– Well the weather held out, the crowds showed up, there were thrills, spills, chills (literally), Flannel Mike, heroes, winners, a little sand… but absolutely no losers. Big thanks to Turin Bicycle for hosting yet another great event at Montrose Harbor and the IL State CX Championships. Congratulation not only to the 13 state champions who won jerseys, but also the 13 individual Chicago Cyclocross Cup Overall Series Winners and to Verdigris-Village CX for winning the Team Competition.

– State Champions received their jerseys on Sunday but we’ll hand out the CCC cowbells in just less than 2 weeks at the CCC End of Season Awards Party on Sunday December 18th just after high noon at EJ’s Place in Skokie. We’ll have full use of the bar and a buffet dinner will be served between 3pm and 4pm. In addition to the CCC cowbells our fantastic series sponsors have stepped up in a big way and we’ll not only have awards for the series winners but plenty of great door prizes. Tickets are on sale now, so please pre-reg so the kitchen at EJ’s can plan accordingly.

– Speaking of parties, our friends at My Wife Inc. have invited all Chicago area racers heading up to Madison this weekend to the Badger Cross Party Saturday night. Although it’s technically the WCA season ending series awards, it’s really just a good party with food, music, and drinks. What better way to end a day of racing, cheering, heckling and cowbell ringing than with good food, some tasty beverages, music, fun and great company! December 10, 2011, 6-9 pm (Hor d’Oeuvres 6:30-8:30) at the West Side Club of Madison. Cost: $20.

– The Burnham Racing & Spidermonkey Cycling WBR holiday “bake sale” charity fundraiser was a smashing success. The Spidermonkeys baked their faces off and the group ‘sold through’ their ornaments (twice), raising well over $700 for World Bicycle Relief. Because of the WBR matching campaign going on now through the end of the year, the Montrose fundraiser along with Burnham’s Apple Donut ride and their work as the lead pace bikes for the Chicago Marathon… monies will end up as a net donation of over $2,400 to WBR!

– Races coming up…

– Badger Cross on 12/10 and 12/11 near Madison.
– Afterglow is hosted by Robots Powered by Love and the Chicago Cuttin’ Crew on Saturday 12/17 in Humboldt Park.
– Highland Park High School Training CX Rumble. A new high school ONLY CX race.
– The CCC’s New Year’s Resolution on 12/31 AND 1/1 at the Hilton Indian Lakes Resort. Reg is here. ILR’s sister hotel (Holiday Inn Elk Grove, 10-15 minutes away) has opened up rooms for $79 per night (including NYE) and will transport guests to and from ILR.
– CX Nationals take place in Madison between January 4-8.
– Masters World Championships are in Louisville January 12-15.

– For those of you continuing to race for another month, you can start renewing your annual USAC now on USACycling.org. UCI license holders you should know what to do. Licenses renewed now will be good until the end of next year… 12/31/2012. You’ll need a 2012 license in order to race on the 2nd day of the New Year’s Resolution, CX Nationals in Madison, and CX Masters World Championships in Louisville.

– And finally… Mr. Cyclocross Newt Cole is bringing his Engine Building 101 session back for another season starting in January 2012. Newt tells us the graduating class of 2011 earned 39 Podiums during this season… which isn’t even over yet!

Engine Building 101 by Newt Cole
An 8 week series designed for cyclists to build explosive strength, develop better mobility and flexibility while learning proper technique and recovery habits

Sundays, starting Jan 22nd
http://chicagonorthcenter.orangeshoe.com/enginebuilding101
Saturdays, starting Jan 21st
http://pwppedalingwithapurpose.blogspot.com/2011/11/pedaling-with-purpose-is-here.html
Prevent the repetitive-motion and overuse injuries associated with cycling.
Head off to your spring camps with a higher level of base fitness and prepare for a healthy 2012 campaign.

– From what we heard and saw it sounds like many a CCC’er had a great time at Jingle Cross Rock. A little mud, rain, and cold weather isn’t enough to scare away midwestern CX’ers and many CCC’ers earned excellent podium finishes. Congrats to you all!

