– Thanks to Chris Henning and his crew for another great Melas CX Basin Racin’.

– This coming weekend the CCC stays at home to eat Pumpkin’ Pie, but Rob Curtis and the PSIMET crew host NORGE Ski Jump CX on SATURDAY 11/30/13. We usually don’t like to claim the first or the one and only, but as far as we know there isn’t another CX race anywhere held at a ski jump. If you’re in town for the holidays don’t miss out on all of the fun.

– The weekend after the CCC returns for the final race of the series held over two days at Montrose Harbor. Lots of great details are in the work so stay tuned.

– Need more Championship racing? The Midwest Regional CX Champs p/b Intelligentsia will be held Sunday 12/15/13 at Dan Ryan Woods. Follow @MWRCXC for more.

– And to finish off the Chicagoland CX season in style, don’t forget Afterglow, back for another year at Douglas Park. You can expect some Sweet Justice!

– The CCC end of year Awards Party will be held Sunday 12/22/13 again at EJ’s Place in Skokie. Tickets are now on sale on BikeReg. We’ll award the overall series cowbells and prizes but, you can expect a few new additions to the event.

– Going or even thinking about going to USAC CX Nationals in Boulder? You have two options to get your gear there. Snyder Cycling Services and Pro Bike Express are one option. Hear about it here from Chandler himself. Also Verdigris-Village CX is sending a trailer to CX Nats. Contact Ken Johnson for details.

– Looking for a holiday gift for that special CX someone? How about a stylish 2013 CCC Series t-shirt? Quantities are limited.

– Thanks to all of those riders who donated their ILR prize payouts back to charity. The SCW, CCC, and certainly the recipients of that money very much appreciate your generosity.

– And finally… this weekend as we all give thanks for family, friends, turkey, cranberry, quinoa, gluten free biscuits, pie, and everything else around the table… we at the CCC want to thank all of YOU… the riders, mechanics, supporters, sponsors, fans, and yes even the hecklers for making the Chicago Cyclocross Cup the great community that it is. Have a great extended holiday weekend and we’ll see all of you at Montrose Harbor!

– #MelasCX and more here. Preliminary staging will be posted here sometime Friday.

– Parking: The promoters will have some spots reserved for locals who may want to use the park. Overflow parking will be at Bosch Tools to the immediate west of Melas Park and located at 800 W Central Rd, Mt Prospect . There is an opening in the fence to get you from the Bosch lot to Melas Park.

– Vehicles in the Park: please don’t drive your vehicle on the grass or park in a reserved spot. If you have a team trailer or vehicle that you want to setup please contact Chris Henning (through the Contact Event link on BikeReg) ahead of time & he’ll work out a spot for you.

– Park rules: Sorry, we don’t make them but we do have to follow them… no alcohol allowed. Please be respectful of the park.

– No kids race this weekend.

– Announcing: Kenny Labbe will be back and announcing all day long.

– Weather: It’s supposed to be sunny but VERY cold on Sunday so please bundle up!

– Series sponsor NovaCare Rehabilitation will have physical therapists on site providing complimentary injury screens. Racers or spectators- any aches or pains you would like to get checked out by a PT? Look for the green NovaCare tent 10:30 – 12:30. Or stop by for a complimentary snack bar or for information on our physical therapy and bike fit services. Can’t make it then? All of our clinics offer complimentary screens. Go to novacare.com/chicagoland for the clinic nearest you.

– Stixx Grille food truck from 11 am- 1pm.

– The Toasty Cheese Food Truck will be there from 1:30- 3:30.

– Volunteering: Melas CX is still looking for a few volunteers. Volunteers race for free & lunch is provided. Please sign-up here.

– The Course: Quite a bit different from last  year. Same tough hill(s) getting out of the Basin. Course map will be published Friday. Please remember the course might change based on conditions encountered during setup. As always, arriving early to preride the course is advised and highly recommended for this weekend.

