Please post links to your pix, vids, and race reports in the comment section below.

– Is this the last race of 2011 season or the first of the 2012 season? We’ll let you be the judge but we’re going to have a good time either way! This weekend the Chicago Cyclocross Cup hosts the 2011 Chicago Cyclocross Cup New Year’s Resolution presented by the Chicago Cyclocross Cup… too much? We at the CCC encourage everyone to bundle up, bring your cowbells and cameras, and spend the weekend at the wonderful Hilton Indian Lakes Resort (ILR)… which means the Cat 4’s should show up early and heckle the 40+ field, and the Masters should stick around and cheer on the Cat 4’s. Plenty to discuss below so you may want to fuel up before proceeding…

– Tech Guide: Pretty much everything you need to know is here. We didn’t write this thing for fun, so please review it. More info is also on our NYR page here.

– Registration: Online pre-reg closed last night at midnight. For the locals, we’ll be running reg the same way as every other CCC race. Please allow all 40+ & 50+ racers to reg first since they have to get ready first. If you’re coming out to race for the first time or you’re traveling in from another part of the country (or Canada) we’re glad you’re here. Just bring your USAC and/or Intl license to the registration room (yes we accept the USAC phone app). If you pre-reg’d we’ll have your USAC release form pre-filled for you in a big blue binder. Sign your release, grab your number and go. Day-Of registrants will need to see the lovely MsChiCrossCup behind the computer to be entered into a race.

– Speaking of the USAC phone app, if you are racing on Sunday (1/1/12) PLEASE renew your annual USAC license online at USACycling.org before arriving at the venue. Annual licenses purchased on or after 12/1/11 are good until 12/31/2012 and you must have a 2012 license to race on Sunday 1/1/12.

– Waitlists:  The Cat 2/3 and Junior 15/18 races are in the same starting wave and we have a 100 rider field limit on course at the same time. If you missed out we’ll be running a waitlist both days. See the ‘Registration’ section in the tech guide for a full explanation of the Day-Of waitlist procedure.

– UCI Staging: Staging for the UCI Women and Men races is by UCI points and then drawing random lots for riders without UCI points. If you do NOT have UCI points you need to make sure you draw your random lot, otherwise you will be staged at the back of the field.

– Amateur Staging: The NYR is NOT a CCC series race and we will be using CrossResults.com points to stage all amateur categories. While we will post full results to USAC Saturday evening those results will NOT update CrossResults.com points for Sunday. Hey, its New Year’s Eve, we want to celebrate too!

– Preliminary staging for all categories for both days (except random staging for UCI racers w/out UCI points and obviously day-of registrants) will be posted here no later than Friday morning (12/30/11). Please note there are two worksheets (one for Saturday, one for Sunday). Also, since we don’t have onsite access to the CrossResults.com points database, all non-UCI day-of registrants will be staged at the back of their fields based on order of registration.

– Podiums presentations for each race will occur immediately after each race finish on the stage near the finish line (part of the large gray trailer… you can’t miss it), so pay attention during and after your race, we may be calling your name! The full prize list will be posted at registration on race day.

– Results: Results will be posted to USACycling.org here the evening after each race. If time permits we may update results throughout the day. Results are NOT just about your placing though. As with all other CCC series and Chicagoland races we’ll have posts up here on the CCC site each afternoon where we encourage you to post links in the comment section to your Flickr/Picasa/etc pictures & videos and race reports/blogs.

– Weather: Well, we were preparing for the worst and somehow lucked out. The forecast for the weekend has temps in the low to mid 40’s with partly sunny skies. We’re sure many of you were hoping for several feet of snow to show off your new fat bikes, but it just wasn’t meant to be. That being said, make sure to bring plenty of warm clothes for after your race so you can stick around and heckle.

– Speaking of… you will be heckled… period. You might not even be racing when it happens. If you’re coming in from out of town and haven’t experienced Chicago’s style of  CX heckling, at best you may be taken aback, and at worst quite offended. If you thought Georgia Gould took some good digs earlier in the season, you haven’t seen nothin’ yet. But don’t worry, its all just for fun… but we’ll let Chicago’s head heckler and the Don Rickles of CX… Mr. Rob Curtis of PSIMET explain.

– If you’re into more professional presentations… Richard Fries and Todd Busteed will be announcing the race, and Kelly Minx Riordan will be hostessing the awards and podiums.

– Our friends at SRAM will be pouring free hot chocolate at their tent in Pro-Row in the morning to help take off some of the chill. Swing by, say hello, and check out & ride the new Red Grouppo!

– Speaking of… everyone’s favorite mechanic Jose Alcala will be manning the equipment pits both days with SRAM Neutral support. We don’t expect too much mud (if any), but if there is some ILR will have their golf cart washing hose turned on up near the clubhouse.

