beans yet, but we’ll post notes as more info becomes available.

– But just in case you’re looking for more CX and a party at the same time, remember the CCC Awards Dinner is this Sunday at noon at EJ’s Place in Skokie. If you plan to attend, please pre-reg here by noon on Friday so EJ and his crew can order enough food. Thanks. We’ll have music, door prizes, and of course CCC cowbells and awards for the overall winners. We hope to see you all there.

– Still need more CX? Look who has a new blog.

– We’re still looking for a full recap of last weekend’s CAMBr Fundraiser which featured Jason McCartney, Christian Vande Velde, John Vande Velde, and Robbie Ventura. But from the few pictures we’ve seen the event was well attended.

– UPDATE: The CCC was mentioned in today’s WBR blog post here.

– And finally, CCC series sponsor The Bonebell has been posting some great content recently, including an interview with Barry Wicks and New Years Toast. While the CCC site sees plenty of traffic during CX season we’ll go dormant in a week or two while some of us ride around in smaller circles on the pavement. So for all your dirty news head on over to see what el Maya, Stiggity, Nevada Dave, DaDoubleG, and Julia Goolia have to say. And if you don’t want your roadie and trackie friends to know you hang out with us CX’ers while they’re watching large men play with oblong balls made of animal hides, keep Chicago Bike Racing open in your browser just in case.

So for those of you still following along at home, we have some really big news to report today!

What does the number 53 represent? No, its not the number of day, weeks, or month until the next CX race… its the total number of bicycles the racers, hecklers, promoters, and sponsors of the 2010 CCC just donated to World Bicycles Relief.

And what does the number 106 represent? With WBR’s anonymous donor matching all donations dollar for dollar through 12/31/10… that’s the total number of bicycles we’re all responsible for this year! The great folks at WBR tell us that’s enough bikes to outfit an entire school of children.

Through direct donations at races, series t-shirt sales, and series sponsor & promoter donations, we as a community raised $7,102 for World Bicycles Relief. At $134 per bicycle that equates to 53 bikes… all between September and December. That’s more than double what we raised last year and well exceeds our 2010 goal of $5,000. So cheers and thank you, thank you, thank you to everyone who raced, donated, bought a t-shirt, or supported the CCC and WBR in any other way.

Photo: Nathan Schneeberger

– And we’re spent… thanks to Half Acre Cycling and the Cuttin’ Crew for hosting one last ‘cross race in Chicago. Temps were low but spirits were high, the sun as well as plenty of smiles and high fives were out to help warm everyone’s souls. HAC has a recap here. Congrats also to Natalie Evans & Mike Kirby (xXx Racing) who raised >$400 for West Town Bikes by “racing” in the tandem category and Mike Young who hosted the afterparty.

– No course preview to look forward to this week… but we’ve got some great big, big news about the CCC coming out this Thursday. Swing by at 9am to read what all the fuss is about!

– Already looking forward to 2011? CAMBR’s Cocktails with Christian event will be held on January 2. People can hobnob with Christian Vande Velde and Robbie Ventura at Tin Fish in Tinley Park and help CAMBR South raise funds for building trails. Details are at here.

– Speaking of upgrades… we’ve been seeing plenty of Men AND Women CX Cat 3 upgrades coming through… looks like 2011 will be much faster than this year! Congratulations to everyone who has requested and received their upgrades. For those of you sandbaggers who still haven’t upgraded… we’ll be watching!

– Is it the end of this IL CX season of the beginning of the next? Team Mack released their flyer for the Tour de Groundhog near Springfield.

– Now that the Chicagoland CX racing season is finally, totally, completely, 100% done… time to fuel up for next season!

– Congratulations are also due to Half Acre and xXx Racing for both being named Club of the Year by USA Cycling. Yes, both teams do lots of other cycling related activities, but just in case you weren’t paying attention this year, both teams helped to host two CX races each (Relay, Jackson Park, Hopkins Park, & the Afterglow). So kudos to HAC & xXx on some well deserved recognition at the national level.

– And finally… a short (really short) video from the Afterglow.

– A final thanks to Chuck Judy, Chris Mailing, and everyone at Turin Bicycle for hosting the 12th and final race of the CCC and yet another great Illinois State Cyclocross Championship at Montrose Harbor. Temps were freezing for most of the day, and the snow, ice, and sand made for a challenging course, but we still had the largest CCC race ever with 565 starters. We had several riders make it to the podium for the first time and it was great to see such sportsmanship and camaraderie before, during, and after each race. Even the down-staters had a good time. Thanks also to Todd Busteed for sharing the mic and calling out all the action.