Photo: Tipping Point Photography

– Well, that was another electrifyingly, weather-filled fun weekend at the Indian Lakes Resort. Thanks to the entire South Chicago Wheelmen crew for another great weekend. While no race promoter ever wants to cancel their race, safety is always the first priority. So cancelling racing from the Cat 3’s onward due to Sunday’s dangerous weather was a no brainer. It was the first time any of us can remember we actually had to cancel a CCC race ever… much less due to inclement weather. But, as a wise man once told us, “You can’t win if you don’t finish,” and the SCW, USAC Officials, and CCC would always rather play it safe than sorry. We hope everyone enjoyed the racing that did take place Saturday and Sunday morning and we thank you for their understanding in the matter.

– Next up, the CCC heads to the 11th and penultimate race in the series at Melas CX Basin’ Racin’. Course preview on Thursday at the usual time or see here.

– After that the CCC takes a well deserved weekend off to eat toferky. But fear not, Rob Curtis and his PSIMET crew will be hosting NORGE CX at the ski jump with all the trimmings!

– Then its back to the city for the 12th and final race of the series spread out over 2 days at Montrose Harbor.  Ten27 Cycling Club and Spidermonkey Cycling will also be handing out a few Illinois State CX Championship jerseys.

– Before the Montrose racing starts the The Bonebell crew is throwing a CCC 10th Anniversary Party. That’s right, the CCC turned 10 this year and a few of the founding members are getting together to relive the magic, or at least drink a few beers together. Buy tickets now over here.

– Speaking of Montrose, the Chicago Women’s CX Fund will cover Sunday registration fees at the 2013 Illinois State Championships for any Women Category 4 who races Saturday, upgrades, and then races Women Category 1/2/3 on Sunday. Details on how to double-up are here.

– Main Street Bicycles is celebrating their 10th anniversary too by giving an additional 10% off on all in stock bicycles, parts, accessories and service. This discount can be taken on top of already discounted year end bikes in stock, a savings of 20-40%! Sale is good through February, but take advantage of a good selection now!

– Getting ready for the holiday season? Why not support some of the great CCC series sponsors that support our little weekend parties all season long? Nearly all of our 2013 series sponsors are local businesses where you can stop in, drop a few duckets, and say high to the people who care enough about CX and the CCC to help make it happen.

– And finally… for those of you wondering about refunds of your entry fees from Sunday’s cancelled races, a message from Steve Feehery from the South Chicago Wheelmen; “On behalf of the South Chicago Wheelmen, we would like to thank everyone who supported our race weekend. Unfortunately due to the weather we had to cancel some of Sunday’s races. We still incurred costs. Therefore all unpaid prize money and some entry fee money will be donated to West Town Bikes, St. Jude Children’s Cancer Research Hospital, World Bike Relief and the Red Cross (to help the Washington, IL victims of Sunday’s tornadoes). Thanks for your understanding and we’ll see you next year at ILR.”

Photo: NIkki Nation

Just a reminder that everyone needs to sign in and get a new number tomorrow… DO NOT race with your number from Saturday or you will not be scored

– #ILRcx More venue/course info here.

– Preliminary staging will be posted here for Saturday and Sunday. Saturday’s results will affect Sunday’s staging.

– SRAM neutral support in the equipment pit both days.

– Due to forecasted high winds and rain SCW is requiring all tents be torn down, all the way, Saturday night. You may leave your tent(s) on premise overnight.

– Bike wash available, but not in the equipment pit. The hose is located next to the pro-shop just outside the door to registration.

– No warming up on the fairways or west of the course. The warmer temps this weekend mean the golf course will be open to golfers.

– Please stay off the putting greens at all times.

– Kids cx is on for both Sat and Sun. Open course starting at 10am, “racing” starts at 2pm. Saturday will be a C1 with UCI points up for grabs.

– Half Acre Cycling will be collecting cycling clothing for West Town Bikes. See details here.

– The Cave Bar will be open as well as an all you can eat buffet in the Masters restaurant.

– The course: Classic ILR features with a few new sections. Approximation of this weekend’s course is here.