– Merchandise: If you ordered CCC merchandise you can pick it up in the registration room. We will also have CCC Contigo coffee mugs, CCC signature Mad Alchemy Embrocation, and CCC Sock Guy socks for sale. Cash, check, or credit!

– The Hotel: There’s a big reason we’re hosting a cyclocross race on a golf course in suburban Illinois on New Year’s Eve and Day… the Hilton Indian Lakes Resort and casino. ILR has many amenities including hotel rooms mere steps away from the course, indoor bathrooms, showers, two restaurants, a spa, pool, a hottub (looking at you Jeremy Powers), plenty of parking, and last but certainly not least… The Cave. There is WiFi in the hotel but the signal isn’t great outside of the main lobby in some of the guest rooms. We suggest bringing an Ethernet cable. ILR will be running an all day buffet special at the Master’s Clubhouse adjacent to the registration room and finish line. There’s also a bar in case you want to, you know, ring in the new year a little early.

– Speaking of, the CCC will be hosting an informal party and meet & greet with several pro (and non-pro) riders at the The Cave bar (in the hotel atrium) Saturday evening. Stop by to have a drink, say hello to old and new friends, and ring in the New Year in the best way we know how… with a CX party.

– Course Crossings: There are four official pedestrian course crossings. Please use them to cross the course safely. We still need a few course marshals as well. Please contact us if you have some time to spare on race day.

– Bathrooms: Spot-a-pots, Port-o-lets, Lepri-cans… call them what you will. Several are located right next to the staging area. Indoor bathrooms (and showers) are just inside the clubhouse doors to the right, close to registration.

– The Course: The CCC series race at ILR in November is a perennial favorite. Sand traps, fairways, roughs, a little mud, dodging flying golf balls… ILR has it all. The NYR course is slightly different (thankfully no one will be golfing) and goes the opposite direction (anti-clockwise) but uses many of the same course features including, yes, the sand traps. After racing at Badger Cross on the tentative CX Nationals course we tweaked the NYR course to better prepare racers for next weekend in Verona, WI. Staging is on the asphalt cart path at the Northern most edge of the course. The entrance to the staging grid is on the North section of crowd barriers, adjacent to Pro-Row. The course will be ready for pre-riding Friday afternoon.

– The NYR course runs anti-clockwise and can be broken into 4 sections… 1 power section followed by 1 power/technical section, 1 technical section, and then a final power section.

1. The start takes the course on a quick trip through Club Row and then heads up a small incline and past the Finish Line. A sweeping dog-leg left takes the course around a set of t-boxes to the first grass section. Winding around to the left the course passes to the opposite side and tail end of Club Row and heads South out onto the course proper. After a few off camber turns the first real obstacle is the off camber hill located at the far South West corner of the course.
2. The course then straightens out in a fast power section heading towards the Eastern edge of ILR’s property. Two 180’s and then then course winds back to the first entrance to the equipment pits.
3. After exiting the pits the course doubles back on itself to the inside and heads South again. After the first two crushed limestone sand pits riders will be greeted by the one and only UCI regulation maximum height double barriers. Making full use of all of the terrain and 3 other sand pits the course twist and turns its way back to the main incline at the South Western edge of the course. Any wet weather will cause this section (actually on the driving range) to become muddy.
4. After negotiating the hill for the 2nd and last time the course straightens out into the final long, par 4, power section heading straight towards the finish and Club Row. After a quick trip through several real sand pits the course turns 90 degrees to the right for a final pass through the equipment pits. A sweeping 180 to the left on the cart path turns the course back to the West, past the staging grid and Club Row, and up the small incline to the finish line.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   
Media Contact: Eric Goodwin, (773) 495-6373
[email protected]
[email protected]
December 26, 2011

Nation’s Top Cyclocross Professionals Descend upon Chicagoland for
Inaugural New Year’s Resolution Weekend
Jeremy Powers, Ryan Trebon set to square off in National Championship prelude

Chicago, Ill. – A high-caliber collection of cyclocross professionals will battle in Chicagoland this weekend at the inaugural New Year’s Resolution, to be held at the Hilton Indian Lakes Resort in Bloomingdale, Ill. on Saturday, December 31 and Sunday, January 1. The pedigree of the men’s elite field is unprecedented in the Chicago area and includes Jeremy Powers, the 2011 Exergy U.S. Grand Prix of Cyclocross overall series winner and the 2011 Velo magazine North American Cyclocross Rider of the Year, and Ryan Trebon, a four-time national champion in cyclocross and mountain bike. The UCI 2.0 event is hosted by the Chicago Cyclocross Cup.

“A field of this quality is fantastic for New Year’s Resolution’s inaugural year, especially when competing against more established European races,” said Race Director Jason Knauff. “This lineup will provide a test for the elite riders heading into Nationals, as well as an exciting race-day experience for our spectators and amateur competitors.”

