– Back for their 2nd year, the fun loving crew at Beverly Bike-Vee Pak (who brought you such memorable characters as Geisha) with some help from Psimet Racing (how do you say that anyway?) bring your the rebranded Elvis Cross at Dan Ryan Woods. BBVP tells us the best entrance is off either 83rd street (just East of Western) or 85th and Western. All parking lots will be open.

– Please remember the Chicago Marathon is being run this weekend and starts at 7:30am… so if you’re traveling out of the loop to get to DRW give yourself some extra time. See the course route here.

– Why Elvis? We’re not quite sure ourselves, but BBVP is offering $5 off registration for anyone dressed like Elvis. BBVP didn’t say whether or not you need to dress like young Elvis, in the army, “The King” in his prime, or on his downward slide… but apparently the only rule is this means more than just hair and glasses. The CCC and USAC officials also require that you can see through any eyewear, and can pedal your bicycle without capes, leis, jumpsuits, etc getting stuck in your gears.

– Free fried chicken and peanut butter & banana sandwiches for everyone (while supplies last). The hunka-hunka love would have been so proud!

– Its not quite Memphis, but the weekend weather forecast is calling for sunny skies and 74 degrees. Leave your MAE Madness at home.

– Please remember this race takes place within the boundaries of the city of Chicago which means open containers of alcohol are not permitted… and the friendly park service law enforcers will be there. So remember to use good judgement so that the CCC can return to Dan Ryan Woods next year and for years to come.

– Please remember that the CCC standard payout goes 5 deep. There were several of you who didn’t pick up your cash at Hopkins Park. We’ll have it for you at Elvis CX, but if you don’t pick it up we’ll send it back to Dekalb or donate it to WBR.

– Online pre-reg on BikeReg.com closes tonight at midnight. The 4’s are full (again) but we’ll run wait-lists starting Sunday morning. There’s still plenty of room in all other categories though. Thanks to the 16 of you (so far) who gave a little extra and donated to WBR while registering online.

– If you’re getting to the park early Sunday morning, please let the 40+ racers get their numbers first so they can take their geritol, rub in their bengay, and get warmed up for their race (which starts at 8:45am). The 30+ are next and the rest of you should have plenty of time to get reg’d and warm up.

– The name might have changed but the course is for all practical purposes the same. A lung busting hill, lots of long power straight-aways, and a few off-camber turns to spice it up. The course runs clockwise. Please note that from here on out, to get to the individual race maps (like the map below) from the main CCC map of races you’ll need to click on one of the blue balloons and then the link for “Detailed Map”.

– Gihugimous thanks to North Central Cyclery and Half Acre Cycling for putting on another great race at Hopkins Park. From what we saw on Sunday and all the pix flooding in it looks like everyone had a lot of fun negotiation the flyover, although it seems barriers are still giving some people a bit of trouble! Congratulations to everyone who raced but especially The Pony Shop for taking the lead in the Team Competition and Rodrigo Aviles who won the Sister Sprocket Flying Pig Award. Congrats also to Mia Moore (xXx Racing) and Chase Negley (Iron Cycles) who won the Mad Alchemy First Lap Hot Legs Sprints. Don’t worry though all you Cat 4’s, both of these riders have already applied for and were granted their Cat 3 upgrades.

– It only makes sense that Half Acre was handing out tall boys of their sponsor’s brews, which is great in Dekalb, but please remember that not all of the parks that host CCC events (including upcoming Dan Ryan Woods & Carpentersville) are as hops and barley friendly. We don’t think anyone wants to jeopardize our ability to hold CCC races at these parks in the future, so please mind your P’s, Q’s, and Natty Lite. Just use your good judgement… which means don’t roll up to the start line with a beer can in your water bottle cage. Let’s keep it a little more classy than that.

– Next up, Beverly Bike-Vee Pak with support from Psimet Custom Wheels host Elvis Cross in the Dan Ryan Woods. Yes, the hill will still be there. Look for the race preview on Thursday.