Photo: Rob Whittier

– Thanks to Rob Curtis and his entire PSIMET crew for another hilly and fun PSI-clocross for Life event.

– Up next, the CCC heads to the Hilton Indian Lakes Resort (ILR) hosted by the South Chicago Wheelmen for the 2nd of two double weekends in the series. Online pre-reg is split between two events on BikeReg and closes tomorrow night (Wednesday) for both events, so do it now. Details are forthcoming concerning any festivities at the Cave Bar Saturday night.

– Just a reminder for everyone (looking at you Cat 4’s & 5’s) that if your bib # is high up on your back the officials can’t see it from the scoring tent. The officials want to score you in the race just as much as you want to see your result, so please help them out and pin your bib # to the side panel of your jersey/skinsuit.

– Chris Henning and Melas CX are looking for a few volunteers to help out with their race on 11/24/13. Volunteers race for free & lunch is provided. If you are interested please sign-up on this page: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0B45ACA6292-melas2

– Online pre-reg is now open for the two days of Montrose Harbor. Looking to make a weekend out of the State Championship event? Ten27 Cycling Club and Spidermonkey Cycling have secured some hotel deals for everyone:

1. City Suites Hotel at 933 W. Belmont Avenue, Chicago, 60657. Call 773.404.3400 and mention the group code “CYCLO” for a rate of $109 per night, plus tax, for a room with a queen size bed. A room with two double beds or a king bed will be $139. The City Suites hotel offers complimentary continental breakfast, wireless internet, and many other amenities. Nearby parking is $22 per night with 24-hour in and out privileges. Check-in at 3:00, check-out at 11:00, early check-in or late check-out can be arranged for an additional $30. 48 hour cancellation. More at chicagocitysuites.com. Hotel is 2.5 miles south of the race venue.
2. Heart O’ Chicago Motel at 5990 N. Ridge Avenue, Chicago, 60660. Call 773.271.9181, please mention that you’re attending the Illinois State Cyclocross Championships at Montrose Harbor. Rates are $79 per night, plus tax, for a double bed, $87 per night for two double beds or a king bed. This motel is a more basic alternative for the more budget minded, but still includes complimentary continental breakfast, wireless internet, and parking. More at heartochicago.com. Motel is 3 miles north of the race venue.

– 2013 Series sponsor NovaCare Rehabilitation is a physical therapy provider with clinics throughout Chicago and the suburbs. Our therapists specialize in treating sports injuries and orthopedic conditions. In addition to our physical therapy services, our Andersonville clinic offers bike fits by a physical therapist (and CCC participant.) All of our clinics offer complimentary injury screens to help you figure out what to do about your aches and pains. Look for us at an upcoming race offering complimentary injury screens on site. Visit www.novacare.com/chicagoland to find the clinic nearest you.

– And finally… another request from our USAC officials… most CX courses are 1.5 to 2 miles in length. There’s plenty of room for you out on course to spit, blow snot-rockets, etc. Please don’t do it right in front of the officials tent where high winds can blow your spray… or better yet, save it for later.

– #PSIcx and/or WoodstockCX… plus more info here. Preliminary staging will be here on Friday.

– Sorry, but there will be no kiddie race this weekend.

– No parking on the grass, and no vehicles on the grass. the village of Woodstock has warned every year that they will ticket cars and each year PSIMET ends up having to have a nice conversation with the kind officer who sits there threatening to ticket. This year the local constable WILL ticket everyone they want who is parked on the grass.

– Nappolis is selling food. Same as last year. Mostly Pizza. There are plenty of places to eat in downtown Woodstock on the scenic square and we highly encourage any hungry racer to stop by one of those places and tell them they are there because of the CX race.

– No inside bathrooms or the warming hut this year. All Porta-potties. As a result PSIMET has ordered 7 and 2 washing stations. 2.5x the number from last year.

– Rob Curtis will have the payouts that were not collected at Campton CX. If there is any question about them though he will refer you to the Campton promoter Rob Kelley.

