– This Sunday Chris Henning leads the Northbrook Bicycle Club for stop 11 of the CCC at Melas Park in Mt. Prospect. Online pre-reg on BikeReg closes tonight at midnight. All fields are still open except the Jr 10-14’s. Standard waitlist protocol will be in effect on Sunday.

– This marks the 9^th year that Garner Cyclery and the Northbrook Bicycle Club have hosted a cross race.  It all started in 2003 when Mark Harris organized a cross race to help “Save the Drome” back in 2003.

– Melas Park sits halfway in Arlington Heights and halfway in Mt. Prospect.  Set your GPS to 1326 W. Central Rd., Mt. Prospect, IL.

– Activator Cycle Club will be on hand around 1:45pm for the 6th and final Kiddle Cross.

– Look for the “Lemonade Stand” near registration for refreshments, chili and snacks sponsored by Sunset Foods in Northbrook.

– No alcohol (sorry, park district rules). If you sneak it in we better not see it. K? Thanks!

– Park only in designated parking spots and DO NOT park on the access road.  Overflow parking is available at the Robert Bosch Tool Corp. on 1800 W. Central Rd.,Mt. Prospect .  You can access the path which runs through Melas Park from the Bosch parking lot (the fence is open at that point).

– There will be a designated “unloading  zone” near registration, but this is NOT for long term parking.

– Paul McAllister from George Garner Cycles will be providing neutral support in the SRAM Equipment pit.

– We are sharing the walking path with local residents, please do not take up the entire path (ride single file).  Stay on the side of the path that is marked with cones.

– Sponsor and professional photographer Josh Dreyfus will be on hand from 10am to 1pm taking portraits (riders, family, friends, teams, you pick) in the tent.  Photos will be uploaded to his Smugmug site where prints and downloads can be purchased (with all profits to the World Bicycle Relief and Arlington Heights Firefighters Charitable Giving Campaign).

– Thanks to Ted Burger for his course design!

– Please visit George Garner Cyclery with locations in Northbrook, Libertyville or Lake Zurich . http://georgegarnercyclery.com/

– CCC Merchandise will be available for pick up BEFORE the Cat 1/2/3 race at 1:30pm.

– Preliminary staging will be posted here.

– The Course – Melas CX features a drainage area dubbed the “Racin’ Basin” and it will do just that to your legs… drain them.  The start/finish winds through the tree grove before you head into the Racin’ Basin.  Expect a long steep climb from the bottom of the bowl to the very top, with some high speed descending and cornering thrown in to double your pleasure.  On the back side, there will be a short steep climb up the dirt mound behind the tree grove plus some very rough singletrack. The course is run anti-clockwise.

Photo: The Roderick

– Thanks to the South Chicago Wheelmen for hosting yet another double race weekend at the Hilton Indian Lakes Resort. The two days couldn’t have been much more different with sun and then rain on Saturday (including this season’s 2nd weather related delay) which created very sloppy conditions in the afternoon, followed by sun and loads of wind on Sunday that dried out the course and made for a very fast (at least with a tailwind) and tacky course. The CCC returns to Indian Lakes in less than 2 months for our UCI New Year’s Resolution races.

– This coming weekend the CCC heads to its 11th and penultimate stop in Mt. Prospect at Melas CX – Basin Racin’. Promoter Chris Henning and the Northbrook Garner Bicycle Club change venues from last year’s YMCA camp for a race a little closer to the city. Look for the usual preview on Thursday. Volunteers are still needed and you can sign up here.

– Congratulations to Village Verdigris-CX riders Mike Scalise (40+), Danny Warner (50+), Maxx Hall (Jr Men 15-18), and Gina Johnson (Women 15-18) for already sewing up the overall series titles in their respective categories. VVCX is also currently leading the Team Overall competition.

– Speaking of Verdigris Village-CX, youngster David Lombardo traveled to Louisville this past weekend to race against the best 17-18 year old CX racers in the country. David finished 7th on Saturday and 14th on Sunday. Nice racing David! Team Mack’s Jacob Schilling also lined up against the big boys. Nice racing Jacob!

– Speaking of UCI level racing, did you hear the CCC is again hosting our UCI C2 New Year’s Resolution races on January 5th & 6th 2013? See all the details on the NYR page here including how to sign up to volunteer and race for super cheap!

