Photo: Mary Bates

– Thanks to Rob Curtis and team PSIMET for hosting another edition of the NORGE Ski Jump CX race. Temps were chilly but the racing was hot.

– Next up, the 12th and final stop of the Chicago Cyclocross Cup which is also the Illinois State Championship at Montrose Harbor hosted by Ten27 Cycles. Reg is open on BikeReg but full for a few categories (normal waitlist protocol will be in effect). Look for the normal course preview Thursday morning. But in the meantime, you should get ready for tacos.

– Reg is also open on BikeReg for The Afterglow and the CCC New Year’s Resolution races. Bloomington Cycles’s Miller Chill race in Bloomington is on USAC. There are also a few Wisconsin races in December before USAC National Championships in Madison (Verona) in January. Entry fees for Nationals increase substantially on 12/11/12 so you may want to think about reg’ing soon.

– The CCC’s end of the season awards party (we think the term banquet sounds a bit too formal for CX) will be held at noon on Sunday December 16th at EJ’s Place in Skokie. Overall series winners will be awarded as well as a few extra door prizes. Please purchase you tickets ahead of time on BikeReg here.

– Help support Verdigris Village-CX junior David Lombardo in his travels to EuroCrossCamp over the Christmas holiday by donating here. Also thank you to everyone who donated money to David’s wheel fund at NORGE.

– And finally… just in case you thought you were fast.

– We at the CCC wish each and everyone one of you a Happy Thanksgiving! Enjoy the turkey, enjoy the cheer, but most importantly enjoy your family and friends and be thankful for their company.

– Verdigris Village CX junior David Lombardo was selected to attend Euro Cross Camp over the Christmas holiday. There are significant costs associated with the trip and David’s teammates have set up a donation page for the CCC community to help. Any funds above and beyond the goal will be donated back to the CCC to help with junior development programs.

– The CCC is thankful for many things, especially our series sponsors. For the 4th year Iron Cycles has been the CCC series title sponsor. We recently caught up with owner and all around CX racer Brandon Elliott to see what’s been happening at the shop.

– This year marks the second installment of the NORGE ski jump cyclocross race hosted by PSIMET racing and Enzo’s cycling products. Racers will once again be treated to a series of fieldwork, climbing, technical off-camber, and even possibly a table-top feature in what can be considered one of the most interesting backdrops in cyclocross – actual full size ski jumps.

– The schedule is slightly different than a CCC schedule so please make sure to check the flyer before driving to the venue. There are plenty of chances for racers to race all day long, and with on site alcohol sales, we’re sure you won’t go thirsty.

– Staging will be by CrossResults.com points then order of registration… just like at Jackson Park.

– Even Chicago local, but international man of awesome – Jose Alcala will be there providing SRAM neutral support.

-Come out and ride off your turkey and Black Friday cloud, leave it all out on the course and still have a day to recover before going back to work (this race is on Saturday).

– Online reg is here and closes tonight!

– 2011 bar cam video.

– The 2011 course is below: Hills, and off camber turns. CX through and through.

Photo: Tim Homola

– Thanks again to Chris Henning and the entire Northbrook Bicycle Club for hosting stop 11 of the CCC at the new venue at Melas Park. Reports coming in so far are that everyone loved the new course and we would have to agree. The absolutely fantastic weather helped too!

– Here’s a link to photog Josh Dreyfus’ portraits. 100% of all purchases go to World Bicycle Relief and the Arlington Heights Fire Fighters Charitable Campaign.

– The CCC series takes a break this coming weekend to eat turkey, but one guy who never passes up the stuffing and cranberry is Rob Curtis who with his crew from PSIMET host the 2nd annual installment of the NORGE Ski Jump CX race. Online pre-reg on BikeReg closes Wednesday (tomorrow) night at midnight. Look for the course preview tomorrow morning.

– After we all wake up from our tryptophan induced turkey and mashed potato comas the CCC finishes up with the 12th and final stop at Montrose Harbor which just also happens to be the Illinois State Cyclocross Championships, hosted again by Ten27 Cycles. Since many of you have been asking, yes the shop is closing but the club is separate and is full steam ahead for hosting the race. More details to come next week but in the meantime please reviewing the staging procedure.

