• As usually, lots to go over for this coming weekend’s finale. We know there’s a lot to read below, but please read all the way to the bottom. We know what’s going on but post this information so everyone else knows as well.
• Please make sure to use the hashtag #MontroseCX in all your social media accounts.
• Ten27 Cycles and Spidermonkey Cycling jointly host the last stop of the 2016 CCC… the Illinois State CX Championships at Montrose Harbor… the 13th year at this location! We ask everyone to bundle up, bring your umbrellas, cowbells, photographic and video recording devices, etc and make a day out of Montrose.
• Please thank the race sponsors for helping to make this event happen. They are:
  • The Autobarn of Chicago, Evanston and Oak Park – Richard Fisher Dealerships.  They will have Volvo and VW station wagons, ideal cars for cyclists, on site for you to check out.
  • E.J.’s Place Restaurant in Skokie has supported the race every one of the 13 years it has been held at Montrose Harbor, and
  • Wheel & Sprocket will have fat bikes on hand for you to test ride.
• The weather usually makes Montrose the special event it is. Right now the forecast is for low to mid 30’s and probably snow! The wind can also change on a dime, especially next to the lake, so bundle up, dress appropriately before during and after you race(s), and come prepared with extra warm & dry gear.
• Registration: We’ll be running reg the same way as every other CCC race. Please allow all 35+ racers to pick up their numbers first since they have to get ready first. Several fields are either already full or very close. Online waitlists are on BikeReg. After No-Shows are removed we put in the online waitlisted riders, then its first come, first served until we hit the field limits. Online pre-reg closes tonight… so if you’re not yet reg’d, do yourself a favor and reg now!
• Staging: Staging will follow the same protocol we’ve been using all season long in the series. See the procedure here which we have found is the fairest and simplest system for everyone.
• Preliminary staging will be posted here. Email us at ChicagoCrossCup at gmail if you have problems.
• State Champion Requirements: Ten27 Cycling, Spidermonkey Cycling, and the ICA will be presenting 20 Illinois State CX Champion Jerseys (on the podiums) to the first IL rider to cross the finish line in every category (excluding the 4/5’s). This means Junior 15-18, 15-16, 9-14, 9-12 Boys AND Girls, Women Cat 3, Masters 65+, and new this year Women Single Speed! Riders making it to the State Champion podium will be presented with gold, silver, and bronze medals.
• To win the Illinois state championship you must be a permanent Illinois resident (we’ll be checking state/federal ID’s), a US citizen or permanent resident, and hold a valid and unsuspended 2016 USAC annual license before the start of the race (yes, we’re looking at you Cat 4’s). There must also be a full podium of IL riders (that means 3) to win the state jersey. This should not be a problem in any category.
• In combined age groups, if a younger rider podiums in the overall category they take that place and are not replaced by any older riders finishing behind them. For instance, if a 16 year old wins the overall 15-18 race they win both the 15-16 sub age group and the 15-18 overall age group. This also applies to Women Cat 3 in the Women Cat 1/2/3 race and (in reverse) the Masters 65+ in the Masters 55+.
• In addition we’ll also be presenting race podiums (before state champion podiums) for all categories, including Junior 9-10 Boys AND Girls and the Cat 4/5‘s. So that’s another 23 podiums. If you haven’t done so already this year, find Kenny Labbe and thank him profusely for organizing everything so well.
• The Chicago Cuttin’ Crew and Pony Shop dads will be awarding Junior prizes and Junior sub age group and girls medals as they have been all season.
• Podiums presentations for each will be presented immediately after each race finish. The exception being the Junior 15-18 at 11:45am and the Junior 9-14 at 12:15pm.
• Speaking of results. While we, the USAC officials, and One2Go strive to produce results as quickly as possible, our first priority, especially since this is the state championship, is to produce accurate results and not have to revise and repost. We have to score everyone in each race, not just the top 3, and in order to do this we need your help with properly pinned bib numbers that are visible to the camera and officials at the finish line. Please read our explanation of what constitutes proper technique from our 11/15/16 post here.
• Payouts remain 5 deep per the 2016 CCC minimum payout schedule. Payouts will be distributed in the Registration tent after results are final, starting around 10:45. Payouts will also be distributed to Single Speed Women and Category 3 Women in the same amount as the Men. Men & Women Cat 1/2/3 State Champions will also receive dining cards for E.J.’s Place, so they can celebrate their victory in style. There will also be 8 pairs of Oakley Flak Jacket sunglasses awarded to the Junior categories.
• Wheel & Sprocket has also commissioned another poster by Jay Ryan for the event. The poster will be on sale at the race and all 3 riders on the podium of every state championship will receive a copy.
• While 6 riders have already locked up their CCC overall titles (see riders in yellow), there are still 9 very, very, very close categories still to be decided on Sunday, some categories still only separated by a few points. Overall titles will be  posted Sunday, but all official overall series awards will be presented at the CCC Awards Party on Sunday December 18st at EJ’s Place. Details TBD and we look forward to celebrating with all of you.
