– Here it is, the first official race of the 2013 CCC season in Jackson Park hosted by xXx Racing.

– Remember the majority of the course preview is over on the JPCX preview page. On twitter use #JPCX.

– You’ve all seen the pre-reg numbers and there are lots, and lots, and lots, and lots of people racing. But even after that there are lots and lots of people on the wait lists wanting to race. We’d like to give everyone a chance to race, but we do have limits to how many people we can fit on the course at one time. That number is 100, so if you don’t plan on racing, please let us know asap so we can make room for others who do.

– Because there are so many people on the wait lists xXx Racing will be strictly adhering to the registration closing times, which are 30 minutes before each race is scheduled to start. If you have not picked up your bib number prior to 30 minutes before your race you will lose your spot and it will be given to the next person on the wait list. No exceptions. Please don’t ask to get into the race after this time as you will then be at the back of the line. We try to make the reg process easy on all of you, so please help us out here and arrive early and enjoy the spectical.

– If you are still on a wait list (i.e. have not been transferred into a race) you will still need to pay with cash or check on Sunday. Your credit card information from BikeReg will not be available to be charged. Sorry.

– The weather has an 80% chance of awesome. Please dress and bring tent sidewalls accordingly.

– The Course: xXx Racing had to move the course to the South side of the park last year due to concerns from the community of so many fast people on bikes racing around next to the soccer fields. There isn’t much land to work with but this year xXx Racing has squeezed every.last.little.bit of course out of what they have to work with. The staging area and start line are in totally new locations (near the West side of the parking lot) as is the equipment pit. So please pay attention and be careful when getting there.

– WordPress doesn’t yet like the new GoogleMaps so please see the course map here.

– Patriot CX results are here and Relay CX results are here. Remember that due to the combined nature of Relay CX those results will NOT be counted on CrossResults.com and therefore will NOT affect staging for CCC events.

– Reg is now open on BikeReg for all races except Melas CX and Montrose. Reg for these two events will open soon. Note that Indian Lakes Resort is now split into two separate events on BikeReg.

– A few notes on pre-reg waitlists on BikeReg.com since more than a few people seem to be confused. As of this writing all categories for all events are still open and NOT filled. When a category fills up on BikeReg there will be a red Closed in front of the category name. BikeReg will also display a red Only XX Spots Left in front of each category name once there are 10 or fewer spots left. Another way to discern the number of riders in a category is to click on the ‘Who’s Registered?‘ link at the top right of each page and see how many riders are reg’d for each category. All categories have a Field Limit of 100. Combined categories (dark blue header above outlined categories) have a limit of 100 riders on course at a time, based on a first come, first served basis. So if 100 Single Speeds reg before any Masters 30+, the 30+ are out of luck.

– Waitlists: Pre-reg Waitlists will remain closed for each category until that actual category has filled to its field limit. Once a category is filled (there will be a red Closed in front of the category name) the waitlist will open. When signing up for a waitlist you will not be charged until transferred into a race, if a spot opens up before pre-reg closes. Day-Of waitlists will be started when registration opens at each race.

– Day-Of waitlist protocol: 30 minutes prior to the scheduled start of each race category, sign-in for pre-registered riders will close. At that point, any unclaimed start spots will be given away in order of waitlist registration date/time. Racers must be present at registration in order to be given a number. Pre-reg’d waitlisted riders will of course be in the queue ahead of Day-Of waitlisted riders.

– Course previews: Since all of the courses in this season’s series are the same as last year, and many have been at least similar the last few years, the CCC website now has a Course Preview Section. Look in the menu bar above and hover over the ‘Preview’ link. Each course specific page has (or will shortly) the basics about each venue that would normally be in the Thursday course preview posts. We’ll still have those Thursday posts but they will be shorter and more tailored to any specific announcements and/or information the individual race promoters want to let you know about this season’s event.

– Speaking of information, did you know you can always search the entire CCC website for all the juicy details you’re looking for? Just type in your query in the search box up there on the right side of any page (above the CCC logo).