– This coming Sunday marks the end of the 2011 CCC series at Montrose Harbor which also serves as the Illinois State CX Championship hosted by Turin Cycles. Online reg closes Thursday evening.

– Although anyone can race, just a reminder of the three IL State CX Champ qualifications required to win the jersey. You must be an Illinois State Resident (we’ll check drivers licenses… or your parents), you must be a US Citizen, and you must have a valid, unsuspended 2011 annual USAC license.

– Speaking of licenses, you can start renewing your annual USAC licenses this Thursday 12/1/2011 on USACycling.org. UCI license holders you should know what to do too. If you do so your license will be good until the end of next year… 12/31/2012. You’ll need a 2012 license in order to race on the 2nd day of the New Year’s Resolution, CX Nationals in Madison, and CX Masters World Championships in Louisville.

– Similar to last year (but this year for all starters) staging at Montrose will incorporate CrossResults.com points for those riders (especially from downstate) without CCC series points. Riders who do NOT have CCC series points in a category but better (lower) CrossResults.com points will be staged ahead of riders WITH CCC series points in that category and worse (high) CrossResults.com points. More details in Thursday’s course preview.

– Tickets are now on sale for the CCC End of Season Awards Party on Sunday December 18th at EJ’s Place in Skokie. Please pre-reg so the kitchen at EJ’s can plan accordingly. Have we mentioned the bar will be open all afternoon.

– What to do after the party? Our friends to the North are hosting Badger Cross on 12/10 and 12/11 near Madison and then closer to Chicago the Afterglow is hosted by Robots Powered by Love and the Chicago Cuttin’ Crew on Saturday 12/17 in Humboldt Park.

– The CCC’s New Year’s Resolution takes place on 12/31 AND 1/1 at the Hilton Indian Lakes Resort. Reg is open here. There are a very limited number of discounted rooms still available at the Indian Lakes Resort on New Year’s Eve. Call or click today and use the Group Code (not the promo code) “CYC“. One of the ILR’s sister hotels (Holiday Inn Elk Grove, 10-15 minutes away) has also opened up rooms for $79 per night (including NYE) and will transport guests to and from ILR. There’s also an indoor pool and a lively bar.

– CX Nationals take place in Madison between January 4-8.. and then Masters World Championships are in Louisville January 12-15.

– Any finally… the auction for SRAM’s pART PROJECT benefiting World Bicycle Relief closes tomorrow, Wednesday 11/30. Bid on the art on eBay here or better yet… attend the gala pART PROJECT exhibition and auction at Chicago’s Gallery 1028. All proceeds go directly to WBR.

Happy Thanksgiving!

The CCC wishes everyone a safe, healthy, fun, and happy Thanksgiving holiday weekend. Good luck to everyone racing Jingle Cross, and we look forward to seeing you all again next weekend in downtown Chicago at Montrose Harbor for the CCC’s finalé.

– This weekend was definitely a Tail of Two Races. Sunday’s TEDTA CCC series race played out well for the power riders, while those who don’t like to pedal but are talented at turning were rewarded at Saturday’s NORGE Ski Jump CX race.

– In any event, thanks to Rob Curtis and the Psimet crew for hosting the race at the NORGE Ski Jump & to Chris Henning, the Northbrook Bicycle Club, and Flatlandia for hosting hosting Ted’ Excellent Double Track Adventure at the YMCA amp Duncan.

– The CCC series takes its 2nd and last break this weekend for Thanksgiving, but if you need to race there’s plenty to be had at Jingle Cross Rock in Iowa. Jingle Cross offers 3 days of racing and is a UCI C2/C1 event. We know of several CCC’ers heading West to race all weekend. Good luck to you all, and keep your mouths closed. If you eat any “dirt” head straight to the hospital.

– The CCC returns in two weeks for the 12th and last stop of the 2011 series… the big enchilada… the Illinois State Championship at Montrose Harbor hosted by Turin Cycles. Online reg is open and closes next Thursday evening.

