Photo: Luke Seemann

– Super masters racer/promoter Jim Nowak, Athletes ByDesign, and Prairie Path Cycles return for 2010 with another classic course at Sunrise Park in Bartlett, IL. As crazy as we here at the CCC are about CX, Jim is about about 1,765,233 times more so and always sets the bar a little higher each year with his course designs. This year, in addition to bringing back what many people consider one of the defining moments of 2009’s CCC, Jim pays tribute to the SuperCup series of the late 1990’s with a barrier “6 pack” (or possibly just a 4 pack).

– The Bartlett venue has perhaps the trickiest parking situation of all the CCC races. Parking is actually a good ways away at the Sycamore Trails School. See the map below. Please park at the school and follow the signs on the path to the course and registration. Its probably a good idea to ride your bike, but per USAC regulations you must wear your helmet at all times when on your bike at a race. You can’t finish the race if you don’t start because you brains are spilled all over the sidewalk… so please keep it safe and don’t make us ask you twice… better yet once. See page 54 here.

– ABD has increased payouts across the board above the CCC standard payout, paying 10 deep in all categories except 50+ and Cat 4A’s which still go 5 deep.

– We’ve had sunny skies at every race this year but the forecast for Sunday looks a little iffy… either way with temps in the lower 60’s there’s a 50% chance of awesome. However, this weekend is notoriously windy… so if you plan on setting up a tent, bring metal stakes or weights… and wear your wellies, knit caps, gloves, and maybe pack an umbrella.

– The 4B’s and 4A’s are closed but just like at all races we’ll start a wait list on race day for those wanting to take any no-show spots. The Louisville USGP races are taking a few more of you away than last year, but there are still 291 of you pre-reg’d. With so many people away in Louisville the overall team standings are sure to shake up a bit, plus we’ll have a few special call ups this weekend. Remember next weekend is Halloween in Campton where anyone in costume also gets a call-up. So plan ahead.

– Speaking of planning ahead, online pre-reg for Northbrook is finally open.

– Back to Sunrise Park, please remember this course is smack in the middle of a housing community. Please respect the neighbors at times while at the race… this includes not peeing in places you shouldn’t (we have Spot-A-Pots), using foul language, and anything that would make it so we can’t come back next year. You all are always great about this, so let’s keep the streak alive.

– Since the park is in the middle of a residential area there are no food or beverage establishments in the immediate vicinity. However this year ABD has brought in local food vendor Dogfather who will be serving up hotdogs, hamburgers, chicken, brats, chips, and drinks.

– And finally the venue… the Sunrise Park course is one of the CCC’s longest at roughly 2.2 miles. All categories will still be racing the same amount of time as all other CCC races though, but you’ll obviously be completing fewer laps… so pay attention to the lap counters. Since the start chute and Finish line are on the interior of the course… please be careful when crossing the course since racers will likely be coming at you from both directions. The Course runs counter-clockwise (that’s anti-clockwise in Europe) this year. Registration will be in the same spot as last year, just NorthEast of the Finish line. The wheel/bike pit is double entry and just SouthWest of the finish line. The start chute will be just to the NorthEast of the finish line next to registration. Numbers will go on your left. Heckle Hill returns (how could it not) but you will hit it from a different direction.

– For the 3rd year in a row the Carpenter’s Park race, hosted by Main St. Bicycles (owned by CCC director and jack-of-all-trades Jeff Provisor) & North Branch Cycling, will be hosted along side the Carpentersville Oktoberfest. As you may have guessed the festival will have a beer garden (which will be located right next to the course). Great food vendors, live music, raffles, kid rides (inflatables), and much more. Full details of the festival and a sample of some of the Oktoberfestivities are here.

– Remember the previous day the CCC is just up the road in Wauconda at Psycho Cross. See the preview for Saturday’s race here. Online pre-reg on BikeReg.com closes for both races tonight (Thursday) at midnight.

– The Holiday Inn Express in Lake Zurich on Rt. #12 (Rand Road) is offering $20.00 off on a night’s stay for Saturday night for those of you who want to stay local and not drive home after the Wauconda race… just mention “Psycho Cross” for the discount.

– Registration is back in the bandshell in the NorthEast corner of the park. The Start/Finish has also moved back to North Side of the park. Right now there are 291 of you pre-reg’d, which is less than last year, but online pre-reg is still open until midnight tonight (Thursday)! The 4A’s are closed but there are still a few spots left in the 4B’s. Just like at all CCC races we’ll have a waitlist for any race that is full to try and give everyone a chance to race.

– The weather forecast looks fantastic again, but Autumn seems to finally have arrived… so make sure to bring some warm, dry clothes for after the race

– Jeff and the village of Carpentersville have asked that we please keep the beer drinking in the beer garden… you know, so the beer flowers can grow. This being ‘cross we’re sure someone won’t read this and a can or two of High Life will find their way to the side of the course, so please be respectful of the park, other spectators, and every racer.