– Sponsors: We’ve finished up this season’s series sponsorship drive and in addition to all the great series sponsors that have returned from last year (many have been along for the ride for much longer) we have a bunch of great new sponsors to introduce you too. If you’re still interested in being a part of the series we’d love to have you, but the official USAC flyers and t-shirts have already gone to print.

Village Cycle Center – The CCC is built on the backs of the local bike shops that support our racers.  Village Cycle Center officially jumps into the mix for 2013.

 – Clif Bar – Dare we say the best energy bar? Look for the Clif Bar crew out in a big way at Jackson Park and Montrose as well as samples at all other races courtesy of Spidermonkey Cycling.

Cycling Republic in Algonquin also gets into the LBS action this year. Join the republic!

Performance Bicycle – Sure its a national chain, but the guys who work at the Chicago shop are local and race CX with the rest of us. Performance also joins the LBS crowd for 2013.

 SnowyMountain – Capturing not only photos but moments in time, just as they have the last few CX seasons.

 – Moorhead Law Group, LLC – Who doesn’t need a commercial real estate attorney?

– And finally… We’re working on the 2013 CCC playlist. If you have a song or songs you’d like to hear while deep in oxygen debt let us know either in the comments below or email us directly at [email protected].

– This year’s Nationals course in Verona, WI is the same as last year but ground and weather conditions are vastly different. CX Magazine has a great review here and here. USA Cycling‘s page is here.

– Good luck to everyone heading North this week/end to race

– The Chicago Cyclocross Cup New Year’s Resolution is back and will serve as a springboard for riders looking to put final touches on their preparations for the USA Cycling CX National Championships next weekend. Its going to be a lot colder this year, so we at the CCC encourage everyone to bundle up, bring your cowbells and cameras, and spend the weekend at the Hilton Indian Lakes Resort (ILR). Plenty to discuss below so please pay attention…

– Tech Guide: Pretty much everything you need to know is here. We didn’t write this thing for ourselves, so please review it. More info is also on our NYR page here.

– Registration: Online pre-reg closes tonight at midnight. For the locals or if you raced with us last year, we’ll be running reg the same way as every other CCC race. Please allow all 40+ & 50+ racers to reg first since they have to get ready and race first thing in the morning. If you’re coming to race in Chicagoland for the first time we’re glad you’re here! Just bring your USAC and/or Intl license to the registration room (yes we accept the USAC phone app). If you pre-reg’d we’ll have your USAC release form pre-filled for you in a big blue binder. Sign your release, grab your number and go. Day-Of registrants will need to be entered into the computer but it only takes a second.

– Please bring your own pins. Also, you’ll get a different bib number each day, so make sure to come back Sunday morning for your new number.

– Speaking of the USAC phone app, PLEASE renew your annual USAC license online at USACycling.org before arriving at the venue. Annual licenses purchased on or after 12/1/12 are good until 12/31/2013 and you must have a 2013 license to race either day this weekend.

– Waitlists:  We have a strict 100 rider field limit on course at one time. All fields are open and there are no waitlists at this time. If reg fills up today or on race day please see the ‘Registration’ section in the tech guide for a full explanation of the Day-Of waitlist procedure.

– UCI Staging: Staging for the UCI Women and Men races is by UCI rank/points and then drawing random lots for riders without UCI points. If you do NOT have UCI points you need to make sure you draw your random lot, otherwise you will be staged at the back of the field.

– Amateur Staging: The NYR is NOT a CCC series race and we will be using CrossResults.com points to stage all amateur categories. While we will post full results to USAC Saturday evening those results will NOT update CrossResults.com points for Sunday.

– Preliminary staging for all categories for both days (except random staging for UCI racers w/out UCI points and obviously day-of registrants) will be posted here no later than Friday morning (1/4/13). Please note there are two worksheets (one for Saturday, one for Sunday). Also, since we do not have onsite access to the CrossResults.com points database, all non-UCI day-of registrants will be staged at the back of their fields based on order of registration.