– CX in Chicagoland doesn’t end at Montrose though… there’s still plenty of racing to be had… Badger Cross on 12/10 and 12/11 near Madison, the Afterglow hosted by Robots Powered by Love and the Chicago Cuttin’ Crew on Saturday 12/17 in Humboldt Park in Chicago… and then three of the biggest races of the year… the CCC’s New Year’s Resolution on 12/31 AND 1/1 at Indian Lakes, CX Nationals in Madison the week after, and then Masters World Championships in Louisville the week after that. Buckle up, its going to be a busy end (and beginning) of the year.

– The CCC would like to congratulate 16 year old Lionel Rocheleau of Wisconsin for being selected to attend Jeff Proctor’s Euro CrossCamp in Flanders over the Christmas holiday. There are quite a few US Pro heavyweights (well, not literally, they are cyclists) who are alumni of the Camp. If you’d like to help Lionel make it to Flanders you can help w/ donations here.

– Speaking of charity… the auction for SRAM’s pART PROJECT benefiting World Bicycle Relief will close next Wednesday, November 30th. Bid on the art on eBay here.

– If you’re looking to take a break for a weekend and relax, the CCC’s unofficial house band Los Borrachos are playing a Feliz Navidad Especial Extravaganza at Martyrs this Saturday November 26th at 8pm.

– A few of our promoters are still trying to get rid of unclaimed payouts from races earlier in the season. If you were in the money but didn’t pick up your loot, please contact the promoter directly. Otherwise the cash dollars will be donated to a charity of the promoter’s choosing.

– Tickets are now on sale for the CCC End of Season Awards Party on Sunday December 18th at EJ’s Place in Skokie. Please pre-reg so the kitchen at EJ’s can plan accordingly. The bar will be open all afternoon.

– A few more notes about the CCC New Year’s Resolution. Reg is open here. Discounted room rates are available but going quickly. Call or click today and use the Group Code (not the promo code) “CYC“. We could still use a few more volunteers to help us with setup on Friday and course marshaling on race day, so if you’d like to help out please contact us at [email protected].

– Metaphors as only our friends at the The Bonebell can describe them.

– And finally… we thought Barry & Mumford had skillz, but they’ve got nothing on this guy.

Photo: Derek Lewis

– Big thanks again to the South Chicago Wheelmen and the Hilton Indian Lakes Resort for hosting not one, but two days of racing in a row. The winds were gale force but thankfully the temps were high and the rain stayed away.

– The winner of the Psimet custom Indian Lakes tublar wheelset was Jostein Alvestad of EMC^2. Congratulations to Jostein and thank you to everyone who purchased raffle tickets. All proceeds went directly to the SCW junior development program.

– While most of us were trying not to get blown away on the golf course… a few CCC’ers traveled SouthEast to Louisville for the 3rd stop of the USGP of CX. Congrats to everyone who raced, and especially to Verdigris-Village CX‘s David Lombardo to who won the Junior 15-16 race on Sunday.

– Speaking of promoters hosting more than one event, Rob Curtis and the Psimet crew are back again this Saturday with the NORGE Ski Jump Cyclocross. Reg closes Wednesday night at 10:45pm CST. This race is NOT part of the CCC series… but its CX… on the side of a nordic ski jump… how cool is that?

– On Sunday the CCC series continues with promoters Northbrook Cycling Club and Flatlandia at the Camp Duncan YMCA property in Ingleside. Dubbed “Ted’s Excellent Double Track Adventure” we’re sure to see some fun racing through the woods. Flatlandia’s Dave Pilotto ensures us the course will delight everyone with hills, a sandy beach, stair run ups, double track through the woods, and plenty of off camber turns. No word yet on the selection of pork & dairy products that will be available for consumption. One thing that will not be allowed however is alcohol. YMCA property rules prohibit the stuff. We’re sure there will be at least a few of you who won’t read this, so if you see someone blatantly displaying a Daisy Cutter can, please ask them to be more discreet. Check back on Thursday for the full course preview.