– The 2010 CCC Series t-shirts are now up and ready for sale on the REKLAIM Apparel website. Choose either mail delivery or you can pick your shirt(s) up at an upcoming race. REKLAIM is donating 100% of all profits to our series long WBR fundraising drive. So buy 1 or buy 20… all the money goes to a great cause!

– We’ve been getting a bunch of comments about pulling riders this year. So to clarify… the 80% rule was introduced this year merely as a way to officially enforce rule 5G1 (see page 140) that has been in existence for a long time but not necessarily enforced, especially in CCC races. Our USAC officials have agreed that if fields are manageable they will let the riders finish or ride as long as possible. However with fields nearing or at capacity across the board this year our USAC officials will likely be enforcing the rule at most races due to the larger field sizes, and at the end of the day whether or not to enforce the rule is ultimately the officials’ decision. We do not enforce the rule in the Cat 4B’s and Women 4/Juniors fields because we want these riders to all to have the “full CX experience”.  The lead Cat 4A’s rarely lap the last riders in that field, but the the officials may start pulling riders in the 4A’s if needed. As far as the Masters races are concerned, in a nutshell… they are based on age. If riders want to race with others more their skill/fitness level they should race in the Cat 3’s or Cat 4’s, which is why those are skill/fitness based categories. If you have other questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us directly at [email protected].

– Check out the ICA’s most recent CX Bikes Supermodel’s post. If you’re interested in contributing and/or have some glamor shots of your bike(s) get in touch with the ICA webmaster. Speaking of photography… if you are taking action shots near any CX course, please stay off the course and do not interfere with any rider. We encourage our spectators to get close to the action, but please remember you are still spectating.

– And finally… it is the CCC’s policy not to reply to messages on Facebook, Twitter, etc. Even though we do have umpa-loompas and mini-me’s running around in our secret evil lair (with liquid hot magma), we still don’t have time to check these sites all day long and respond. If you have criticisms of the series… or better yet suggestion or would like to get involved to make the series better… please contact us directly at [email protected] and we’d be happy to listen to whatever you have to say. Now… does anyone want to just race bikes for the fun of it?

– Update… the Peace Rd exit off of I88 is closed. Please take the Peace Rd detour to the Annie Glidden Rd exit and follow the detour signs to get to the race.

– Stepping up the game once again North Central Cyclery and Half Acre Cycling present the 2010 edition of their Hopkins Park CX race in beautiful Dekalb, IL. This is the same duo that brought you the classic gravel metric century which had its own HD trailer, so you can only imagine what happens when they plan a full on, sanctioned USAC CX race. Updates throughout the day will be posted on HAC’s account @halfacrecycling. The weather looks perfectly CX for the weekend, so make sure to pack a base layer, and extra pair of socks, and a coat (for after your race) along with your cowbells and Vuvuzelas.

– Right now there are 418 pre-reg’d riders and all fields except the Cat 4A’s and 4B’s still have spots open. The Women’s 4 are closing in on the current 60 rider pre-reg limit, but with only 19 juniors pre-reg’d there will be roughly 20-25 spots open on race day (for both Women 4’s and Juniors). We’ll run wait-lists for all categories as necessary… as always… first come, first served.

– Thanks to everyone who donated to WBR while reg’ing for Hopkins Park and helping us to reach our season long goal of $5k. We’re getting closer every day!

– Parking is pretty much anywhere you can find it, but there are several designated lots (see map below). Registration will be inside the main pavilion and the Start Grid will be just North, and down the hill.

– Besides series sponsor CarboRocket having electrolyte drinks and coffee on hand (all for free) there will also be a bake sale and someone will likely be grilling with veg options for a few bucks.

– Just a reminder that we can only allow a combined 100 riders in the Women 4 and Juniors starting time slot. Based on the number of riders at Jackson Park we’ve up’ed the pre-reg limit of the Women 4 field to 60 riders (which still is NOT full yet), but there should be plenty of room for everyone.