– Podiums presentations for each race will occur immediately after each race finish on the CCC podiums near the finish line (look for the 4 CCC razor flags… you can’t miss them), so pay attention during and after your race, we may be calling your name! There will also be a warming / interview tent located close to the podiums for rider/media use. The full payout schedule for both days is posted here.

– Sponsors: The CCC NYR is made possible by generous support from the following sponsors:

– Results: Results will be posted to USACycling.org here the evening after each race. Results are NOT just about your placing though. As with all other CCC series and Chicagoland races we’ll have posts up here on the CCC site each afternoon where we encourage you to post links in the comment section to your Flickr/Picasa/FB/etc pictures & videos and race reports/blogs.

– Anti-doping: The UCI will be conducting random anti-doping tests at the event. Riders are responsible for reporting to anti-doping control if they are selected to be tested.

– Weather: The forecast for the weekend has temps in the low 30’s with partly sunny skies. There is a small chance of precipitation earlier in the week but then dry… and windy through Sunday. Please bring plenty of warm clothes for after your race so you can stick around and heckle.

– Speaking of… you will be heckled… period. You might not even be racing when it happens. If you’re coming in from out of town and haven’t experienced Chicago’s style of  CX heckling, at best you may be taken aback, and at worst quite offended. But don’t worry, its all just for fun… but we’ll let Chicago’s head heckler and the Don Rickles of CX… Mr. Rob Curtis of PSIMET explain.

– For the more professional wordsmiths… Richard Fries and Todd Busteed will be announcing the race, and Kelly Minx Riordan will be hostessing the awards and podiums.

– Everyone’s favorite mechanic Jose Alcala will be manning the equipment pits both days with SRAM Neutral support. We don’t expect too much mud (if any), but if it appears we’ll need pressure washers we’ll have them in the pits.

– Merchandise: If you ordered CCC merchandise you can pick it up in the registration room. We will also have CCC Contigo coffee mugs only for sale. Cash, check, or credit!

– The Hotel: There’s a big reason we’re hosting a cyclocross race on a golf course in suburban Illinois the weekend before USA Cycling CX National Championships… the Hilton Indian Lakes Resort. ILR has many amenities including hotel rooms mere steps away from the course, indoor bathrooms, showers, two restaurants, a spa, pool, a hot tub, plenty of parking, and last but certainly not least… The Cave. There is WiFi in the hotel but the signal isn’t great in the guest rooms outside of the main lobby. We suggest bringing an Ethernet cable. ILR will be running an all day buffet special at the Master’s Clubhouse adjacent to the registration room and finish line. There’s also a bar in case you want to, you know, ring in the new year a little late.

– Speaking of, the CCC will be hosting an informal party and meet & greet with several pro (and non-pro) riders at the The Cave bar (in the hotel atrium) Saturday evening. Stop by to have a drink, say hello to old and new friends, and ring in the New Year (okay, a few days late) in the best way we know how… with a CX party.

– Course Crossings: There are four official pedestrian course crossings. Please use them to cross the course safely. We still need a few course marshals as well. Please either sign up here or contact us if you have some time to spare on race day.

– Bathrooms: Spot-a-pots, Port-o-lets, Lepri-cans… call them what you will but they are cold with the temps dip down low. Indoor bathrooms (and showers) are just inside the clubhouse doors to the right, close to registration but not necessarily near the start line… so please plan accordingly.

– Club Row: No charges this year for Club Row along the start/finish pavement section, but space is limited on a first come, first served basis. If you have questions about where to set up please email us ahead of time or see a race director at the venue. Indian Lakes is notoriously windy, so if you do set up a pop-up tent please bring stakes, weights, kettle bells, large babies, etc to help weigh down your tent. Many unsecured tents have been damaged in the past due to strong winds. You may leave your tent overnight, but please break it down all the way. The CCC is not responsible for lost or stolen personal items.

– The Course: The CCC series race at ILR in November is a perennial favorite. Sand traps, fairways, roughs, a little mud, dodging flying golf balls… ILR has it all. The NYR course is slightly different (thankfully no one will be golfing, we made sure this year) and goes the opposite direction (anti-clockwise) but uses many of the same course features including, yes, the sand traps. Staging is on the asphalt cart path at the Northern edge of the course. The entrance to the staging grid is on the North section of crowd barriers, adjacent to Pro-Row. The course will be ready for pre-riding Friday afternoon.