– Speaking of things that aren’t allowed. We’ve been asked by our USAC officials to remind everyone again that while CX is fun, and the Cat 4B carnival is even more fun, spectators are NOT allowed to change the course (yes, even in bacon alley). While we love to see people having a great time riding through a tunnel of cheering fans, bacon, Twinkies, and white tigers just as much as the next series organizer, for insurance liability purposes we need to keep things safe for everyone… especially the new and inexperienced guys and gals. You all have done a great job of following the rules so far this year so this will be the last we mention it.

– A few of our promoters have mentioned to us that not all of you have picked up your payouts. If you were in the money but didn’t pick it up, please contact the promoter directly.

– What? Only 2 CCC races left? Can you believe the series is 5/6th’s over? It seems like the relay race was just yesterday.

– Not to worry, Robots Powered by Love and the Chicago Cuttin’ Crew will host the Afterglow on Saturday 12/17 in Humboldt Park.

– What to do after that? Party more of course! Tickets are now on sale for the CCC End of Season Awards Party on Sunday December 18th at EJ’s Place in Skokie. Please pre-reg so the kitchen at EJ’s can plan accordingly. We’ll be awarding the ever popular CCC series winner cowbells and plenty of schwag. And of course the bar will be open all afternoon.

– Still need more racing? Reg for the CCC New Year’s Resolution is open. Discounted room rates are also available but going quickly. Call or click today and use the Group Code (not the promo code) “CYC”. If you raced this past weekend you saw what the facilities are like and got a taste of a few elements of what the course will be like in 2 months. Of course by that time we’ll likely have a little snow on the ground and a few more pro’s. We’re really looking forward to hosting this national caliber event and we hope you all will help us show the rest of the country what they’re missing and how we do CX here in Chicago. We could still use a few more volunteers to help us with setup on Friday and course marshaling on race day, so if you’d like to help out please contact us at [email protected].

– And finally… its only 40 days until Christmas! In this tough economy many individuals and companies are struggling but we are all very fortunate to be a part of this crazy CCC family that continues to grow and prosper. Our sponsors support the series more than you can imagine and make it all possible and bigger and better every year… so if you are in the market for more cycling gear (and come on, who isn’t?) please support our series sponsors during this holiday shopping season. Thanks!

– Big thanks again to Rob Curtis, Dr. Kearns and the entire Enzo’s–Psimet team for hosting Sunday’s PSI-clocross For Life race in Woodstock. The sky’s threatened all day long, but the Cat 4B’s wound up finishing in the sun. We are now deep into the season and the leaders of the overall standings continue to change hands. We are very excited to see this level of competition and look forward to the next few weeks to see what happens.

– This coming weekend the CCC heads West to the Hilton Indian Lakes Resort (ILR) as the South Chicago Wheelmen (SCW) host stops 9 and 10 of the series and the CCC’s 2nd of two double weekends. There’s lots going on at ILR and MsChiCrossCup will even be in attendance. See the SCW’s site for details and stop back here on Thursday for the usual course preview. But until then a few things:

• Discounted room rates for up to 4 people… $82/night (use group code CCC)
• All you can eat buffets for $13.95 at the Masters Clubhouse
• Pool AND hot tub
• Party at ‘The Cave’ bar w/ the Chicago Cuttin’ Crew… $3 Fat Tire Ales… see here
• Roll out of your bed and onto the course
• Psimet wheel raffle to benefit the SCW junior development program
• SRAM neutral support & bike wash
• Did we mention there is a pool and hot tub?

– Please note that due to the Saturday race online pre-reg for ILR closes Wednesday evening. Don’t miss out. Do it now.

– Speaking of ILR, registration is open for the CCC’s New Year’s Resolution which will take place at ILR. All the details you seek are here. We still need a few volunteers to help us put on the event. If you offered to help but didn’t receive an email from us this morning then somehow we lost your original email. Please get in touch with us as soon as possible.