– Now that we’ve got one 2010 race under our belts, we’ll be making call-ups to top ten in the CCC Overall Standings. After that’s its first come first served. Allan Thom (the elder) will be making a guest appearance on the megaphone assisted by CCC Assistant Director Robert Sliwinski.

– But to get to the starting grid it will be necessary for rider to cross the course… so please be extra careful and respectful to racers on course when crossing. Its always a good idea to also keep your head up whenever racing.

– The main obstacle and where we expect most of the spectating to occur at Hopkins Park will be a CCC first in the shape of a flyover. What’s a flyover you ask? Its goes like this… get off your bike, climb up a set of stairs, remount your bike, ride down the ramp on the other side, ride underneath the bridge shortly after. Want to see how its done? Check out Ohio’s green monster (and see if you can spot Jackson Park promoter Greg Heck!). NCC owner and race promoter Tobie Depauw recommends getting in a little flyover practice before your race. Tobie says its not actually difficult to get up and over but may seem a little intimidating, especially if you’ve never raced over one before. The USAC officials will let you when are allowed to pre-ride the course in the time in between races.

– As we’ve noted Hopkins Park will host the Officially Unofficial Illinois State Cyclocross Single Speed Championships. Registration is only Day-Of for this event which will start immediately after the Master’s 50+ (who start behind the Women 1/2/3) at 10:49am. Promoter Chris Jensen had this to say about the event… “Reigning OUISCSSC champion Avi Neurohr is in it for a Double Impact, but he might be Marked for Death and the championship Under Seige. Good thing he’s a Hard Target. He’s taken First Blood and now he’s a Running Man! The first-place prize promises to be a big box of intense.” We’re really not sure what all that means, and we’re wondering just how many Half Acre’s Chris had before putting pen to paper… but OUISCSSC will likely be 100% awesome this Sunday.

– Just a friendly reminder that we’re asking the top 3 riders in each category to report to the podiums immediately after your race… helmets are optional.

– The Women 4’s and Cat 4A’s will again be competing for the next round of Mad Alchemy First Lap Hot Legs Sprints. The first rider in these two categories over the top of the flyover will win themselves a tub of MAE Mellow Warming embro. The 4B’s should also be on the lookout for Sister Sprocket and her Flying Pig award.

– This year’s course (below) again runs clockwise, and your bib numbers will go on your right (please check with your USAC officials on race day for any last minute changes). Two double barrier sections await you as well as the flyover and somewhat more rolling terrain than many of our other CCC races.

– Looks like several CCC regulars did well at the Planet Bike USGP in Madison over the weekend. Congratulations to everyone who raced, heckled, and had a good time.

– Next up for the CCC is Hopkins Park in Dekalb, hosted by North Central Cyclery and Half Acre Cycling. Hopkins Park will also host the OUISCSSC. Look for a full preview on Thursday at the regularly scheduled time, but let’s just say the HAC guys and gals have been busy… very busy preparing for this year’s race.

– If you’re thinking about upgrading please do so through your My USACycling profile on USACycling.org and remember upgrades can take up to 2 weeks to process. That’s our way of saying, don’t pre-register for the cat 3’s and apply for your upgrade the Thursday before a race. Also, you can take 1/2 of your CCC series points with you if your upgrade is processed before Carpentersville. See all the CCC series rules here and USAC’s CX upgrading rules here (page 28).

– More people around the country are picking up on the ChiCrossCup scene. CX Magazine even wrote a glowing reviewing of the ChiCrossCollective’s 2009 coffee table book… and for good reason… it’s simply fantastic! If you still haven’t picked yourself up a copy you can still purchase hardback and softback versions here. Get some!

– Speaking of buying all things CCC… REKLAIM Apparel is almost ready to accept orders for the 2010 CCC Series t-shirt as soon as we finalize some artwork. REKLAIM is donating 100% of their profits to the CCC’s season long WBR drive.