• The Big Star food truck will be serving their famous tacos and other food at the curb between 11am and 3:30pm.
• A few series and race sponsor tents (SRAM, Mike Keating, and Nuun) will be gathered into an Town Square/Expo Area between registration, the finish area, and the podiums where the state champion jerseys will be awarded throughout the day of racing.
• Team Tents: Given the ever present potential for strong winds, bring weights and stakes. Also, Ten27 will have an expo area near registration with designated tent spots for race sponsors, so please do not set up your tents in these spots or you will be asked to move.
• Parking: As in years past tarking will be on the street only along Simonds Drive. That road will be closed to through traffic between the staging grid and finish line.  You may approach the race course on Simonds Drive from either Wilson Avenue or from Montrose Avenue, but you will have to turn around and leave the same way you came in.  Please do not park adjacent to the road closure barricades, as Ten27 is required to leave enough room for all cars to turn around at the barricades.  Only authorized vehicles (i.e. officials, CCC staff, event organizers, BigStarTruck, etc) will be allowed within the road closures. Please do not give the traffic marshals a hard time about this, they are just doing their job. No Parking at all on the grass, anywhere, period (except for the SRAM NRS car).
• Team trailers: Plan to arrive early between 6:00-6:30am to park your trailer. The streets will be closed at 6:30am. Please drop your trailer and move the tow vehicle to the general parking area. We are trying to keep the barricade area as car free. It is possible to park your trailer Saturday evening by 5:00pm. Security watching the area overnight. Please contact the race directors through BikeReg to make any other special arrangements.
• Alcohol is prohibited in the park without permit, so please act appropriately and responsibly.
• Pack out what you pack in. A large trash dumpster will be provided in the street for any refuse.
• Another reminder about Bib Numbers: On your LEFT SIDE as always. All riders with longer hair are reminded that their hair MUST be pulled up and can not obstruct your bib # while racing. Riders are reminded to not sit up while coming across the finish line, this is especially noted for Juniors – wait to post up until AFTER you’ve safely finished and have been properly scored by officials. Numbers must also be clearly visible to the officials checking you in at staging. Failing to have numbers visible slows down and delays starting fields on time.
• One2Go Event Services will again be providing camera timing and lap times. However if your bib number is on the wrong side, you will NOT be scored. So pin those numbers correctly. If you’re not at the event or just want to follow along from the warm of your team tent head over to LiveLynxResults.com for real time updates.
• Since Montrose is the State Championship and the last race of the CCC series, the USAC officials will be pulling out-of-contention riders so the race leaders have a clear course. However, everyone will be placed, even if you are several laps down. The only way riders will be listed DNF (did not finish) is if they stop voluntarily. So keep racing until the chief referee tells you to stop. Riders will only be asked to exit the course at or after the finish line.
• SRAM Neutral Service will be in the equipment pits helping throughout the day in the case of a mechanical.
• The equipment pit is on the other side of the road from the start and finish lines. Please do NOT leave your spare bikes and wheels in the pit after your race. The next category needs to use the pit too.
• The Hot Tub CX Machine will be back again this year. The BBVP has asked that anyone who wants to receive “priority boarding” for the hot tub bring a canned food item for donation.
• Pay attention for a possible mannequin video before the start of the 4/5 race.
• The Course: Ten27 Cycling and Spidermonkey Cycling has tweaked last year’s course again while retaining most if not all of Montrose’s classic features while managing to find even more sand. The course runs clockwise beginning at the staging grid which will now be on the North East side Simonds Dr. The start chute will be longer than last year, and wide, and mostly without sharp turns. The finish line and registration tent will be in nearly same location as years past, just off the road to the North and near the sand. The main sand section will of course be in play where the Hot Tub will be set up. As always the final course track will be determined Saturday afternoon and may be altered from the map below. If you’re getting a head start and going out to pre-ride the course, please give the folks out there setting up the course some room and maybe even give them a hand.
• Please NO GROUP PRACTICES on the course. We want to leave the grass in as good of shape as we can after Sunday so we can come back and race next year and the year after that and the year after that and the year after that… Thanks!
• Finally, if you are able to stay late and help tear down the course and pack everything away, please do so. The Cat 4/5 race finishes just as it gets dark and Ten27, the Spidermokeys, and the Cuttin’ Crew (all the equipment goes to Afterglow next) will very much appreciate your help.