– Save the date, Sunday December 16th… we’re finalizing details for the CCC End of Season Awards Party at EJ’s Place in Skokie.

– And finally… GO KARL!

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

Photo: Chip Williams

– Back for their 4th year at the ILR golf course… Steve Feehery, Mike Kelly, and the rest of the South Chicago Wheelmen host this weekend’s double race weekend at the Hilton Indian Lakes Resort. Besides a great course and loverly surroundings, some of the other amenities ILR offers include an indoor heated pool (bring your suit), an indoor locker room (change in the warmth and/or take a shower after your race), a spa including steam room, jacuzzi, restaurant, and of course… the Cave Bar.

– As we mentioned on Tuesday, the SCW have secured discounted hotel room rates of $85 per night for up to 4 people. There are still a few rooms available for this weekend, so call now. For reservations call 630.529.0200 and for general  info visit IndianLakesResort.com. ILR will have a breakfast buffet from 6:30 am to 11 am and an all-you-can-eat lunch/dinner buffet from 11 am til 6:30 pm, both for just $13.95 per person Saturday & Sunday.

– Due to the Saturday race online pre-reg closes TONIGHT for BOTH DAYS (we told you yesterday). All fields are still open for Saturday, however the SS and Jr 10-14’s have sold out for Sunday. Usual waitlist protocol applies. Sorry, you cannot get on Sunday’s waitlist on Saturday.

– Activator Cycle Club will be out on Sunday (sorry, not Saturday, but Sunday has a better weather forecast anyway) for their 5th Kiddie CX event around 1:45pm.

– The other CCC (Chicago Cuttin’ Crew) will likely be partying in the ILR Cave Bar (in the middle of the hotel… you can’t miss it). The party starts either Friday night and/or (for those who can hang) will continue Saturday night. $3 Pacificos!

– NovaCare will once again have physical therapists on hand at Saturday’s race providing free injury screens and stretching. It has been a long season, come get that painful knee, aching back or any other ache or pain checked out. Look for the green NovaCare tent from 10 – 1:30. Or stop by for a complimentary energy bar, post-race snack or for information on our bike fits.

– If you’re hungry or thirsty the Master’s Clubhouse bar/restaurant is steps from the course.

– Please see CCC staff to pick up your 2012 CCC series t-shirts, socks, coffee mugs and embro. We’d love for you to take you stuff home!

– Dogs are allowed on ILR and even into the hotel rooms for a one time $50 fee.

– Remember to pick up your Sunday bib number on Sunday. You will have a different number both days for each race and you will NOT be scored on Sunday if you wear your number from Saturday.

– Numbers go on your left both days.

– Lost & Found will be in several white plastic bags near registration.

– Jim Nowak still has a few payouts from ABD Sunrise Park.  He will be at ILR both days at the ABD (Prairie Path Cycles/Trek) tent when not racing after 10:30am.  Ask for Jim or Sue Witt.  She will have the payouts for the old dudes Sunday morning.  These payouts will be donated to the WBR fund if they are not claimed by Melas CX – Basin Racin’.

– There’s a 20% chance of rain in the forecast for Saturday but temps are supposed to be warm (mid to upper 50’s) all weekend long. That being said the ILR venue is ALWAYS WINDY so please come prepared. If you’re bringing a pop-up tent, make sure you have stakes, sandbags, weights, small children, etc to keep your tent from blowing away.

– Registration will be inside next to the pro-shop. We’ll have a bike rack outside (hint: use that instead of the golf bag racks or laying your bike on the ground). Yes, given the pleasant temps there will likely be golfers on the ILR other courses.

– Podium presentations will take place immediately following each race except where noted in the schedule (W123, 50+, 60+, SS, W4, Jr 15-18, & Jr 10-14).

– CCC series points will be updated between Saturday and Sunday but CrossResults.com points will NOT. Preliminary staging for both days will be here.

– The ILR staff has asked us to stay off the putting greens and please DO NOT warm up on the fairways. Please don’t make us have to remind you.

– The equipment pit will be staffed by SRAM Neutral Support all weekend long… and not far away from the Start/Finish line.

