– This Sunday Chris Henning leads the Northbrook Bicycle Club and Flatlandia North to the YMCA Camp Duncan for the relocated and rebranded Ted Excellent Double Track Adventure for stop 11 of the CCC. This race takes the place of the races held in Northbrook for the past few years. Online reg closes tonight so please pre-reg.

– To get to Camp Duncan head North on Hwy. 12 and look for the sign marking the entrance to the camp. The address is 32405 N US Highway 12 Volo, IL 60041-9312.

– Unfortunately due to YMCA rules no alcohol nor pets are allowed on the property. We’d like to be invited back again next year so please be on your best behavior. Fire is allowed though, and there will be at least one bonfire going throughout the day, so bring s’mores fixins!

– Parking will be tight so please carpool if you can.  NBC and Flatlandia will have parking attendants but please do not park on grass unless an attendant directs you there. When entering and exiting camp please follow posted speed limits and look out for riders on bikes.

– The Northbrook Bicycle Club will be accepting donations of kids bikes at registration for the YMCA biking program, where they teach the kids at camp to ride the trails in the summer and introduce them to mtn biking. We’re sure they’ll start CX clinics very soon.

– Food:  The camp chuck wagon will be parked down at the large boat house (near the waterfront) and will be selling food and camp Duncan clothing items. Beverages: Gatorade, Juice, Hot Chocolate and Coffee. Snacks: Chips, candy, cookies & granola bars. Hot Food: Vegetarian Chili, nachos & hot dogs.

– Showers!  The Central Wash House will be open for racers to clean off/shower after the race. However, if the grounds are muddy please DO NOT bring your bike(s) into the buildings or showers to clean them off. There’s a lake… use that instead.

– Payouts:  Standard CCC payouts except the Juniors (both age groups) which will have the same payouts as the Women Cat 4, thanks to the newly established Astellas Oncology Cycling Team p/b ABD based in Glenview.

– Warm-ups.  Please stay off the grass fields.  Chris Henning notes the entrance road is probably your best bet since it is nice & long… or bring a trainer.

– There is a playground for the kiddies.

– If you ordered CCC tshirts, embro, or socks please see us at the finish line to pick up your merchandise.

– The race is sponsored by George Garner Cyclery, a full-service shop with locations in Northbrook, Libertyville & Lake Zurich. Paul McAllister from George Garner Cyclery in Northbrook will be offering free neutral support in the pit which will be located near the S/F. Unfortunately due to the spread out nature of the course the equipment pit is NOT double sided.

– The Course: Goes clockwise. See pictures here. The TEDTA offers a great mix of grass, pavement, double track (duh) through the woods, a little singletrack, a sandy beach, a Teepee for crying out loud… and what Dave Pilotto can only describe as the hardest stair run up you’ll ever do in your life. Good luck!

– We love it when people step up and make the change they want to see in the world. Case in point, Rob Curtis from Psimet puts on another CX race AND writes his own course preview.

– Read the preview here.

– Online reg is here and closes tonight!

Photo: Derek Lewis

– Big thanks again to the South Chicago Wheelmen and the Hilton Indian Lakes Resort for hosting not one, but two days of racing in a row. The winds were gale force but thankfully the temps were high and the rain stayed away.

– The winner of the Psimet custom Indian Lakes tublar wheelset was Jostein Alvestad of EMC^2. Congratulations to Jostein and thank you to everyone who purchased raffle tickets. All proceeds went directly to the SCW junior development program.

– While most of us were trying not to get blown away on the golf course… a few CCC’ers traveled SouthEast to Louisville for the 3rd stop of the USGP of CX. Congrats to everyone who raced, and especially to Verdigris-Village CX‘s David Lombardo to who won the Junior 15-16 race on Sunday.

– Speaking of promoters hosting more than one event, Rob Curtis and the Psimet crew are back again this Saturday with the NORGE Ski Jump Cyclocross. Reg closes Wednesday night at 10:45pm CST. This race is NOT part of the CCC series… but its CX… on the side of a nordic ski jump… how cool is that?