– If you haven’t looked at the 2010 CCC schedule here, here, here, here, and here… we have two double races weekends this year, and that means road trips and sleep overs. Psycho CX promoter Ted Schweitzer has secured a discounted rate at the Holiday Inn Express in Lake Zurich for $89 if you want to spend the night in between Wauconda & Carpentersville. Just mention “Psycho Cross” for the CCC reduced rate. Also Indian Lakes Resort promoter South Chicago Wheelmen have secured discounted rooms at, where else… the Hilton Indian Lakes Resort, for $79.00 for up to 4 people on both Friday and Saturday nights. Like last year ILR will have a Saturday and Sunday breakfast buffet, an all you can eat lunch and dinner buffet (both days as well) and Fat Tire will be selling beer.

– VeloNews had a great article about series sponsor Verizon Cycling… although they forgot to mention anything about cyclocross.

– Hey Ladies… on Thursday October 7th our good friends over at Spidermonkey Cycling are hooking up with Kristen Meshberg… wait, that didn’t sound right! Check out the SM’s Facebook page with all the details about an informal Q-n-A session with Kristen at 7 p.m. at the Get-a-Grip fit studio.

– And finally… hey parents, looking for someone to watch your kids while you race? Starbuck Babysitting Services (no, not the coffee) will watch your children for the entire day or just while you race at upcoming CCC events. Contact Scott (his daughter does the babysitting and is Red ‘Cross’ CPR certified) for more info.

– 541 starters… yes, that’s an all time record for any CCC race (we averaged 400 in 2009 and maxed out at 474). Thanks to xXx Racing for hosting the official season opener, promoter Greg Heck for designing his best course yet, and major thanks to Natalie Evan and her crew of ladies at registration for keeping all of you in check all day long. Twinkies were back, so was “The Hemme“,  monkey puppets were handing up Oreos, California flew in a raisin, and we’ve even heard rumors of red hot chili peppers. Sister Sprocket awarded the first of 12 Flying Pig Awards to the one and only Flannel Mike (wearing spandex btw), and Verdigris swept the Masters 40+ helping to give them an early lead in the team standings. What a day!

– Up next is CCC #2 Hopkins Park in Dekalb on Sunday October 3rd, hosted by the dynamic duo of North Central Cyclery and Half Acre Cycling. If you missed our original note there will be a new obstacle for everyone to negotiate on course. Hopkins Park will once again also be the site of the 2nd annual OUISCSSC (“Officially Unofficial Illinois State Cyclocross Single Speed Championship“). Find details on Half Acre‘s website. Please don’t show up in Dekalb this coming weekend though… instead head up to WI to watch the pros in the Planet Bike USGP.

– Not sure how we missed it… but Half Acre’s women’s CX clinic had a great turnout, even in the rain. Also coming out to party yesterday… please welcome Half Acre’s newest junior to the U1 division… Elliott Popper.

– If you missed our tweet, the CCC website has a new page… the “Heckle Hall of Fame“. Check it out, read the rules, and add your favorite(s).

– The winning 2010 CCC Series T-Shirt designed as voted on by you the riders of the CCC is the Word Jumper, designed by Burnham Racing’s Julian Baumgartner. We’ll have more details in a little bit and have the shirts for sale on REKLAIM Apparel shortly.

– Julian is also spearheading a project over on the ICA Website called the “Supermodels of the ChiCrossCup” featuring one off and tricked out CX bikes.

– Juniors Beginning CX Training had nearly 30 kids last week (a little birdie pony told us so).  Paul Swinand will have a photographer out next week and post some photos on the Facebook page here.

– Upgrade to your road or mtb category. Please note that (if you want to) you can automatically upgrade to your current road or mtb category. See the letter from USAC explaining the rule here.

– Ever wonder where those WBR donations are going? Last week’s NYT had a great Op-Ed article about World Bicycle Relief.