The Course: We’re racing on a golf course… what more could you ask for? That being said the SCW will include most if not all of the ILR classic sections including the main hill, sand traps, and more than a few fairways, roughs, 2nd roughs, twists, and turns. SCW may has even included some elements of the New Year’s Resolution course. Bacon Alley will surely be back as well. SCW should have the course set up by Friday afternoon if you’d like to pre-ride. The map below is tentative and the course will likely be a bit different by this weekend. Course runs clockwise.

Photo: SnowMountain Photography

– Thanks to Rob Curtis and the entire PSIMET crew for hosting stop 8 of the 2012 CCC at Emricson Park in Woodstock. Some of you may not have liked the hills, but we think we can all agree the changes to the course were the best yet (even without the sandpit).

– Next up, the CCC travels to Bloomingdale for the 2nd and final double weekend (CCC races 9 & 10) of the year at the Hilton Indian Lakes Resort (ILR) hosted by the South Chicago Wheelmen. SCW always hosts a great race (or two) and this is not a weekend to miss. Make a weekend of it and book your hotel rooms now. Look for the course preview on Wednesday (since there’s a race on Saturday). Also remember online pre-reg on BikeReg closes Wednesday night for both days, so don’t miss it!

– Speaking of Indian Lakes, UCI level racing returns to Chicagoland January 5th & 6th 2013 with the Chicago Cyclocross Cup New Year’s Resolution. Online pre-reg on BikeReg is now open and all the information you could possibly ever want is on the NYR page of this site and in the Tech Guide. The CCC needs a bunch of volunteers to make this race happen and we need your help. Sign up here first and then contact us at [email protected] for details about extremely ultra super low discounted race entry fees and/or merchandise in exchange for volunteering before reg’ing on BikeReg.

– Speaking of merchandise, we still have a few 2012 series t-shirts and coffee mugs (socks & embro too) for sale on our merch page. If you’ve already order some gear please see us this weekend at ILR to pick up your stuff.

– Speaking of stuff (okay that was a bad segue) there are several non-CCC series races happening between now and NYR. Check the Illinois Cycling Association BikeReg page for details (Norge & Afterglow) and USAC (Miller Chill).

– Congratulations to Verdigris-Village CX’s 16 year old (17 CX age) phenom David Lombardo for some great finishes this past weekend (okay really all season long) at the Cincy3 races. David’s 5th and 6th places in Cincy (not to mention his win at the USGP Planet Bike cup) have landed him in 5th place on USAC’s Cyclocross National Calendar standings and should help in his bid to attend this season’s Euro Cross Camp. Fantastic racing David and we wish you (and a few other locals) good luck this weekend at the Louisville USGP.

– Speaking of USGP… so who is going to Masters Worlds and Worlds Worlds?

– And finally… say what?

Photo: Luke Seemann

– Back for the 5th year, PSI-clocross For Life hosted by Rob Curtis and the crew from PSIMET is the 8th stop in the CCC at Emricson Park in Woodstock, IL. 

– Please pay attention when you are racing and entering the park in your car. There are 4 (four) road crossings on the course and while there will be course marshals at each crossing, please look both ways before crossing. Better safe than sorry.

– Speaking of cars, no parking on the grass – anywhere.  There is plenty of parking available throughout Emricson Park, please use it.

– Registration this year will again be in a tent next to the Start/Finish. Preliminary staging order will be posted here.

– Activator Cycle Club will again be doing the Kiddie Cross. Start time is 1:45.

– Remember if you pre-ordered CCC merchandise please see us BEFORE the Cat 1/2/3 race at 1:30pm.

– There will be 3 porta potties near the start/finish.  There may also be access to the warming hut restrooms, but due to low usage last year and the “overflowing” reception that racers gave the 2 by the start/finish we decided to up the number at the start finish instead.

– PSIMET has the same pizza vendor as last year coming to the race. They will also have water and Gatorade starting at 10:30am. No word yet if the pizza selection will be sausage and pepperoni only.

– Not that any of you actually drink the stuff, but alcohol is prohibited in Woodstock parks, so if you’re going to sneak it in, keep it under wraps. No one wants the CCC to lose a venue because of a silly thing like a can of Old Style. So please be on your best behavior… which also means do NOT leave evidence like a mini keg on the ground next to the trash can… take it home and recycle it!