– On Sunday the CCC series continues with promoters Northbrook Cycling Club and Flatlandia at the Camp Duncan YMCA property in Ingleside. Dubbed “Ted’s Excellent Double Track Adventure” we’re sure to see some fun racing through the woods. Flatlandia’s Dave Pilotto ensures us the course will delight everyone with hills, a sandy beach, stair run ups, double track through the woods, and plenty of off camber turns. No word yet on the selection of pork & dairy products that will be available for consumption. One thing that will not be allowed however is alcohol. YMCA property rules prohibit the stuff. We’re sure there will be at least a few of you who won’t read this, so if you see someone blatantly displaying a Daisy Cutter can, please ask them to be more discreet. Check back on Thursday for the full course preview.

– Speaking of things that aren’t allowed. We’ve been asked by our USAC officials to remind everyone again that while CX is fun, and the Cat 4B carnival is even more fun, spectators are NOT allowed to change the course (yes, even in bacon alley). While we love to see people having a great time riding through a tunnel of cheering fans, bacon, Twinkies, and white tigers just as much as the next series organizer, for insurance liability purposes we need to keep things safe for everyone… especially the new and inexperienced guys and gals. You all have done a great job of following the rules so far this year so this will be the last we mention it.

– A few of our promoters have mentioned to us that not all of you have picked up your payouts. If you were in the money but didn’t pick it up, please contact the promoter directly.

– What? Only 2 CCC races left? Can you believe the series is 5/6th’s over? It seems like the relay race was just yesterday.

– Not to worry, Robots Powered by Love and the Chicago Cuttin’ Crew will host the Afterglow on Saturday 12/17 in Humboldt Park.

– What to do after that? Party more of course! 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. We’ll be awarding the ever popular CCC series winner cowbells and plenty of schwag. And of course the bar will be open all afternoon.

– Still need more racing? Reg for the CCC New Year’s Resolution is open. Discounted room rates are also available but going quickly. Call or click today and use the Group Code (not the promo code) “CYC”. If you raced this past weekend you saw what the facilities are like and got a taste of a few elements of what the course will be like in 2 months. Of course by that time we’ll likely have a little snow on the ground and a few more pro’s. We’re really looking forward to hosting this national caliber event and we hope you all will help us show the rest of the country what they’re missing and how we do CX here in Chicago. 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].

– And finally… its only 40 days until Christmas! In this tough economy many individuals and companies are struggling but we are all very fortunate to be a part of this crazy CCC family that continues to grow and prosper. Our sponsors support the series more than you can imagine and make it all possible and bigger and better every year… so if you are in the market for more cycling gear (and come on, who isn’t?) please support our series sponsors during this holiday shopping season. Thanks!

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 3rd year at the 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 $82 per night for up to 4 people. There are still 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.

– The other CCC (Chicago Cuttin’ Crew) will continue where they left off last year (and the year before that) and host the Cave Bash 2011 party in the ILR Cave Bar (in the middle of the hotel… you can’t miss it). The party starts Friday night and (for those who can hang) will continue Saturday night. New Belgium Brewery will also be at the race again selling $3 Fat Tire Ales.

– Being a double weekend you might want to make sure you save some for Sunday since the SCW have put up a $6,600 prize list over the two days, which is quite a bit more than the CCC minimum payout schedule. All categories payout deeper than the standard 5 places… so make sure you pick up your winnings!

– SCW will be raffling a set of Psimet Wheels to benefit their junior development program

– Unfortunately CarboRocket will NOT be on hand w/ free coffee and drink mix, but the Master’s Clubhouse bar/restaurant is steps from the course.

– Tipping Point Photography will be shooting all weekend and will also have Gift Certificates for all your holiday gift giving needs.

– Please see CCC staff to pick up your CCC custom 2011 t-shirts, socks, and embro. We’d love for you to take you stuff home!

– Due to the Saturday race online pre-reg has already closed (we told you on Tuesday). All fields are still open however and you can reg on Saturday and/or Sunday if you missed out.

– 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 a bag near registration.

– Given current temps in the 30’s and 40’s Saturday’s sun and 50 degrees looks delightful. However, there’s a chance of rain in the forecast for Sunday. Given the amount of rain we’ve had already this season we wouldn’t be surprised if the heavens open up.

– 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).

– Podium presentations will take place immediately following each race except the Women 4 and Juniors races. In order to give our USAC officials enough time to correctly tabulate the results we will present the Women 4 and Junior podiums at 1:50pm.

– The ILR staff has asked us to stay off the putting greens. 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.

– Big thanks again to Rob Curtis, Dr. Kearns and the entire Enzo’s–Psimet team for hosting Sunday’s PSI-clocross For Life race in Woodstock. The sky’s threatened all day long, but the Cat 4B’s wound up finishing in the sun. We are now deep into the season and the leaders of the overall standings continue to change hands. We are very excited to see this level of competition and look forward to the next few weeks to see what happens.