– Overflow parking will be East of the park – in the school lots off of Spring St (to the South), and at Cross Container off of Maple (to the North).

– New this year is live beer hall style music, in the new beer garden (did we mention there is beer) located on the NE side of the course. There will be many tasty food options, including the return of Kenny’s famous Chubby Spud… a brat wrapped in a potato blanket with cheese and kraut… for a post race recovery coma induced nirvana in a wrap.

– Bring a canned food item for the local FISH food pantry, and the $2.00 I.D. wrist band fee to purchase adult beverages in the Beer Garden will be waived. Leinies’ Oktoberfest brew will be featured in the garden as well as other brews.

– For all you kids who aren’t yet old enough to race in the 10-14 category, the Oktoberfest will feature a Free Kids race for 5-10 year olds held at high noon near the bandshell. Just bring your bike and a helmet!  Also for the kiddies, a huge inflatable jumpy things to keep ’em busy & happy for .50 cents a ride.

– This year’s course is a mix of classic Carpentersville features such as creek crossings, one of the CCC’s longer sand pits, a little nub of a hill that always gets people. Returning from 2009 but still somehow new for 2010, the course now goes through 100 yards of sweet black mother earth in the adjoining bean field to the East of the park. The dirt stretch will contain a section of plump dirt rollers (aka the pump/rhythm section) finely tuned for your pleasure. Dirty Mudders, pray for rain. Check out Sven Nys flying through one here (0:11).

– Returning after a one year hiatus, race promoter Ted Schweitzer (who hosted the Hawthorne Woods race way back in 2008) returns with the Verdigris Custom Homes CX team with a new and improved Psycho Cross race in Wauconda at the Golf Farm. The race also has a website at: www.psychocrosschicago.com.

– Remember the next day the CCC travels just down the road to Carpentersville. See the preview for Sunday’s race here. Online pre-reg on BikeReg.com closes for both races tonight (Thursday) at midnight.

– First some ground rules… per the owner of The Golf Farm, please leave your beer coolers and/or grills at home. This is private land and there is a restaurant/bar, so we have to play by the owner’s rules. The main parking will be on the South side of the course. Limited parking is available next to the restaurant/bar.

– Next some travel assistance. The Holiday Inn Express in Lake Zurich on Rt. #12 (Rand Road) is offering $20.00 off on a night’s stay for Saturday night for those of you who want to stay local for Sunday’s race in Carpentersville… just mention “Psycho Cross” for the discount.

– Now the fun stuff… Yes, the rumors and tweets are true, Verdigris Custom Homes has constructed the CCC’s 2nd ever flyover… deemed “The Bridge of Sighs“, which is 22’ tall, 51’ long, and 11’ wide. The structure was designed and built to look like an old world bridge, complete with covered roof, stone ‘look’ arched lower, and nice handrails. 13 steps leads you to the top… but from there you have to figure out how to get down yourself. A lot of work went into building this monster and we look forward to hearing your sighs, wales, screams, or whatever it is you do on such a piece of architecture.

– SRAM Neutral Race Support will be at the race with wheels and bikes. Swing by and say hello to José.

– Continuing with the goodies, Ted will be holding a silent auction for a set of Reynolds Strike 66 mm carbon clinchers (valued at $1550). These wheels are new in the box, and come complete with ti/alloy skewers, rim strips, tire levers, valve extenders, and carbon specific brake pads.

– Psycho CX will also have an increased payout of merchandise above and beyond the CCC standard payout. Look for goodies like Reynolds mountain bike wheels, Uvex helmets, Blue Competition Cycles pint glasses, Road ID gift certificates, BaileyWorks messenger bags, and more. If that wasn’t enough there will also be a raffle for merchandise donated by Speedgoat.

– Ted’s orthopedic surgeon and his physical therapists will also be at the race disseminating information about stretching, physical therapy, and injury prevention.

– If a rave doesn’t spontaneously start on the far side of the course, there will be a band performing towards the latter part of the day and a guy playing Led Zepplin and Deep Purple songs on accordion.

– The Gold Farm is a full service facility with a bar and restaurant (and we hope bathrooms), and… if for some reason the CX action isn’t enough for you (we can’t really imagine such a scenario but thought we’d just put it out there)… putt-putt golf for kids and a sand volleyball court.

– Finally the course itself. There isn’t much terrain to speak of but the Verdigris crew has been very creative in designing a long, fast, power course with all the trimmings including grass, dirt, gravel, mulch, twists, turns, straightaways, and of course the flyover.  At just around 2 miles you’ll get a little taste of everything.

– 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”.

– 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.

– 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!