– Congratulations to the 11 Illinois State Cyclocross Champions that were crowned jerseyed on Sunday. The competition was fierce and we had many races that were completely undecided until riders came around the last turn on the final lap… which always makes for exciting racing. Thanks for keeping all of us on our toes until the very end!

– Congratulations also to the 13 Chicago Cross Cup Overall Winners. Eight of those categories were undecided going into the final race and made for even more dramatic racing. Awards, prizes, and general showering of admiration will be presented at the CCC Awards Dinner on Sunday January 9th at EJ’s Place in Skokie. Great food, better friends, and even door prizes will greet everyone who attends.

– Weekend Update: The weekend update is taking a bit of a break this week as there are more than enough comments here to describe what happened this past Sunday. However, for those that weren’t there and are too lazy to read all the comments this, this, this, this, this, this, this, this, this, this, this, this, this, and who can forget this, this, and this (?) pretty much sums up the what went on at Montrose… oh yeah, and there was a bike race in there somewhere too.

– Speaking of all things CCC, if you want a 2010 CCC series t-shirt you’ve got less than 48 hours. REKLAIM apparel will be shutting down the printing presses at midnight tomorrow night (Wednesday) and won’t be making any more. Thanks to everyone who has already bought a shirt… all proceeds go directly to our year end World Bicycle Relief donation. We’ve already hit our goal of $5,000 but we’re still tallying up the t-shirt sales. Thank you again to everyone who has donated and/or purchase a t-shirt!

– Good luck to anyone and everyone heading out to Bend, OR for CX Nationals this week/end. If you still haven’t had your fill of CX after that, come hang out with Half Acre and the Chicago Cuttin’ Crew at the Afterglow on Saturday December 18th in Humboldt Park. And if that isn’t enough for you… there is a Benefit After Party for West Town Bikes (details here, please RSVP). And if metal/rock songs sung in Spanish is more your thing, Newt Cole and Los Borrachos are playing later that evening at the Elbo Room (no RSVP necessary!).

– The CCC has the 4B’s, the Cross Crusade has the Clydesdale Cyclocross Champions of the Universe. If you happen to be in Bend this week(end) for CX Nationals… check it out and takes some photos.

– Ever wonder why the CCC isn’t a UCI series? USA CX godfather Adam Myerson gives us a clue.

– And finally… a special shout out and congratulations to Mike Young for being awarded this year’s 3rd Annual Official Illinois State Cyclocross Awesomeness Champion presented by Half Acre Cycling and HRS/Rock Lobster. Mike won the award for not only supporting riders within the CCC, but more importantly for his work with West Town Bikes. Mike joins a veritable pantheon of CX awesomeness including the first winners, the Chicago Cuttin’ Crew, and last year’s winner Super Girl. Congratulations Mike, and thanks for being awesome! If you’d like to help Mike in his work at WTB please donate here.

Photo: Chip Williams

– Double thanks again to the South Chicago Wheelman for a great duo weekend at the Indian Lakes Resort. What a difference 24 hours can make. From upper 50’s and rain on Saturday to lower 40’s and wind and sun (and more wind) on Sunday… a true cyclocross weekend.

– Up next the penultimate race of the CCC series, the Northbrook Swansong hosted by the Northbrook Garner Bicycle Club and Flatlandia. Lots of details to come, so check back at 9am on Thursday for the course preview.