– Speaking of pre-reg, online reg quietly opened last week for this year’s Afterglow hosted by <a title=”Robots Powered by Love and the Chicago Cuttin’ Crew. Details here.

– Reg is also open for the Norge Ski Hill CX here.

– OMG so many reg sites… tickets will be on sale soon for the CCC’s End of the Season Awards Dinner to be held again at EJ’s Place in Skokie. With so much racing going on from New Year’s to Nationals to Masters CX Worlds we moved the date up to Sunday December 18th (the day after Afterglow) so everyone can make it and not have to miss a race or training ride. Cowbells will be ringing so we hope to see you all there!!

– Just a reminder that you can NOT simply give or take someone else’s bib  number at any race in any category. Yes, the Cat 4B’s are fun, but if you want to race we need to know who YOU are… not who the bib number originally belonged to. We’d be happy to switch you at the reg desk, but our insurance coverage mandates that only the person issued the bib number and who signed the release form can be on the race course. We know that sounds like a bunch of suits talking mumbo-jumbo, but there are rules we all have to play by to stay safe. Thanks for understand… do you smell bacon?

– And finally… Its November and the temps will surely start falling, perhaps with some precipitation… Got Bogs?

– UDPATE: Our friends from Embrocation Cycling Journal were out at Woodstock and put together a great photo essay of the event. See it here.

Photo: Tipping Point

– Thanks to Rob Kelley and all the folks at Bicycle Heaven for hosting another great Campton Cross. The weather might have turned slightly ugly perfect for CX racing late in the day, and last minute softball games caused major course modifications, but we all adapted and had a great time. Rob Kelley tells us the Pink Panther won the best costume contest.

– Note the women’s races are UCI and Cat 3/4. If you are a Cat 2 woman you will either need a UCI license or race Masters or Cat 2/3.

– We could still use a few extra volunteers for course set up, marshaling, etc… so if you (or a spouse, significant other, teammate, etc) can help out for at least a 4 hour shift and you’d like to race for a deeply discount rate please contact us at [email protected].

– If you’d like to be involved with host housing for out of state pro’s (and non-pro’s alike) please get in touch with Nikki Cyp.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact: Eric Goodwin (773) 495-6373, [email protected]

October 28, 2011

CHICAGO CYCLOCROSS CUP UNVEILS NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION
Two-day UCI 2.0 event will draw international-caliber talent to Chicagoland;
High demand expected for amateur racing slots

CHICAGO — The Chicago Cyclocross Cup is proud to announce the official launch of the New Year’s Resolution, an ambitious international-caliber cyclocross competition that will take place on December 31, 2011 and January 1, 2012 at the Hilton Indian Lakes Resort in Bloomingdale, Ill.

Having been awarded Union Cycliste International (UCI) 2.0 status and situated one week before the USA Cycling National Cyclocross Championship in nearby Madison, Wis., the New Year’s Resolution will draw elite cyclocross talent from across the country to Chicagoland this holiday season.  Organizers are also pleased to announce that during the two-day event, 18 amateur fields will have the opportunity to compete on the same course used by the professional UCI competitors.  Attendance in this fall’s Chicago Cyclocross Cup has risen to an all-time high and amateur starting spots at the New Year’s Resolution are expected to fill quickly.

“In the Chicago Cyclocross Cup, we believe we have a truly unique ‘cross culture here in Chicago,” said series Director Jason Knauff. “Staging an event of this caliber around a festive time like New Year’s Eve will take the atmosphere we’re famous for and turn it up a notch.  Introducing this level of competition to the local scene is also going to have a positive effect for our local racers and we’re hoping to set up the elite competitors for success at National Championships and Masters Worlds.”

Registration for the New Year’s Resolution opens on Monday, October 31, 2011 at 10:00 ET (9:00 AM CT) on BikeReg.com.  The event is governed by USA Cycling and valid licenses are required for all races. Competitors should visit ChiCrossCup.com/NYR or BikeReg.com for details. Rooms at the Hilton Indian Lakes Resort are available by calling (630) 529-0200 or visiting indianlakesresort.com. Group discount rates are available using code “CYC”.