– The weather forecast looks exceptional… again!

– Remember to change your clocks Saturday night before you go to bed. Going off of day light savings the sun will set in a real hurry after the 4B’s race… so we ask that if you’re just hanging around after the race, please help us tear down the course so we’re not cleaning up in the dark.

– Last year there was construction on Rt 47 through Huntley, so please plan your travel times accordingly. Best bet directions are to exit I90 on Randall Road (North), left (West) on Algonquin Rd, right (North) on Route 47 into the town of Woodstock. A left on Lake Ave and another left on South St should lead you right to Emricson Park (on your right). If you have a better route please post it in the comments below. There is still construction at the exit from 90 on to 47 north.  Plan for extra time, but most of the rest of the 47 corridor is not as congested as it has been in previous years.

– There are some sections on the far West side of the course that are very far away from everything else but CX rules still apply. If you suffer a mechanical you must go forward on the course and you cannot cut across the park. The wheel/bike pit will be at the top of the hill near the road crossing.

– The Course: The Woodstock course is very spread out, tracing parts of the outline of Emricson Park. For 2012 PSIMET brings back a few classic sections (going close to the sand again but not in it).  However, with so much delicious terrain (read: hills) it will still be a suffer-fest. The course is run clock-wise (and as always in CX numbers go on the left). The last 1/2 mile or so should again provide the most excitement for spectators, Heckle Hill, barriers, lots off-camber sections, twists, and turns, and yes… HILLS!  You are encouraged to stay and heckle – otherwise PSIMET’s Rob Curtis has threatened to put on that Gould’s Luna skinsuit again. As always, the course map below is subject to change on race day.

Photo: Snowy Mountain

– Aaaaand we’re back… a little catching up to do, so here we go.

– Sorry we missed last week’s Tuesday update, but thanks to Jim Nowak and the entire ABD crew for a great event at Sunrise Park!

– Thanks also to this past weekend’s race promoter Rob Kelley and the guys and gals from Bicycle Heaven. Plenty of great costumes and pics of them down below. Tony Reinks from BBVP won the costume contest for his “A Christmas Story” Leg Lamp costume. Full results including Women 4’s and Juniors are now posted on USAC here. Overall standings are updated and posted here.

– Next up the CCC travels NorthWest to Woodstock for stop 8 of the series, PSI-clocross for Life hosted by PSIMET (say it with us… SIGH-MET). Course preview at the regular time on Thursday.

– For everyone who seems to get a little confused by individual race results vs. overall standings on race day we have added a little color to the overall standings print-outs. Just look for the RED page headings and overall points on the series standings sheets.

– Thanks to everyone who has donated online and/or their race winnings to World Bicycle Relief. We’re slowly but surely raising funds for a truly great cause.

– Remember last seasons UCI New Year’s Resolution race? We’re doing it again this season on 1/5/13 and 1/6/13 so you will have plenty of time to recover from your NYE hangover. Look for more details soon!

– Before NYR the CCC visits the Hilton Indian Lakes Resort (ILR) for our 2nd double weekend 11/10/2012-11/11/2012. So make a weekend of it, book your room now at Indian Lakes Resort. Call 630.529.0200.  Code word “ccc” for room discounts and up to 4 people per room!

– This coming Monday Beverly Bike-VeePack (hosts of the Dan Ryan Woods race) is having an open house for new riders. Find details on the Internet.

– A little sponsor time, Real Estate, PT, and physical wellness edition…

 Building wheels is a craft that requires knowledge and patience. PSIMET’s Rob Curtis knows what he’s doing (he has a heckling megaphone stand for crying out loud), even if it doesn’t seem like it on the CX course (see above left). Learn more about PSIMET custom wheels at PSIMET.com.  

Verdigris Custom Homes –  Are you in the market for a custom home? Sure aren’t we all? Talk to the green team. “Old World Excellence, Modern Technology, Mindfully Green”

Existing house more your thing? Then talk to Michael Heagney of Koenig & Strey. As a self starter with an ability to wear many hats, his experience in overcoming the hurdles in a challenging market place are second to none. Attributes you want on your side when serving on your behalf as a trusted advisor, skilled negotiator and expert facilitator. Mike also knows a thing or two about racing his bicycle, especially on the CX course.  