Weekend Update: Congratulations to Chris Lombardo from Verdigris who has earned enough points to lock up the overall in the Masters 40+ category. Chris must have been so happy he gifted the win on Sunday to his teammate Erik Enyedy (who had a great ride regardless). The Hemme is back (!) and hit the podium on Saturday while Brian Conant won on Saturday and was 2nd on Sunday, adding to his lead in the Cat 1/2/3 overall. We wonder what the juniors think about the 1/2/3 race? In the ladies races, Sam Schneider from Team Tibco swept both days in the W1/2/3, while Eleanor Blick from Johnny Sprockets and Christina Peck from the Cuttin’ Crew battled out wins in the Women Cat 4 races.  Danny Warner from Verdigris swept both Masters 50+ races (and brought his kids along for the ride on Sunday) as did John Kurtz from Flatlandia in the Cat 3’s. Meanwhile Lou Kuhn from The Pony Shop and John Gatto from Twin Six battled it out in the 30+. The Juniors were exciting all weekend long as the mob squad Team Expo swept the podium on Sunday. But as we all know, the real action (see above) is always in the Cat 4’s. The Bike Crusher did his job, Tati won some MAE, while Magnum PI was wondering why he left Hawaii. Still not sure what to make of this, this, this, this, or this…  but we’re pretty sure Quarter Acre could tell us. Yes, there is a person in there. Sister Sprocket got sneaky (so did Thom the elder), and original CCC series director Joe Doyle helped out a little. Megaphone wars, Musettes were handed out, beverages were wasted, and Bacon Alley reared its ugly head again. Brian Lee had his game face on (again), Supergirl and Rob Curtis… well… nevermind, 1/4 Acre and Noah duked it out in the 4B’s, and Natalie got a treat! And lastly, a special shout-out to Mike Young, West Town Bikes, and Ciclo Urbano for coming out, racing, cheering, and finding out how great cyclocross can be.

– Thought You Knew will be at Northbrook to cheer on everyone, especially their pin-up girls. But if you want to get a head start, on Nov 19, 6–10pm the Pin Up Calendar Gala Launch Party takes place at the COOP, 845 West Fulton Market. Free admission. Calendars on sale for $20, 100% sales go to The Chicago Women’s Health Center. Then on Nov 20 at noon TyK hosts their Sadie Hawkins Style Ride starting at the Blue Frog, 676 N LaSalle. $20 per Couple. The Sadie is a treasure-hunt bicycle ride benefiting the Chicago Women’s Health Center. Information and pre-registration at chicagosadiehawkins.info.

– Update on 2010 CX Nationals, concerning tire widths, registration discounts, and more.

– Registration for Half Acre & the Cuttin’ Crew’s Afterglow race is now open on BikeReg.com.

– REKLAIM has the 2010 CCC series t-shirts. Make sure to pick up yours at Northbrook or Montrose. As a reminder, all proceeds go directly to WBR.

– Our friendly USAC officials have asked us once again to remind you how to correctly pin and place your number. Doing so will help them immensely when scoring your race.

– And finally… We’ve asked and asked but some of you still don’t seem to understand that when pre-riding the course you may NOT ride in front of others still racing. This seems to be happening the most as the Women 4 and Juniors are finishing up. When we open the course up for pre-riding after the first racer has finished that means the last racers are still on course. Just because they aren’t winning doesn’t mean they are not working just as hard for their placing. So please, when checking out the course, please enter the course from the designated area (usually just past the finish line) and if you catch someone still racing… DO NOT ride in front of them. Thanks!

Photo: John Wrycza

– Thanks to Dr. Jim Kearns & the crew from Psimet Custom Wheels for yet another great race in Woodstock. We were so concerned with the hills we forgot how bumpy the course can be, and that there is sand out that way.

– Weekend update: Lots to talk about from the weekend, but we think the 74 comments on the Pix, Vids, & Race Reports post sums it all up rather nicely. We all show up and race each week for a reason… some do it for the competition, some for personal goals, some don’t even know why. Cross is hard, even painful at times… but its always fun in the end.  In other news… #700 flew in from Albeqwerky and got a call up in the 4A’s for correctly identifying a song on the CCC race playlist. Yeah, you’re going to need some help with that. Here, let Tati show you how its done. Brian Lee & Dave Lombardo duked it out again in the 4A’s while Flannel Mike & Greg T had a stare-down contest before the 4B’s even started. Supergirl was flying, while Kirby’s bike went flying… and so did Scott’s. Sister Sprocket could be found doing what she does best and the first women ever won the Flying Pig Award. Janette is back and so is The Hemme! Luke lost a toof and… holy cow… Rich looks so pro!

– Up next the CCC’s 2nd double weekend at the Indian Lakes Resort (ILR) hosted by the South Chicago Wheelmen. The SCW have secured discounted hotel room rates of $79 per night for up to 4 people.  For reservations call 630.529.0200 and for general  info visit IndianLakesResort.com. We’ll have more in the Thursday preview, but just to whet your appetite (literally) ILR will have a breakfast buffet from 6:30 am to 11 am and an all-you-can-eat lunch/dinner buffet from 11 am til 6 pm, both for just $12.95 per person Saturday & Sunday. Remember online pre-reg closes a day early this week (at Midnight on Wednesday… that’s tomorrow night) so the SCW can get all the binders put together. Look for more details and course preview Thursday at the regular time (9am for those not paying attention).