Powers (Team Rapha-Focus) will use New Year’s Resolution as a bridge between his USGP series-winning form and the 2012 USA Cycling National Cyclocross Championships, slated for January 8 in Madison, Wis. Since 2009, the Connecticut native has recorded over 20 cyclocross victories. making him a favorite in Madison. Powers will be joined this weekend by Rapha-Focus teammate Chris Jones, who picked up a pair of second-place finishes in a November swing through the Midwest.

New Year’s Resolution is a critical measuring stick for Trebon (LTS/Felt), who returns to competition for the first time after injuring his left knee in a pre-race crash in Louisville, Ky., on November 13. Trebon was enjoying a strong campaign before the setback, as evidenced by his third-place USGP overall finish despite being sidelined for the final two races. A positive result in Chicago could serve as a springboard for Trebon, who will have National and World Championship ambitions as he navigates the course at Indian Lakes.

The New Year’s Resolution start list also includes Barry Wicks (Kona), a decorated cyclocross veteran currently residing in Illinois who owns numerous top-ten finishes at the cyclocross and mountain bike National Championships, and Justin Lindine (BikeReg.com/Joe’s Garage) who is fresh off a second-place showing at the New England Regional Cyclocross Championship on Dec. 18.

Registration for the New Year’s Resolution closes Thursday, Dec. 29, 2011 at 1:00 AM ET 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.

– We hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas and Santa treated you to carbon tubulars, heated gloves, disc brakes, delicious beers, and IOU’s for new RED grouppos. We also hope you had a chance to watch and cheer for our American compatriots who are away from their families and racing in Europe.

– Racing returns to Chicagoland this coming weekend at the CCC’s UCI C2 New Year’s Resolution at the Hilton Indian Lakes Resort in Bloomingdale, IL. Full details including an updated tech guide and course map are over on the NYR page and/or on BikeReg.

– Big news for the ladies… we have added a Women Cat 2/3 race in the afternoon (starting immediately before the Single Speed category) specifically for those Cat 2 Women how cannot or do not wish to procure a UCI license. Riders must still possess a valid USAC license.

– Speaking of licenses… please, please, please, please, please make sure to renew your USAC license BEFORE NYR. You must have a valid 2012 license to race on the 2nd day of the event (1/1/12).

– The Hilton Indian Lakes Resort has opened up more discounted rooms (4 people to a room) on New Year’s Eve for $159. Shoulder dates are still $79 . These room are mere steps from the course and even closer to ‘The Cave’.

– Speaking of The Cave, the CCC would like to formally invite you all to a casual NYE party and meet & greet with several of the pros racing at NYR on New Year’s Eve (Saturday) evening at The Cave. Grab some food, enjoy a drink, and schmooze with racers as we welcome in 2012 in the best way we know how… a party at a CX race!

– Online pre-reg closes for BOTH DAYS of the event this coming Wednesday 12/28 at Midnight Central (1am Eastern) on BikeReg.com so save a few cash dollars and pre-register now. Check back on Thursday at 9am for our normal course preview.

– CCC merchandise (embro, socks, & coffee mugs) will be on sale at NYR at the registration desks. If you still haven’t picked up your pre-ordered CCC merchandise from during the season we will have it at NYR for you too. If you can’t make it out to the races, please contact us if you’d like to have your schwag shipped to you or delivered locally (in Chicago).

– USAC CX National Championships in Madison needs a few volunteers for all dates Jan. 4-8th. Anyone interested in helping should contact Butch at: [email protected].

– And finally… our friends to the North are hosting more than just CX Nationals next weekend. Find all kinds of events here.

From all of us at the Chicago Cyclocross Cup, best wishes for a very Merry Christmas and most certainly a Happy New Year!

We’ll see you all next weekend…

– The Afterglow lived up to its name yet again and was a great (if not extremely muddy and sandy) time had by all. Thanks to Robots powered/by Love and the Chicago Cuttin’ Crew for hosting the event. Also congratulations to Jeff “Rooster” Perkins for bringing ‘Sweet Justice’ back to his rightful home.

– For the first Sunday in months there was no CX racing to be had, so the CCC hosted a party for 60 people at EJ’s Place in Skokie to award the CCC Overall Series Winners their coveted cowbells and a whole bunch of schwag to everyone else. Thanks to everyone who shared the afternoon with us, and if you missed it, you’ll have to wait until the end of next season to be there again!

– CX Racing picks back up today at the first ever Highland Park High School Training CX Rumble. This event is for high school students ONLY and a way for the Illinois Scholastic Cycling Association to introduce cycling and more specifically cyclocross racing, to the youth of Illinois. If you can make it out to HPH to watch or help, please do so and get in touch w/ the race director through the BikeReg page.