– So you’ve done your first CX race (at least of the season) and you’re hooked. Want to help make the series even better? The CCC could still use some help for the entire series. Email us at [email protected] if you are interested in being a part of the series.

– And finally (and this is the last we’ll say on this topic)… While we will certainly give a few people nudges if and when it is clear they should upgrade, and while we would like to encourage all Cat 4’s to pick just one race (either the $A’s or 4B’s to let everyone have a chance to race) and jump in another race if there is room (still only $10 for your 2nd race on race day)… it is not the CCC’s job nor responsibility to hand out mandatory upgrades. If you are worried about not getting a spot in a Cat 4 field, we encourage you to race faster, you to earn your points, and you to upgrade to a higher category. There are always plenty of spots each week in the Cat 1/2/3 and Women 1/2/3 races. Pre-reg for all CCC races has also been open since August 30th, and no category at any event sold out in the first 5 minutes like a Lady Gaga concert… so if you’re still worried about not getting a spot, pre-reg now! You are also welcome to keep track of the people you think are sandbagging and send emails into the USAC upgrade coordinator… but you know what they say about those kinds of things. Okay, now let’s go race!

– First off… big, big thanks to xXx Racing for putting on another great event. xXx hosted the Relay CX race a few weeks back to get everyone in the CX mood (although the 90 degree temps didn’t really help) and are already putting on another CX race! Make sure to thank anyone and everyone in a red and black kit for making the event happen.

– Remember the parking lot at Jackson Park is metered, but only costs about $9-10 for all day. We don’t want anyone getting a ticket, so you’ve been warned. If the lot right next to the course fills up, there is parking to the west of the course on Hayes Drive.  However, the lot south of Hayes Drive south of the main parking lot is off limits.

– Please note that the CARA 20-mile run will be taking place along the Lakefront Path on Sunday morning. xXx and the CCC urge all CX’ers riding down to Jackson Park for the race to exercise due caution and courtesy when traveling along that route.

– The CCC is trying to be green… take a look under the floor mats of your car, dig into to seat cushins and bring your own safety pins to properly attach your bib number. But how will you remember to bring pins each week? We suggest visiting one of your favorite local bike shops and purchasing a patch kit… we like the Genuine Innovations large patch kit in the green plastic boxes. Whether you use the patches is up to you, but we like to put a handful of safety pins in the plastic container and always keep it in our race bag. Mother earth thanks you!

– Our friends over at REKLAIM Apparel/ZeroEvents will also be helping the CCC be greener by providing recycling services. The 2010 CCC Series T-shirts will also be printed on organic cotton with soy inks. Don’t forget to vote for your favorite design by midnight on Saturday night. REKLAIM is donating 100% of all profits to our goal of raising $5,000 for WBR by the end of the series.

– Online pre-registration on BikeReg.com (say it with us… Bik Rej… like REGistration) closes tonight at midnight. Entry fees increase $5 on race day. Huge thanks to the 448 of you that have already pre-reg’d. Even huger thanks to the  34 of your that donated to WBR when registering. So far we’ve raised $208. That’s a great start, but not nearly enough, so keep it coming. If you’d like to donate your race winnings to our WBR drive, please see us after your race.

– Series sponsor CarboRocket will be out on Sunday with big coolers of CarboRocket mix and (hopefully) some coffee. Swing by and fill up your bottle, mug, or canteen. Temps are forecasted to be in the upper 60’s with an 80% chance of awesome, but we all need to stay hydrated.

– We’ve had a few questions about the Women Cat 4 field filling up. Due to the course length we can only allow a maximum of 100 riders on course at a time. So if less than 50 juniors show up we can open the remaining spots to cat 4 women.