– The Cuttin’ Cruiser has been MIA from most CCC races this year, but makes its triumphant return Friday (and Saturday) night at the Cave Catastrophe Continued. You won’t want to miss these parties.

– If you’re spending Saturday night at Indian Lakes and want to chat with the CCC directors about what’s on tap (no, not Fat Tire Ale) for next year… we’ll be hosting a very impromptu fireside chat (location TBD) to discuss ways to make the CCC series better and get ready for CX nationals in Madison in January 2012. We’d love to get your feedback/input, so please swing by and get involved.

– Speaking of save-the-dates… the CCC awards dinner will be held on Sunday, January 9th at EJ’s Place in Skokie. More details to come, but we look forward to seeing everyone at EJ’s to wrap up the season, and to chat about what’s to come in 2011!

– Don’t forget our friends at REKLAIM Apparel have the 2010 series t-shirts printed and will have all pre-orders available for pickup at all remaining races. Its easier on everyone to pre-order and pay online, but REKLAIM will also be selling t-shirts at races (where park rules allow). Shirts are only $15 and all proceeds go directly to World Bicycle Relief!

– Just a reminder to the Juniors and 50+ Masters. Since both of your groups start behind the ladies, please be courteous and let them know when you are about to pass with a simple “On your left/right”.

– Check it out… tthe ICA is taking a survey.

– Looks like some of you are already making travel plans for this year’s CX Nationals in Bend, OR.

– Series sponsor Rapid Transit Cycleshop is getting a website makover to compliment their new(ish) shop on Halsted near UIC’s campus. Check out the preview and the shop’s many bicycle maintenance classes (and monkeys on bikes).

– #532 gets even more Internet time on The Bonebell.com.

– And finally… feeling unfulfilled? Half Acre and the Cuttin’ Crew would like to help and will even call you in the morning.

– Back for his 3rd year in a row Dr. James Kearns along with the crew from Psimet Custom Wheels brings us this year’s 8th stop in the Chicago Cyclocross Cup at Emricson Park in Woodstock, IL. The race’s full name is actually the Ed Brophy Memorial Cross for Life race in memory of Ed Brophy who lost his battle with cancer. 100% of all proceeds from race entries go towards Leukemia and Cancer Research.

– Just a reminder that Dr. Kearns is a naprapath which is a doctor that specializes in treating muscle and skeletal pain. So if you’re hurting after Sunday’s race, see the Dr’s website.

– We’ve received reports there is a bit of construction on Rt 47 through Huntley. Dr. Kearns tells us the best bet is to exit I90 on Randall Road (North), left (West) on Algonquin Rd, right (North) on Route 47 into the town of Woodstock. A left on Lake Ave and another left on South St should lead you right to Emricson Park (on your right). Once you get to the park, there is plenty of parking (see map below) so please use it.

– Please pay attention when you are racing and entering the park in your car. There are 4 (four) road crossings on the course and while there will be course marshals at each crossing, but please look both ways before crossing. Better safe than sorry.

– Registration this year will again be in a tent next to the Start/Finish. There will still be heated restrooms in the warming hut, but Dr. Kearns has added two porta potties near the main parking lot next to reg/start/finish for all your “last minute” needs. The food tent will also be back again with pizza will be served from 11am to 3pm.

– Dr. Kearns reminds us again that alcohol is prohibited in Woodstock parks, so if you’re going to sneak it in, keep it under wraps. We don’t think anyone wants the CCC to lose a venue because of a silly thing like a can of Old Style. So please be on your best behavior… which also means do NOT leave evidence like a mini keg on the ground next to the trash can… take it home and recycle it!

– We’ve already had out little chat about hand ups, so we won’t discuss it again here.

– The weather forecast looks exceptional again, so don’t forget your sun screen! However, remember to change your clocks Saturday night before you go to bed. With going off of day light savings the sun will set in a real hurry after the 4B’s race… so we ask that if you’re just hanging around after the race, please help us tear down the course so we’re not cleaning up in the dark.

– Congratulations to Magnum PI Dan Pollard for being the first person to have his picture taken in front of the CCC’s 2010 billboard. Dan races in the 4’s and will receive a call up after the top 10 in the overall standings. Big thanks again to Van Wagner, Chip Williams, Luke Seemann, and of course the lovely Kristina Young from Iron Cycles for letting us use her picture on the billboard.