– In case you didn’t hear Verdigris-Village CX‘s youngster David Lombardo (pictured above leading the Melas CX Cat 1/2/3 race) was recently selected to be one of six <18 year old juniors to represent the US at Euro Cross Camp over the Christmas holiday. David will go head to head with Europe’s top rising talent on some of the toughest courses of the season. Many of the United States’ top riders are alumni including names like Trebon, Wicks, Summerhill, Matter, Selander, Townsend, Anthony, Wells, Driscoll, Eckmann, Lindine, etc as well as current U23 and Elite national champions Zach MacDonald and Jeremy Powers. This is great not only for David and VVCX but the entire CCC series which has encouraged and helped our juniors develop their talents. We can’t wait to see the next wave of CCC juniors head to Europe.

– Speaking of juniors racing CX, Tim Johnson has started a Mud Fund to help fund juniors racing CX.

– CCC Merchandise is still on sale.

– Tickets (registration) for this season’s End of Season Awards Party at EJ’s Place are now on sale.

– Online pre-registration is open for the CCC’s UCI New Year’s Resolution race. All details are on the NYR page here.

– And finally… Let’s have a quick chat about spectating shall we? We’ve had more than a few comments here on the site (and direct emails from concerned adults) recently that spectators during the Cat 4 races have been getting a little too… shall we say… aggressive. Everyone loves a good heckle or Twinkie handup, but we all need to know where to draw the line. Our USAC officials have been very lenient in the past to allow for this fun, but they can just as easily take it away and then the CCC would be boring with just a bunch of fast guys riding around in circles like they do in New England. So if you don’t want to lose it, here are five simple rules that no spectators should never, ever, ever, evar do…

1. Never change the course after the promoter has set it up unless you’re helping to fix broken stakes or course tape, etc. Do NOT take it upon yourself to decide where the course should be routed so people will crash. This also includes adding elements like water, tacks, snakes, dog hair, or dirty baby diapers,
2. Never enter the course during a race. Sure we all lean in a little bit to get closer to see the snot running out of the oxygen deprived racers’ faces, but the course if for the racers… not the spectators. If a racer isn’t looking for a hand up, there’s a pretty good chance they don’t want one in the first place. Racers should never be impeded because you are on the wrong side of the tape and blocking the course,
3. Never throw things… like sand, boiling oil, flames, lawn darts (you laugh but it happened one year in Madison at the Planet Bike USGP at UCI3 in Cincy) at riders or anyone else for that matter, racing or otherwise. You are spectating, if you want to be a part of the race that bad, pay an entry fee and pin on a number,
4. Never introduce glass to the race. Sure an aluminum beer can might mess up a rear derailleur, but it won’t cut a 3″ gash into someone’s face that will last a lifetime. No one wants that on their conscience. Dog poo probably falls into this category as well,
5. Never yell out a truly mean spirited heckle you wouldn’t want to receive yourself or would be embarrassed having your grandmother hear coming out of your mouth. As professional heckler Rob Curtis said… “Heckling cross….any d bag can yell ” You SUCK”. Intelligent people heckle gently. It’s an art. If you don’t get it drop the mic.” Follow @TheRealPSIMET and search for #HeckleClinic on Twitter for more info. Can’t think of anything better to say? See our Heckle Hall of Fame for inspiration. Or here’s an idea… just use enthusiastic words of encouragement (but please leave the F-bombs at home).

These general principles go for riders in the race as well. Sure we all want to grab that dollar bill, piece of bacon, or the European Twizzlers, but if you’re stopping in the middle of the course to do a Malort shot you are most.certainly.doing.it.wrong. Handups are fun, but part of that fun is trying to grab them while still racing. We all want to have fun, but the Cat 4 races are still USAC sanctioned races where rules apply and hopefully common sense prevails. So let’s all keep it under control and have fun without endangering our fellow racers and making a the CCC look like a frat party gone horribly wrong. K? Thanks, now let’s ride!

– 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.