– We’ll take this coming weekend off to spend some much needed time w/ family & friends and open lots of presents… but the last CX race of the Chicagoland area and definitely the last race (and UCI race too) of the season before CX National Championships will be the New Year’s Resolution at the Hilton Indian Lakes Resort in Bloomingdale, IL. All the details you need to know are over on the NYR page and/or on BikeReg including the course map and a delicious tech guide. Please, please, please make sure to renew your USAC license BEFORE the race. We’ll have more info next week and then our normal course preview next Thursday at 9am.

– USAC Cyclocross Nationals in Madison needs a few volunteers for all dates Jan. 4-8th. Anyone interested in helping should contact Butch at: [email protected].

– The Friday of CX Nationals Machinery Row Bicycles is hosting Veldrijden Nacht at Machinery Row Bicycles. Meet the stars of American cyclocross racing including Jonathan Page, Katie Compton, and Ryan Trebon. The party is from 6PM to 10PM w/ free food and drinks provided by Great Dane and Sardine restaurant!

– And finally… This evening the CCC will make its annual donation to World Bicycle Relief from all of your donations throughout the series. During the 2011 season we raised $715.25 and thanks to a generous anonymous donor who is matching dollar for dollar until the end of the year the CCC’s net contribution will equal $1,430.50… enough for nearly 11 bikes! Check out WBR’s holiday and thank you video to everyone who has volunteered and donated to such a worthy cause. Thank you all!

– Quite a few hearty CCC’ers headed North over the weekend to race Badger Cross and preview the CX Nationals course. Opinions differed, but in the end we think everyone agreed the course will be challenging AND its great to have it in our backyard. The Bonebell has a great turn by turn by turn review and our IL State Champion weighs in on the SRAM Factory CX blog, and Enzo weighs in here. More than a few CCC’ers produced some great results at Sunday’s MidWest Regional Championship including several podiums. Congratulations to everyone who raced… especially in Saturday’s extremely frigid temperatures.

– Up next, racing returns to Chicago when Robots Powered by Love and the Chicago Cuttin’ Crew host Afterglow – a Cyclocross Race in Humboldt Park. Check back on Thursday at the regular time for the course preview, but in the mean time RpbL and the (other) CCC have a few updates that can’t wait:

– The Fatbike category has now been changed to Fatbike Etc, and will be allowing among other things tandems! Registration fee is per-bike, but both riders need to fill out the USAC forms and require a one-day or annual USAC license to compete. Same-day fees apply!

– Afterglow Afterparty fundraiser for West Town Bikes CX will be at Division Street Bar and Grill (2525 W Division Street) who has kindly donated gift cards for the winners of most of the races! Due to some sensitivity surrounding the sponsor, the fundraiser is 21+. Perfect place for a post-race meal and getting jolly. In addition, you can give a few bucks for the cause when you register or at the race!

– The weather looks great for the weekend (unfortunately) so everyone is encouraged who is able to ride to the course.

– If you can still stand after the Afterglow and Afterglow Afterparty join the CCC as we attempt to close out the season at the 2011 CCC Awards Party at EJ’s Place in Skokie. The bar will be open at noon, tickets are cheap (but please sign up ahead of time) and at this point nearly everyone is guaranteed a door prize thanks to our great Series Sponsors. We hope you’ll join us!

– But the racing isn’t over yet. Chicagoland CX racing officially ends two weeks later at the CCC’s New Year’s Resolution. After a little reconnaissance on the Badger Cross course we have tweaked the NYR course ever so slightly… less technical than a lot of CCC races w/ more power sections… to be a great warmup for CX Nationals the next week. Jeremy Powers, Ryan Trebon, Chris Jones, Barry Wicks, Justin Lindine, Dylan McNicholas, and several other pros will be in town contesting for UCI points. Discounted hotel rooms at the Indian Lakes Resort are sold out but ILR’s sister hotel has plenty of inexpensive rooms. See the NYR site for more info.

– The CCC still needs a few empty beds to help out-of-town racers with Host Housing at NYR. If you have extra room and would like to make one or more new CX friends (and let’s be honest, who doesn’t want more CX friends), please let our host housing coordinator and all around awesome lady Nikki Cyp know.

– For those of you racing at NYR and CX Nationals, you will need to renew your annual USAC license now on USACycling.org. UCI licenses too! Licenses renewed from here on out are valid from now 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…  In Chicagoland’s own private CX Clash… Mike “Supergirl” Kelly and Jeff “Rooster” Perkins will go head to head in Rumble in the Humboldt during the Afterglow Cat 4 race in a battle for possession of the Cuttin’ Crew’s mascot Sweet Justice! You DO NOT want to miss this event!

– 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.

– 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.