– We’re still collecting donations for World Bicycle Relief on each race’s BikeReg.com page… but if you have even more extra change stuck in your couch, check out the WBR Superbike Raffle. Just $5 puts your name in the pot to win this sweet ride, the winner of which will be announced by Johan Bruyneel on Twitter this Saturday, November 6th from Zambia. All proceeds go (of course) to WBR.

– Speaking of proceeds going to WBR… yes, we’ll have the 2010 series t-shirts at the race this weekend. REKLAIM Apparel will be on site distributing shirts for everyone who bought them online. Our friends at RELKAIM are donating 100% of all profits to the CCC’s WBR donation drive.

– The Course: The Woodstock course the past two years has been very spread out, basically tracing the outline of Emricson Park. For 2010 we’ve taken steps to keep the course more contained and spectator friendly but removing the NW and NE sections of the course. However, with so much delicious terrain (read: hills) it will still be a suffer-fest. We’d like to remind everyone that there are some sections on the far West side of the course that are quite a ways away from everything else… so CX rules still apply. If you suffer a mechanical you must go forward on the course and you cannot cut across the park. The wheel/bike pit will be in the same location as last year… just beyond the S/F, and the course will still run clock-wise (so numbers on the left). The course now also has a double sand pit, and potentially and off camber toilet bowl/spiral. The last 1/2 mile or so should again provide the most excitement for spectators with the up hill barrier(s), lots off-camber sections, twists, and turns, and yes… HILLS! As always, the course map below is subject to change on race day.

Photo: Luke Seemann

– Thanks again to Rob Kelley and Bicycle Heaven for upping the ante another year at Campton Cross. A slightly new course used many of the favorite and classic parts of the park, while a few new sections challenged and delighted… as did the bag piper! There were costumes in nearly every category, and 454 racers toed the line. Rob and Bicycle Heaven also chipped in an extra $500 to the WBR pot, helping us get even closer to our season long goal of raising $5k!

– Weekend Update: We’re sorry we can’t find links to everyone’s costumes… but you all looked amazing… much better than these people! Sister Sprocket got knocked up, while ghosts roamed the course. We’re not sure what happened to this guy, but you really don’t want to know what’s in that bottle. Luke Skywalker (above left) showed up and won the best costume award (thanks for making sure Yoda was safe with a helmet) and we heard he was headed to the Death Star Canteen shortly afterwards for some Penne alla Arrabiata. Frenchy upgraded and went straight to the front middle of the Cat 1/2/3’s, while eventual race winner Mike Phillips showed off his mtb skills by bunny hopping the barriers! The Hemme is back and showed Rassi how’s to show off Blue Steel. Brandon Leach made his final CCC appearance before shipping off to Norway (we’ll miss you B!) and Soda Popinksi fought his way to his first CCC Cat 3 podium. Gumby stayed at home, but Pokey made it to the race. Buzz Lightyear flew to the top of the juniors podium, even after a 2nd turn tumble… but this weekend’s sportswomanship award definitely goes to Tess Anderson… check out Spin Doctor Cyclewerks’ FB page for the reason why. Meanwhile an Ooompa Loompa was dancing through the Women 1/2/3’s but couldn’t quite make it to the podium to enjoy a CCC Snuggie! The scarecrow used his brain to win some Mad Alchemy and Tati-bot made his debut. Nixternal is always willing to lend a hand to the 4B’s, even if its only a liquid bandage (when is someone going to bring score cards for face plants??)… but Dave Knauff is a true man for others. As far as we know, #532 kept his cookies down… but it looks like he had some trouble with another sensitive area. Magnum P.I. flew in from Hawaii, but still couldn’t win the heaviest bike award… which went to Junior Ryley Zeller.

– Up next this coming weekend, the CCC heads North to Woodstock where Dr. Jim Kearns and the crew from Psimet Custom Wheels have a few new tricks (and maybe treats) up their collective sleeves. Just a reminder that alcohol is “NOT allowed” in Emricson Park. We know some of you will still sneak in an Old Style or PBR… so please be on your best behavior and clean up after yourselves. Look for the course preview on Thursday at 9am.

– There’s quite a spread in the November Chicago Athlete about the CCC… in fact we’re on the cover! Gihugimous thanks to ABD’s Gina Kenny for helping with our response to the magazine.