– PSIMET will be able to accept credit cards on site if needed. There will be an extra $2 fee to cover the costs and hassle. Cash and check are still preferred.

– Karrie Ozyuk’s crew from Lucky Brake Bicycles in Crystal Lake will be in the new double entry pit to help provide neutral support. PSIMET will provide a small number of neutral wheels for use. They will all be aluminum and clincher so… Rob doesn’t suggest a self-induced mechanical near the pit as a way of upgrading race day wheels, but if you flat and have no backup then these are for you.

– There will be no water or powerwashers available this year. On the long term list. If weather becomes an issue we highly advise you get someone in the pit to work for you.

– As always, but especially now that it gets dark very quickly in the evening, PSIMET and the South Chicago Wheelmen would appreciate any help tearing down the course after the Cat 4/5 race.

– While Rob Curtis LOVES the festivities on Heckle Hill, he asks that if you bring it in you pack it out… or at least drop it in one of the trash cans. It is often tough to see after the last race due to sunset. The smell of day old Jello-shots on Monday is something he’d like to avoid having to pick up this year if at all possible.

– Due to all the hubbub regarding Ben Berden, Rob will be hosting a #HeckleClinic on Twitter leading up to and throughout the race. “You suck” is not a heckle, so learn from a pro how to do it right.

– The course: We still haven’t figured out how to embed the new GoogleMaps into the site, so here’s the link. If you know how to do this please get in touch with us.

– Thanks to Rob Kelley and the Bicycle Heaven crew for another great Campton CX. The weather was outrageous and so were the costumes. Make sure to see the links below for a huge number of great photos from our CCC photogs.

– Next up stop #8 of the CCC heads NW to Woodstock for Rob Curtis and PSIMET’s PSI-clocross For Life. Find directions here.

– There are a few other races happening in Peoria and Evanston on Saturday. Find them on BikeReg here.

– Series sponsor Moorhead Law Group, LLC is offering a special 20% discount on legal fees for any client engagement from now until January 31, 2014. The firm handles commercial real estate, sports law, and conservation matters. Prospective clients must mention the CCC to receive the discount and are subject to the firm’s engagement policy.

– Because series sponsor TZCoaching believes athletes should train during the winter to see the biggest gains in their next season, they are offering a great deal during the month of November. Purchase a Wahoo Kickr at retail price ($1099) and a 4 month winter coaching package and only pay for 2 of those months!!! That’s right, get ready for your 2014 season right, by purchasing a great trainer and combine that with personalized coaching at half the price!!! So for $350 you’ll get 4 months of coaching, and to make it a little easier on you TZCoaching can make those monthly recurring payments for you rather then paying up front. TZCoaching‘s goal is to help you get the most out of this winter, so they are doing what they can to make this investment easier for you! Contact TZCoaching for details and to purchase the Kickr. You must purchase the trainer through TZCoaching in order to get the coaching deal, so contact them today!

– You’ve trained like a pro, now get treated like one. Snyder Cycling Services has some great services, especially for those of you heading to Boulder this season for CX Nationals. Also, monthly wine and snacks at the shop. See all the details here or stop by the Velosmith Bicycle Studio tent at the races and say hello to Chandler himself.

– And finally… we know you’ve all been waiting very patiently, and we can now finally take the big red bow off the surprise. Ten27 Cycling Club has teamed up with Spidermonkey Cycling to bring us 2 DAYS of championship racing at Montrose Harbor for race 12 of the CCC and the Illinois State Cyclocross Championships. Check out the Day 1 and Day 2 schedules on BikeReg.com. Online pre-reg opens NEXT MONDAY 11/11/13 at 9am.  Since fields have been filling up all season long the only combined fields will be the Juniors and Ten27 Cycles has added another non-championship event on Saturday afternoon for Cat 2’s, 3’s, and 4’s wanting to get in some last minute prep… and earning a little extra scratch. Let’s make this another great Montrose event and make a weekend out of it.