• We hope everyone had a great, long Thanksgiving weekend. Whether you were chillaxing with family and friends or shredding the gnar at Big Marsh the last weekend in November is always a great time to take a step back and give thanks for all that is cycling and awesome.
• Speaking of awesome… we only have one race left in the series and it just happens to be our 2016 Illinois State Cyclocross Championship event held at Montrose Harbor in downtown Chicago, hosted by Ten27 Cycling Club and Spidermonkey Cycling. Lots of details headed your way on Thursday morning, but in the meantime make sure you get your tush pre-reg’d over on BikeReg. As of right now all fields are still open (i.e. not waitlisted) but we do expect the Masters, Juniors, Single Speed, and Women Cat 4 to fill.
• Other events still ahead:
  • 12/10/16 – Afterglow – A Cyclocross Race (Douglas Park, Chicago, IL) – SATURDAY
  • 12/16/16 – Los Borrachos at the Elbo Room (Chicago, IL) – Friday
  • 12/18/16 – CCC Awards Party – EJ’s Place in Skokie
  • 12/17/16 – Midwest Regional CX Championships (Sun Prairie, WI) – SATURDAY
  • 01/03/17 – 01/08/17 – US CX National Championships (Hartford, CT)
• And finally… start ’em young they say.

• Thanks to the Chris Henning and everybody who helped make the George Garner Sr. Memorial CX Race @ Melas a success! Thanks also to Mother Nature for not dropping a foot of snow on us the day before. Temperatures were downright frigid but the racing action was hawt! Results are here and photos are on Snowy Mountain and Tipping Point. 
• Remember 12 months ago when we had to cancel the Melas race? For anyone who last year commented “The Belgians would have raced” in the snow, did you hear they had to cancel the Koksijde World Cup on the coast of Belgium this past weekend due to a storm and destructive high winds? That’s not a 10X10 pop-up tent in that link. Safety first… always.
• Up next and finally… but still 2 weeks away… the CCC heads back to the city proper for its finale and the 2016 Illinois State CX Championships at Montrose Harbor hosted by Ten27 Cycle Club and Spidermonkey Cycling. We’re not even going to try and guess what the weather will be like this far in advance. In the past we’ve had everything from 60 degrees and sun to negative temps and a bunch of snow. Guess we’ll just have to wait and see.
• In the meantime, this weekend why not check out Big Marsh? THIS BLACK FRIDAY 11/25 choose to #OptOutside @ BIG MARSH for the inaugural race at the newly completed BIG MARSH BIKE PARK! This event is a fundraiser with all proceeds benefiting Friends of Big Marsh for continued build out of park features. There are categories for all levels, and your neither your USAC, CCC nor CrossResults standings will be impacted from consuming too much turkey and stuffing because this is NOT a USA Cycling sanctioned race. Pressure’s off! However, you’ll want to make some effort because the prizes are AMAZING. Effort not your thing? Then buy yourself a race lead with a purchase of a Big Marsh Cycling Kit or Chainring Donation! Or just come take a walking tour of the park then throw down come cash and win yourself one of our many equally impressive raffle prizes. Either way online pre-reg closes TONIGHT 11/22 @ 11:59PM CT. This park was built for YOU, the off-road cycling enthusiasts of Chicagoland, and a ton of work has gone into race prep from your fellow racers across several teams – so if you are in town on Friday, do your part to say THANKS by showing up to participate. We’re still looking to fill some volunteer spots too – contact Chris McAuliffe with your availability between 7AM – 4PM. See you there!
• The week after Montrose don’t forget about Afterglow – A Cyclocross Race hosted by the Chicago Cuttin’ Crew, which gets back to its roots in Humboldt Park! This race is serious about having fun, sitting back and enjoying the Afterglow of a great CX season here in Chicagoland. Online pre-reg is open on BikeReg and all profits go to the great causes of West Town Bikes and Blackstone Bicycle Works which are 2 of the 3 places all series donations go toward (the 3rd being Big Marsh).
• And finally… we’ve mentioned it many times over the years, but especially during this week it bears repeating that we like to think of the entire CCC as one big family and we are very thankful for all of you racing with us. Sure there are many different teams and maybe at times we’re a little dysfunctional, but what family isn’t? However, in the end we’re all here because we enjoy riding our bikes and being in each other’s company. That’s what makes all CX communities so great. Our differences, strengths, weaknesses, merits, faults, and perspectives make us stronger and better as a whole. With that in mind we wish everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving! Whether you’re enjoying tofurky and kale or bacon wrapped turkey with a side of Twinkies and a handful of Skittles… have a wonderful long weekend off with your non-cycling families and we’ll see you all in 2 weeks at Montrose Harbor.