– For those of you into photography and bikes (we think there are a few of you out there) Thought You Knew has shot and will be selling their TyK 2011 Men & Women PinUp calendars soon. Check out the FB page here. As the name implies, these aren’t your typical pin-ups and Johnny Sprocket‘s own Becky Welbes is Ms. October. 100% of sales go straight to the Chicago Women’s Health Center in Wrigleyville, a non-profit health care and education center that  has been providing sliding scale care to women since 1975. TyK’s Gala launch party will be held at COOP on Fulton Market on Friday November 19th, followed by a Sadie Hawkins Style Ride on Saturday, and then Bike Polo Friendlies in Garfield Park late afternoon Sunday. So if you’re stuck in the city and not able to race Northbrook, swing down and say hello to TyK.

– In case you were living under a rock last week, we’re sure you’ve all heard that the USAC CX national championships will be held just North of the Cheddar Curtain in Madison, WI in 2012 & 2013. Nationals are also being pushed back to January (they are currently held in December). 2012 races will be held January 4th-8th in the Badger Prairie/Reddan Park. We’re not yet sure what that means for the CCC, but if we were betting people (we’re really not) we’d bet there might be a few more races in the Chicagoland area in December and January to keep everyone’s CX legs sharp and entice non-locals to see how we roll here in the Midwest. More to come later.

– VeloNews recently ran a great article from Leonard Zinn on fork chatter and cantilever brake set-up (specifically series sponsor Avid’s new Shorty Ultimates). VeloNews and others also ran an article detailing a bunch of changes being made to the USAC rulebook. Juniors, Helmet Cam-er’s and Single Speeders will want to take notice.

– And finally… speaking of USAC rules… let’s have a quick chat about hand-ups. Our USAC officials have asked us to remind you that food and drink hand-ups are technically considered feeds in CX, which are specifically forbidden in the USAC rulebook unless allowed and announced by the chief referee prior to the race start due to high temperatures. However we all know hand-ups happen in the CCC and we’re not naive enough to pretend the CCC’s success in the past few years isn’t owed in at least some way to the fun, excitement, and shenanigans that the 4B’s bring to each event.

We here at the CCC think know that cyclocross is supposed to be hard yet fun at the same time… but there always needs to be a good balance between the two to ensure rider safety and to make sure no rider is given an unfair advantage. However, that balance doesn’t necessarily need to be the same in every category due to the speeds (or lack there of) involved. So how do we justify letting Cat 4’s take hand-ups but not the Cat 1/2/3’s? We think neither the “rider safety” nor the “competitive advantage” issues are being violated in the less experienced categories and we and the USAC officials are usually watching closely to make sure things don’t get out of hand… and quite frankly you all do a great job of policing yourselves anyway.

So for those people who may gripe about not allowing illegal hand-ups in the Masters, W123, 3’s, and Men 1/2/3’s… we’ll remind you first that our USAC officials don’t have to allow them at all in any race, and 2nd, there are many races around the country where hand-ups are not allowed at all… even in the 4’s… so we’re all pretty lucky here in Chicagoland. We’ll also remind everyone that non-food hand-ups are technically not illegal (since just about anyone would have a hard time reasoning that a dollar bill is considered a feed)… and from some other grumblings we’ve heard, we’re pretty sure the fast guys and gals would appreciate $20 and $50 hand-ups anyway.

So, to be clear as mud…
Categories higher than 4 = hand-ups not okay
Cat 4 = what hand-ups… we didn’t see any hand-ups…

Great… now that we have that out of the way… let’s go race our bikes and have fun!

Photo: Jason Knauff

– One of the original CCC races, Camption Cross returns for another year hosted by race promoter Rob Kelley and Bicycle Heaven. Being held on Halloween and ‘cross being the spectacle that it is, we’re looking forward to all the costumes you all bring to the party. Just remember to make sure you can still ride you bicycle (safely) and wear a helmet.

– What amazes us all the time is how CCC riders and promoters find ways to keep all the things that work but continue to innovate and raise the bar every weekend, year after year. Bicycle Heaven is bringing back $20 first lap primes for each category for another year (its a gamble to go out so fast, but if you do, you will be rewarded)… but Rob says he also has a little surprise in store for everyone that may “blow your mind“. Unfortunately for all of you we were sworn to secrecy so you’ll just have to come to the race to find out what it is.

– A local 4-H club, the Kane County Fantastics, will be having a bake sale. Support a great cause while eating… or feeding someone else.