– The NYR course runs anti-clockwise and can be broken into 4 sections… 1 path/grass power section followed by 1 grass power section, 1 technical section, and then a final power section. We intend to alter the course slightly from Saturday to Sunday but the majority of the course will be the same both days.

1. The start takes the course on a quick trip through Club Row and then heads up a small incline and past the Finish Line. A sweeping dog-leg left takes the course around a set of t-boxes to the first grass section. Winding around to the left the course passes to the opposite side of the finish line and heads South out onto the course proper. After a tricky off-camber turn the first real obstacle is the hill located at the far South West corner of the course.
2. The course then straightens out in a fast grass power section heading towards the Eastern edge of ILR’s property. A long straight stretch and a few quick turns and then the course winds back to the first entrance to the equipment pits.
3. After exiting the pits the course doubles back on itself to the inside and heads South again. In this section riders will be greeted by UCI regulation maximum height barriers. Making full use of all of the terrain and possibly a sand pit or three the course twist and turns its way back to the main incline at the South Western edge of the course. Any wet weather (unlikely) or residual snow (more likely) will cause this section on the driving range to become muddy.
4. After negotiating the hill for the 2nd and last time the course straightens out into the final long, par 4, power section heading straight towards the finish and Club Row. After a quick trip through several real sand pits the course turns 180 degrees to the right for a final pass through the equipment pits. A large, sweeping 180 to the left on the cart path turns the course back to the West, past the staging grid and Club Row, and up the small incline to the finish line.

– The Afterglow team has scored a brand new location–Douglas Park Golf Course! When registering to race, please consider donating those extra dollars you’re saving on the cheaper reg to the wonderful people at Blackstone Bicycle Works right from the registration page. Look for all the Blackstone kids (along with our friends West Town Bikes!) in the Juniors and 4s, and cheer them on! Intelligentsia will also have that coffee you’ll need for your second race for sale to help support West Town Bikes. Registration closes tonight.

– Continuing the theme of giving, Greater Chicago Food Depository has paired with the team on a food drive at the event–everyone who brings a non-perishable food item gets a coveted CALLUP. And if that’s not enough motivation to lend a hand to the needy during this holiday season, a Team Competition is in place–the team that brings in the most amount of food BY WEIGHT wins a fabulous item to impress your friends for an entire year! Sign up for the team competition here. You have until Friday at 4pm to register for the team competition (but we will of course accept day-of donations!). The award will be given out after the Cat 4/FatBikes/Etc race. UPDATE: Please see RpbL for more information about the food drive.

– If you’re coming in from somewhere that doesn’t have easy public transportation (hint),  figure out your parking strategy now! There will be parking along S Thompson Drive (leading toward the fieldhouse). Please leave the fieldhouse parking lot for volunteers and park patrons, as we aren’t the only ones at the park on Saturday. There’s also parking along Inner Ogden Drive.

Photo: Luke Seemann

– One more to go! Ten27 Cycles once again hosts the last stop in the 2012 Chicago Cyclocross Cup… which just happens to also be the Illinois State CX Championships at Montrose Harbor. You all have been racing all season long with plenty of ups, downs, highs, lows, podiums, crashes, and heckles and we’ve finally made it to the finalé. We at the CCC and Ten27 again ask everyone to bundle up, bring your cowbells and cameras, and make a day out of Montrose… which means the Cat 4’s should show up early and heckle the 40+ field, and the Masters should stick around and cheer on the Cat 4’s. Lots to review below, so buckle up…

– Registration: We’ll be running reg the same way as every other CCC race. Please allow all 40+ racers to reg first since they have to get ready first. Several fields are already full but we’ll run wait lists starting Sunday morning. Combined categories have a combined field limit of 100 so once No-Shows are removed its first come, first served until we hit the 100 rider limit. As of this morning there are >625 of you pre-reg’d (we AND Ten27 thank you!), which is already more than last year. Online pre-reg closes tonight at midnight… so if you’re not yet reg’d, do everyone (yourself included) a favor and reg now!