• Last minute event name change to “George Garner Sr Memorial Race @ Melas“. Read more about Mr. Garner here. Please continue to use the hashtag #MelasCX.
• This marks the 13th year of the original Northbrook CX race, started by Mark Harris in 2003 to raise money to “Save the Drome” (that’s short for velodrome, as in track cycling for all the rookies out there).
• First things first, there is NO snow in the forecast, but temps will be dipping quite a bit so please bundle up (especially the little ones) and bring appropriate clothing for before, during, and after your race(s)!
• Chris Henning and Ted Berger (Northbrook Garner Bicycle Club and Flatlandia) take us racin’ through the basin.
• Parking will be at Multi Pack Solutions @1804 W. Central Rd., Mt. Prospect, IL which is behind (to the North of) Robert Bosch Tool Corporation.  Registration and S/F are adjacent to the Multi Pack lot.  There is a pedestrian gate to access Melas Park from the Multi Pack lot.  The Multi Pack lot is located to the West of the Melas Park entrance, just east of S. Arthur Ave.
• There is no parking at Melas Park. We need to keep the lot clear for the locals using the dog park. You may drop off team tents in the park parking lot, but must move your vehicle to the Multi Pack lot.
• Team Trailers.  Please e-mail Chris Henning if you’re planning on bringing out a trailer, he will try and coordinate a setup location for you.
• Preliminary staging will be posted here.
• No alcohol, park rules. Please be respectful of the park and behave so we can come back again next year.
• Warm Ups:  Please stay off the ball fields while warming up and if you do use the walking paths please making sure to yield to any pedestrians / other park users.
• Speaking of cars, no parking on the grass – anywhere.  There is plenty of parking available.  This includes team vehicles intending on dropping off team tent and compound equipment.
• Dog Park:  Unfortunately you must have a membership to get inside the fenced dog park which is available from either Mt. Prospect or Arlington Heights and unfortunately they don’t sell daily passes. Dog park membership
• If you can, please help tearing down the course after the Cat 4/5 race. It will get dark and cold quickly.
• Cleaning up: The race does not have access to a public water. There is a self-serve car wash (Z Auto Wash) just west of the Bosch lot @ 820 S Arthur Ave, Arlington Heights, IL 60005 less than a half mile away.
• Due to the cold temperature there will NOT be a kids race this weekend. Sorry, keep those kiddos warm.
• Food truck: The Chicago Pizza Boss food truck will be onsite serving brick-oven pizzas.
• Volunteering: Chris Henning is still looking for a few volunteers spots to be filled. Volunteers race for free & lunch is provided. Please sign-up here.
• The Course: Similar to years past but without a foot of wet snow. Tough hill(s) getting out of the Basin and 3 trips through the beach volleyball sandpits. Course might change based on conditions encountered during setup.