– Speaking of great causes, WBR donations have been a little light the past few races and we’re still quite far away from our end of season goal of raising $5,000. Please donate anything you can when reg’ing for future races… it may be cliché, but every little bit does help.

– Campton is one of the “further away from Chicago” venues, so give yourselves plenty of time to get there. There are plenty of food and caffeine vendors along Randall Rd on the way out, so stock up as there isn’t much food close to the park.

– We’ve had some rain, and more to the point wind this week, but the weather forecast for Sunday looks like another fabulous day for a CX race.

– The best spectating area will again be near the kids playground equipment… but as always we’ll let you decide. There is however more than enough legal parking for everyone, and spot-a-pots… so please use both.

– In addition to call-ups for anyone in costume, Rob Kelly and crew will have a best costume contest with prizes TBD. Lest we forget there were more than a few gems last year, but we’re sure a few of you can top them this year!

– The Campton course will for a 3rd year be nearly identical to the last two year’s.  As always, the course can change on race day depending on conditions. The course goes anti-clockwise.

– Double thanks to Ted Schweitzer, Verdigris, Jeff Provisor, Main St. Bikes, North Branch Cycling, and everyone else who made this past weekend’s double header a success. The two races were vastly different, but if the comment sections have been any indication, equally fun and enjoyed by all. Carpentersville even got some press in the Daily Herald.

– Notes from the weekend… Johnny Sprockets got new skinsuits, Flannel Mike and Greg got callups, as did guys with helmet cameras, and the racing was exciting all weekend long. Cookie hand ups returned (and were then promptly tossed), as did twinkies and dollar bills. Dave Lombardo finally got that elusive win in the Junior 15-18’s, and Walid hit the podium twice with his uber secret Cannondale prototype. After taking commanding wins in the Cat 4’s on Saturday, we had two riders (Liz So & John Kalnins) cat up and join the Cat 3 ranks overnight… and they road fantastic on Sunday, as did everyone else… which just goes to show that in CX, we’re all winners. Trackies and others still need to work on their handling, as do a few 4B’s, while the juniors showed off their mad BMX skillz, and lest we forget… firemen are strong. And Brian Conant may be the best CX coach in the land, but we bet he can’t dance like this!

– Up next this Sunday is another classic CCC course in Barlett’s Sunrise Park hosted by Athletes By Design (ABD) and promoter Jim Nowak. ABD is increasing the payout, but we all know the real glory is at the top of the original Heckle Hill. As always, look for the course preview Thursday morning.

– Chicagoland local rider and one time CX racer Bill Hatch is battling cancer. The Colavita Cycling Team is holding a fundraiser for Bill on Thursday October 28th at Flatlanders Restaurant and Brewery. Check out the Facebook page for more on how you can help.

– This just in from series sponsor Tipping Point Photography… Any cross racer/cross family/dedicated cross spectator who books a portrait session of 2 or more hours with Tipping Point Photography between now and December 31, 2010 will get a free matted 8×10 of the photo of their choice from that session ($45 value). We are pretty loose in our interpretation of “portrait session”: it could be you with your spouse/partner/betrothed; your children; you and your children; your pet(s); your extended family; or just awesome and fantastic YOU! With your bike, if you like! We are open to just about anything you have in mind that fits this description. (We don’t consider weddings and other celebratory events to be portrait sessions, but we do offer services for these kinds of events, too. Contact us for more info.) Send an e-mail to liz -AT- tippingpointphoto.com to talk to us about what you have in mind, and we’ll pull together a custom quote for you. Make sure to mention this special offer in your message! Check out our Portraits + Stories and our Weddings + Celebrations collections for some inspiration. Gift certificates are available, too, and make great holiday presents, though this offer does not apply for sessions booked with a gift certificate.

– Do you ride a bike on more than grass and dirt and drive a car? Illinois now has permanent, year-round “Share the Road” specialty license plates! Find more details here.

– And finally… for those of you not traveling to Louisville or Wisconsin this Saturday, Burnham Racing is hosting their annual Demilitarized Donut Ride / Apple Haus World Championship this Saturday (10/23) at 7:55AM leaving from Wicker Park in Wicker Park (if water is not falling from the sky). The ride is about 60ish miles with a turnaround and face stuffing feast at the Apple Haus in Long Grove. Leave your knobbies at home and join the Burnham boys on their annual trek to the Northwest for AppleCider Donut bliss.