– Staging: Since we know down and mid-state IL riders can’t make it up to Chicago every weekend but may still be racing CX outside of Chicagoland, staging at Montrose will incorporate CrossResults.com points for those riders (especially from downstate, but even out of state) without CCC series points. Riders with OUT CCC series points in a category but better (lower) CrossResults.com points will be staged ahead of riders WITH CCC series points in that category and worse (high) CrossResults.com points. Riders in the CCC overall who have better CrossResults.com standings than other riders in the CCC overall will NOT move up in position… you keep your overall CCC position. Also if you have raced in a category but not earned CCC series points (yes, we’ve been keeping track) you will NOT be moved up if your CXR points are better. See the procedure here.

– Preliminary staging will be posted here tomorrow (after pre-reg closes).

– State Champion Requirements: The CCC along with Ten27 and the ICA will be presenting 13 14 CX State Champion Jerseys (on the podiums) to the first IL rider to cross the finish line in every category (excluding the 4B’s). This means Juniors 15-18 AND Juniors 10-14… boys AND girls. Remember that in order to win the state championship you must be a permanent Illinois resident (we’ll be checking ID’s), a US citizen or permanent resident, and hold a valid and unsuspended 2012 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.

– Speaking of… as of Saturday (12/1/12) you can start renewing your annual USAC license. Annual licenses purchased on or after 12/1/12 are good until 12/31/2013. We highly suggest renewing/purchasing your license online at USACycling.org as this is the easiest (for everyone) and most efficient method, especially if you plan to race with us at the New Year’s Resolution race.

– Podiums presentations for each race (top 3 overall in the race) AND and for the IL state championship (top 3 IL riders in the race) will occur immediately after each race finish… so pay attention after your race, we may be calling your name! The two exceptions will be for the W123/Master50+/60+/Single Speeds podiums at 12:15 pm and the Women 4 and Juniors races when the podiums will be awarded at 2 pm.

– Ten27 Cycles has secured several additional prizes beyond championship jerseys and the 2012 CCC minimum payouts thanks to their generous sponsors:

• EJ’s Place: the North Shore’s premiere supper club since 1997 with a menu of prime aged steaks and chops, pristine seafood, and traditional Italian specialties, presented by a mature and experienced wait staff.  E.J.’s Place is located on Skokie Blvd., just north of the Old Orchard shopping mall.
• Chicago Chiropractic and Sports Medicine: where they specialize in helping athletes and active individuals achieve optimal performance in sports, as well as body balance for every day activities through chiropractic care, Active Release Techniques® (ART), Rolfing, education, and exercises.
• Team Kenda presented by RACC (Racers Against Childhood Cancer): supports a strong US Domestic Elite Team with a mission to build the sport of women’s cycling by developing Junior, U-23 and Collegiate riders through their regional programs in the Southeast, Mid-Atlantic, Midwest, and Western United States.
• Ten27 Cycles: located in on Davis Street in downtown Evanston, is conducting a going-out-of-business sale with really good deals now on the bikes, tires, shoes, and parts you’ll need for the 2013 season.
• Wheel and Sprocket: a nationally recognized bicycle shop from the Milwaukee, WI area, has announced they’ll be opening a new shop inEvanston early next year.  They look forward to supporting cycling clubs, events, and activities in the Chicago metro area in the years to come, starting with this year’s Illinois State Cyclocross Championships at Montrose Harbor.
• The American Diabetes Association’s Tour de Cure bicycle ride is held every June to raise money to fight diabetes, through research and patient support.  This event now includes a wide variety of rides, ranging from 15 to 100 miles, so there is something for all levels of cyclists.

– Thanks to these sponsor’s generous support, Ten27 Cycles has upgraded the prize list to $2,660, their largest ever and almost double what it was last year.