Photo: Tipping Point

– Thanks Jim Nowak and ABD for another great Sunrise Park race. Sunshine and 60 degrees always makes for a great day, as does lots of grass, 180’s, a six pack, and of course… the original Heckle Hill. We saw numerous breakout performances (again) as riders are obviously coming into CX form and fighting for every last series point. We can’t believe we’re “only”  half way through the CCC series but there’s still plenty of racing to do this year.

– Speaking of more racing, online pre-reg is now open on BikeReg.com for Ted’s Excellent Dbl Track Adventure. Hosted by the Northbrook Bicycle Club and Flatlandia Cycling this race takes the place of the old Northbrook course. TEDTA will be held at the YMCA Camp Duncan just up the road from the Psycho CX course.

– Speaking of end of the season, online pre-reg should be open not later than next week for the CCC’s New Year’s Resolution race. Watch for plenty of details soon!

– But back to more near term events, this Sunday the CCC heads just West of St. Charles/Geneva for round 7 at Campton Cross. Promoter Rob Kelley and Bicycle Heaven host their 7th annual event, which was one of the original CCC races way back in 2004. Being the day before Halloween costumes are of course optional mandatory, and from the playlist requests we’ve been getting, we can’t wait to see what you all have up your collective sleeves. Look for the course preview at the regular time on Thursday.

– Just a reminder that series sponsor MNO Sport Chiropractic is offering a CCC discount:

$50 account credit to any/all CCC riders who schedule and bring in their race number.  The account credit can be used toward chiropractic services regardless if the patient has insurance or not.  The credit is only redeemable once regardless of how many races you participate in. MNO is also offering a one-time $10 discount towards an hour massage for CCC racers and staff.  Mention this deal when calling to schedule your appointment.

– All CCC embro, shirts, & socks are in and available for pick up at races (either at the Spidermonkey 312 tent or from CCC staff). All items are pre-sale only. Shirts are sold out (except for XL) but we have plenty of Mad Alchemy Pome d’Émbre embro. Due to popular demand we put in another order with SockGuy for socks yesterday… so watch for details about when and where they will be available for purchase.

– Speaking of custom, we still need volunteers to help put on this year’s CCC New Year’s Resolution race. If you’d like to help out and race for an extremely discount rate please contact us at [email protected].

– And finally… Our apologies to all the women, masters, and juniors racers on the last minute scheduling changes over the last few weeks. The CCC has been growing what seems like exponentially over the last few years and we’re experiencing the inevitable and associated growing pains along the way. Thanks for your patience and for working with us to find the best solution for everyone involved. Your continued constructive criticism and comments are helpful more than you know.

– Thanks to Ted Schweitzer, Verdigris-Village CX, Jeff Provisor, and North Branch Cycling for hosting this past weekend’s race. Wind then rain… but all CX!

– Next up, ABD Sunrise Park hosted by who else but Athletes By Design (ABD). Promoter Jim Nowak has something new which is really something old for everyone this year. Payouts have  been increased courtesy of ABD. Look for the course update on Thursday at the regular time.

– If you are NOT racing the 40+ category (first race of the day) please let those 40+ racers work their way up to the reg desks first thing in the morning. The 40+ racers have a very limited amount of time to get set up, pinned up, and warmed up before their race, so please give them all the help possible. There should be plenty of time for everyone else to get their numbers. We and the 40+ racers thank you.

– More mud? That’s two races already and we’re not even half way through the season. Iron Cycles continues to run their CX bike cleaning and maintenance specials.

– If you upgrade from this point further your CCC points do NOT travel with you to the next category (only applies to Cat 4A, Cat 3, Women 4). Please review the Series Rules & FAQs (yes we know we need to update the staging procedure section).

– Sorry for the delay, CCC Overall Standings will be updated by Thursday.

– All CCC merchandise will be available this weekend at Sunrise Park.

– And finally… did anyone eat a Chubby Spud on Sunday?