– This coming weekend the CCC heads West to the Hilton Indian Lakes Resort (ILR) as the South Chicago Wheelmen (SCW) host stops 9 and 10 of the series and the CCC’s 2nd of two double weekends. There’s lots going on at ILR and MsChiCrossCup will even be in attendance. See the SCW’s site for details and stop back here on Thursday for the usual course preview. But until then a few things:

• Discounted room rates for up to 4 people… $82/night (use group code CCC)
• All you can eat buffets for $13.95 at the Masters Clubhouse
• Pool AND hot tub
• Party at ‘The Cave’ bar w/ the Chicago Cuttin’ Crew… $3 Fat Tire Ales… see here
• Roll out of your bed and onto the course
• Psimet wheel raffle to benefit the SCW junior development program
• SRAM neutral support & bike wash
• Did we mention there is a pool and hot tub?

– Please note that due to the Saturday race online pre-reg for ILR closes Wednesday evening. Don’t miss out. Do it now.

– Speaking of ILR, registration is open for the CCC’s New Year’s Resolution which will take place at ILR. All the details you seek are here. We still need a few volunteers to help us put on the event. If you offered to help but didn’t receive an email from us this morning then somehow we lost your original email. Please get in touch with us as soon as possible.

– Speaking of pre-reg, online reg quietly opened last week for this year’s Afterglow hosted by <a title=”Robots Powered by Love and the Chicago Cuttin’ Crew. Details here.

– Reg is also open for the Norge Ski Hill CX here.

– OMG so many reg sites… tickets will be on sale soon for the CCC’s End of the Season Awards Dinner to be held again at EJ’s Place in Skokie. With so much racing going on from New Year’s to Nationals to Masters CX Worlds we moved the date up to Sunday December 18th (the day after Afterglow) so everyone can make it and not have to miss a race or training ride. Cowbells will be ringing so we hope to see you all there!!

– Just a reminder that you can NOT simply give or take someone else’s bib  number at any race in any category. Yes, the Cat 4B’s are fun, but if you want to race we need to know who YOU are… not who the bib number originally belonged to. We’d be happy to switch you at the reg desk, but our insurance coverage mandates that only the person issued the bib number and who signed the release form can be on the race course. We know that sounds like a bunch of suits talking mumbo-jumbo, but there are rules we all have to play by to stay safe. Thanks for understand… do you smell bacon?

– And finally… Its November and the temps will surely start falling, perhaps with some precipitation… Got Bogs?

– UDPATE: Our friends from Embrocation Cycling Journal were out at Woodstock and put together a great photo essay of the event. See it here.

Photo: Luke Seemann

– Back for his 4th year, rebranded Psi-clocross For Life, and under new management in the form of Rob Curtis and the crew from Psimet the 8th stop in the CCC travels to Emricson Park in Woodstock, IL. Dr. James Kearns is still involved and can help you with all your naprapath needs.

– The race’s original name was the Ed Brophy Memorial Cross for Life race in memory of Ed Brophy who lost his battle with cancer. Look for the cancer charity raffle/fundraiser the same as last year. A portion of the net from the race itself will be donated as in previous years ($8,000 was donated last year).

– 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.

– A bag of lost and found gear will be in a paper grocery bag near registration.

– CCC staff will have all pre-ordered CCC merchandise available for pick up near the finish line. For those of you who missed out on the first round of socks we have ordered more and they are for sale on the CCC NYR BikeReg page as well as other CCC goodies. The 2nd round of socks will be available for pick up later in the season (hopefully by Montrose, but definitely by the NYR).

– There will still be heated restrooms in the warming hut and one porta potty near the main parking lot next to reg/start/finish for all your “last minute” needs.

– 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. Dr. Kearn’s 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.

– Rob Curtis informs us there are enough changes from last year that he highly recommends people pre-ride.  “There is one section in particular where racers have a wide choice of lines to take and they will want to see what that’s like before racing.” If you can’t read between the lines, that also means you need to be at the venue early enough to be able to pre-ride and be back at staging before call ups are started.

– 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 any parts of the outline of Emricson Park. For 2011 Psimet bring back a few classic sections (and removes the sand).  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! As always, the course map below is subject to change on race day.