– Concerning waitlists… we’ll start waitlists for each filled category (Women 4, Cat 4A, & Cat 4B) when registration opens at 7:45am. First come first served. 20 minutes before each race is scheduled to start (yes, even if we’re running a little behind we will still close reg at the scheduled time) we’ll close out the race and reassign bib numbers to those on the waiting list. If you are pre-reg’d and show up after this time your bib will already have been reassigned and you will NOT be allowed to race. Period. If you are racing more than once and would like to give your number up to someone else so they have a chance to enjoy the thrill of heckles and whatever else goes on, thank you, and we certainly can accommodate that. Just make your way to registration as soon as possible and the reg staff will switch you in start list (just don’t give your number to the other guy/gal).

– Please remember to register for the correct category/age group. We cannot allow you to race outside your cat/age group and the reg staff will be checking licenses thoroughly all day long. If you have a question, please ask us or a USAC official.

– Concerning call-ups… we’re still not telling, but you will be lined up like any other CCC race, 10 wide in the starting grid. So if you want to be on the 2nd row, you’ll have to get there yourself. Last year’s placings have nothing to do with it. That being said, please do not fight over starting positions… after all this is just bike racing, its a long season, and karma can be a b!@tch.

– Full results will be posted on the CCC results board at the race (near registration) and online at illinoiscycling.org and usacycling.org/results later Sunday evening. Series standings will be posted here following each race. Remember we’re presenting podiums to the top 3 in each race immediately before the next race. So if you’re in the top 3, head to the podiums right after you’re done ripping legs off. The Pony Shop will be presenting awards to both Juniors categories.

– The CCC will be on Twitter all day… so feel free to follow us for up-to-the-minute updates.

– The CCC is supported by many, many amazing series sponsors who will personally be attending (and possibly racing) at Jackson Park. Make sure to swing by and say thank you for their generous support.

– Below is scheduled 2010 Jackson Park course brought to you by the twisted minds of xXx Racing (and the Bonebell.com). Please remember the map below is only an approximation as we may need to make adjustments on race day. Please note the course runs counter-clockwise (so bib #’s go on your left), the location of the 3 barrier sections (one is a double), registration, the starting chute, tent city, and most importantly the finish line. The wheel/bike pit is dual sided and currently right next to the finish line but may be moved to be more in the middle of the entire course (which is >1.9 miles in length). Please see  you friendly USAC official (and say thank you) for the actual location on Sunday.

– And finally… thanks to everyone for coming out and racing Cross! We knew this season had the potential to be even bigger and more importantly better than last year, but if the pre-reg numbers are any indication 2010 is going to be even more gihugimous than anything we could have imagined. So let’s race, cheer, heckle, and have a great time! See you Sunday!

The 2010 t-shirt entries are in and its again time for you, the riders of the CCC to vote for your favorite! Thanks to everyone who submitted designs (including the 12 year old junior!)… but as we all know, just like in a race, only one design can win.

See the designs below or follow this link to the Picasa page.

Please review the 15 14 designs carefully and pick your favorite… and obviously the one you’d want to wear. Then vote below or in the side bar to the right –>. Please only vote once (yes, just like last year if you figured out a way to get around the super-secure interwebs security we want you to do the right thing and still only vote once). Polls will be open until midnight next Saturday (9/18/10) and we’ll announce the winner at Jackson Park.

UPDATE: The Bluebirds design has been removed at the behest of the creator. If you voted for the Bluebirds please attempt to vote again.

Remember to click the yellow “Vote” button when done to save your vote. Anyone can vote, but if you get all of your friends, shop owners, quasi-random strangers, long lost aunties, and pet greyhounds to vote… they have to buy a t-shirt and wear it too!

We’ll have the shirts for sale on series sponsor website REKLAIM Apparel for $15 and the first batch should be ready for delivery (or pick up) around the time of Elvis Cross (Dan Ryan Woods). Our friends at REKLAIM have been gracious enough to not only print the shirts for us, but also donate a majority all of their profits to the CCC’s year end donation to World Bicycle Relief to help us reach our season long goal of raising $5,000. So buy a shirt… heck buy 5… as it all goes to a great cause!

Good luck to all of the contestants, and Happy Voting!