• Category 3: $275
• Category 1/2/3: $580
• Women 1/2/3: $580
• Category 4A: $200
• Women 4: $200
• Junior Boys 10-14: $30 (3 places)
• Junior Girls 10-14: $30 (3 places)
• Junior Boys 15-18: $30 (3 places)
• Junior Girls 15-18: $30 (3 places)
• Category 4B: $30 (3 places)
• Cash prizes for the other races will be as usual
• The winner of each of the 13 races will receive a Body Shape Kit from the American Diabetes Association’s Tour de Cure.
• Furthermore, the Illinois State Champion in each of the Masters 30+, Masters 40+, Masters 50+, Men 1/2/3, and Women 1/2/3 categories will receive a $200 dining card from EJ’s Place restaurant, ensuring they can celebrate their hard-earned victory in style.

– The Chicago Cuttin’ Crew will also be awarding extra prizes and trophies for Junior categories. The (other) CCC will be giving out junior girls awards as usual (5 deep, medals and ribbons) for the race as well as trophies (3 deep) for final CCC overall standings in Boys 15-18, Girls 15-18, Boys 10-14, and Girls 10-14.

 – Ten27 will be selling Jay Ryan designed posters (at left) for this year’s Cyclocross Championships.  Those of you who have been collecting these posters every year will want to add to your collection.

– While a few riders have already locked up their CCC overall titles (see riders in yellow), there are quite a few very, very, very close categories still to be decided on Sunday. Overall titles will be  announced Sunday, but all official overall series awards will be presented at the CCC Awards Party on Sunday December 16th at EJ’s Place. We look forward to celebrating with all of you.

– Neutral race support will be provided by Ten27 Cycles, in the heated tent next to registration. This year’s equipment/wheel pit should also be plenty big enough for everyone, but please do NOT leave your spare bikes and wheels in the pit after your race. The next category needs to use the pit too.

– Food: Thanks to Ten27 the Big Star truck will again be serving Champurrado Hot Mexican Chocolate, Tacos al Pastor, Tacos de Pescado, and the Tacos de Papas con Rajas from 11am – 3pm. Hand-ups encouraged!

– Series sponsor NovaCare Rehabilitation will once again have physical therapists (and CCC participants) at Montrose providing free injury screens and stretching. We’re getting to the end of the season, so take care of yourself and bring your beat up body over to the green NovaCare tent between 10am – 1:30pm to get checked out. Also see us for a free energy bar or for information on our bike fit services and physical therapy services.

– More than any other factor, the weather usually makes Montrose the legend it is. However right now the forecast is rather benign). In any event the weather can always change on a dime, especially next to the lake, so bundle up, dress appropriately, and come prepared with extra warm (& dry) gear.

– Todd Busteed will be announcing the race.

– We will have all pre-ordered CCC merchandise (t-shirts, socks, & embro) at the race and available for pick-up. Socks are sold out but we will have t-shirts ($15), Mad Alchemy embro ($20), and Contigo coffee mugs for sale (cash only). You can still pre-order your merch here.

– Parking: Like the last 2 years, the parking lot at the east end of the park is closed (now boat storage). Parking will be on the street only along Simonds Dr. Several parking spaces near the restrooms and registration will be roped/coned off (for officials, CCC staff, BigStarTruck, etc) so please do NOT move the cones. We also need this area clear for pedestrian and bike traffic.

– The Course: Course designer Chuck Judy brings back several of Montrose’s classic features course while incorporating a few new twists and turns. The course goes anti-clockwise, beginning at the staging grid which will be just East of the finish line due to a few new trees planted over the summer. The finish line, wheel/bike pit, and registration will be in nearly the same location as years past, just off the road and near the main sand pit. Note the equipment pit is backwards (unless you get off your bike on the wrong side) but its the best place to put it given the layout of the course. Please be careful when pitting and have your mechanics stay out of the way of other riders entering/exiting the pit. Feel free to set up your tents near registration and the sand pit, but given the potential for strong winds, bring weights and stakes. Yes the main sand pit will be back, where spectators are all but guaranteed a great view of all the action. The 2nd sand section close to the bath house will likely not be in play. As always the final course route will be determined Sunday morning and may be altered from the map below.

– 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.

– 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: 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: 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.