• Many thanks to the South Chicago Wheelmen and everyone else who helped make the long weekend at the Indian Lakes Resort another success… including Luke Perry and Tori Spelling! Results are here and photos are on Snowy Mountain (Saturday) and Tipping Point (Sunday). As Kenny Labbe mentioned many times on the mic, this was the last time we will be racing at Indian Lakes since the golf course and resort will be shutting down. Thanks for the memories ILR…
• Up next the CCC heads to Mt. Prospect for Melas CX Basin Racin’… which will also be known as the George Garner Memorial Cross Race after the late and great George Garner. Temps will drop dramatically over the weekend but thankfully there isn’t any snow in the forecast (fingers crossed).
• What’s up with so many people not wearing their helmets while riding their bikes around? Seriously, it’s a USAC rule there for your safety and just good common sense. Our USAC officials have informed us that going forward they will be handing out warnings, DQ’s, and even fines. So do everyone a favor and please wear your helmet at all times.

• A quick note on bib number placement. We know we and One2Go can sound like a broken record sometimes, but proper bib number placement really does make a difference in helping One2Go and the officials score each and every one of you each and every lap. In an effort to show you what One2Go is looking at, take a gander at the above images. In the 1st pic JP McCarthy’s (SRAM) number is perfectly placed on his side, with the bottom of the number aligned in the middle of the side panel of his jersey/skinsuit, while Walid Abu-Ghazaleh’s (Pony Shop) number is too high on his back. In the 2nd pic the numbers are again too high on the Junior riders’ backs and their long hair is on top of the numbers (get those long locks up in a pony tail, pun intended). We realize smaller riders may have space issues, but please do your best to have your numbers on your side, not the top of your back. You all have been doing a great job all season, but as temps drop and we start wearing more layers its important to keep those numbers visible so everyone is scored correctly, especially at the State Championship at Montrose where field sizes will be maxed out. MORE

Saturday pics, vids, and race reports are here:

2016 Hilton Indian Lakes – SATURDAY – Pics, Vids, and Race Reports

Remember, new numbers and new staging tomorrow!

• Remember to use the hashtag #ILRcx. More venue/course info here.
• The South Chicago Wheelmen have pushed back the closing of online pre-registration on BikeReg until tonight. Rejoice in that you haven’t missed the pre-reg cutoff and still have time to pre-reg and be staged by your CrossResults points.
• Preliminary staging will be posted here for Saturday and Sunday. Saturday’s CCC points will affect Sunday’s staging.
• As per usual this time of year the forecast is for wind but temperatures should be quite pleasant. SCW asks that everyone take down your tents, all the way, Saturday night. You may leave your tent(s) on premise overnight.
• Not that anyone should need it given the forecast, but there may be a hose available to wash your bike(s), but not in the equipment pit. The hose is located next to the pro-shop just outside the door to registration.
• Registration is inside, next to the pro shop and the Masters restaurant. How convenient!
• Do NOT bring your bikes inside when coming to the registration room. Please leave them outside. Thanks!
• Remember to pick up your Sunday bib number on Sunday. You will have a different numbers both days for each race and you will NOT be scored on Sunday if you wear your number from Saturday.
• Heat bathrooms are located just past the pro-shop.
• No warming up on the fairways or west of the course. The other courses are still open to golfers and given the decent temps there will likely be people out playing the small ball.
• Please stay off the putting greens at all times.
• Bring your bathing suit for the pool and hot tub after your race(s).
• The Cave Bar will be open as well as an all you can eat buffet in the Masters restaurant, which comes in quite handy on Sunday morning.
• Speaking of the Cave… there is always an informal party Saturday night. Come say hello!
• The course: This year the course runs clockwise, hits the volleyball sandpit early and the hill late. GoogleMaps version will be posted soon but in the meantime click here.