Does your body need fixing? HPI is a fully-equipped health and wellness facility. Licensed healthcare professionals are there to help keep you active, healthy and pain-free located within a 24/7 access fitness center. Itʼs your life, donʼt just live, Live Well.   

Suburbs more your location? MNO Sport Chiropractic has Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician Alan Stoughton who offers the best in diagnosis and natural treatment of sports injuries in Kane and McHenry Counties.  Insurance accepted, affordable cash plans, evening hours until 7:00 pm.  Call today with any questions–consultations are always free.  Life is a sport, stay in the game with MNO!

Kettle bells, yoga, and metal is your MO? Mr. Cyclocross himself Newt Cole opened Morning Bird Studio this past summer as a private personal training boutique and cycling-specific coaching service, empowering clients with the tools and knowledge to transform into the best version of themselves in an inspiring atmosphere that encourages physical creativity and forward-thinking. Couple that with a few laughs, great music and videos, and you get a typical Morning Bird session.   

Need coaching? TZCoaching based out of Oak Park offers affordable personal training plans for endurance athletes across the country!!! Using strength and conditioning as a foundation, and endurance racing as measurable goals, TZCoaching creates personalized training plans addressing strengths and weaknesses while working with athletes towards their desired goals.  

 Closer to the city Well-Fit Triathlon and Training is the premier coaching company creating world champions and everyday heroes. The foundation of every successful training program is the athlete. The best coaches are experienced guides who begin with the hopes, dreams and desires of the athlete and then tailor a training plan based on the athlete’s current fitness, race schedule and lifestyle.

– And finally… so you think cyclocross is a niche sport?

Photo: Snowy Mountain

Photo: Jason Knauff

– One of the original CCC races, Campton Cross returns for another year hosted by race promoter Rob Kelley and Bicycle Heaven. Being held just a few days before Halloween and ‘cross being the spectacle that it is, we’re looking forward to all the costumes you all bring to the party. Just remember to make sure you can still ride you bicycle (safely), you have sleeves (yeah, its a USAC rule), and wear a helmet.

– Payouts have be increased to a total of $2,760 spread out across the board, including to the Cat 4B’s. Note however that registration still closes down 30 minutes prior to each race.

– Activator Bicycle Club will be back again hosting the Kiddie Ride at at 1:45pm. Location TBD but likely close to the registration pavilion.

– Rob Kelley will be the decider of the winner of the costume contest. You must race to win and based on the prize, hopefully you are of legal adult beverage imbibing age.

– Bicycle Heaven will be having first lap primes again.  VeloCity T’s will provide this t-shirt to the winner of each category’s first lap. Mad Alchemy First Lap Hot Leg primes will also be awarded to the Women 4 and Cat 4A fields.

– Campton is one of the “further away from Chicago” venues, so give yourselves plenty of time to get there.

– Campton’s food vendor will again be T-Dogs BBQ Inc. who will have a couple different types of soup, turkey legs and BBQ pork. Rob Kelley tells us “I do not like turkey legs and it’s hard to describe how good the one was that they made for me.  The guy built his own smoker!”

– If you don’t like turkey legs there are plenty of food and caffeine vendors along Randall Rd on the way out, so stock up as there isn’t much food close to the park.

– The weather forecast for Sunday looks dry but much chillier than the week has been so far… so dress accordingly.

– The best spectating area will again be near the kids playground equipment… but as always we’ll let you decide. There is however more than enough legal parking for everyone, and spot-a-pots… so please use both.

– Preliminary staging will be posted here.

– The Campton course is very similar to the last three years. Note the position of the staging grid on the NE side of the baseball diamonds. At the start of the race the course goes around the out fields of  the two Northern ball fields before the first hard right turn near the equipment pit. Upon the completion of each lap after passing the finish line and turning left behind the registration pavilion the course turns left back onto the course to continue the laps. Note the equipment pit is a fair distance away from the start, so please pay attention to the time and announcements for staging. As always, the course can change on race day depending on conditions. The course goes anti-clockwise.