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.

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!

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!

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: 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

– Hi gang! Rather then tell you its been a long while… and we’re sorry for not posting more information sooner… and we were really, really busy… and… oh nevermind. Let’s get to it, in chronological order.

– This Sunday July 1st (early in the morn), the CCC directors are getting together at Main St. Bicycles in Carpentersville, IL to play Tetris with all of the CCC equipment and trailer. We’re also going to make videos about how to properly set up a staging grid and equipment pit. If you’d like to help, or just stand around and watch like a state highway worker, stop on by… everyone is welcome.

– Speaking of staging grids, the CCC will be UCI compliant starting (pun intended) in 2012 and going forward. Instead of the 10 lane wide staging grid we’ve used for the past 3 years all CCC races will now use the UCI/USAC legal 75cm wide 8 lanes. Sorry 9th and 10th place, you’ve had a good ride… now race faster!

– Concerning racing… the 2012 race day schedule is now posted over on the Schedule page. We’ve made one small addition for all of you derailleur-challenged racers out there. While several of you have raced without gears for years, the CCC will now have a dedicated Single Speed category. Since we’re not sure how many SS’s will show up, and we’re always crunched for space on the course (because so many of you want to race) this will be an experimental category for 2012. If things go well we’ll keep the party going in years to come. Single Speeds will have their own staging (behind the ladies and old guys) AND overall title. We still encourage Single Speeders to race their trusty gearless steeds in regular categories as well. Also, bear in mind the SS category will not be all fun and games. You’ll be racing on course at the same time with some of the fastest women and angry old dudes in the area. If you’re too far behind you may be pulled early (but still placed). If you’re looking for the party, race the 4B’s.

– Another category we’re adding for 2012 is a separately scored Women Category 3. Since three quarters of the Women 1/2/3 field is Cat 3’s anyway we felt it would be good great to recognize the Women Cat 3’s riding hard every week but not hitting the podium. Points will be awarded on a combined basis, meaning if a Cat 3 wins she gets 1st place points but only 3rd place points if she is the first Cat 3 but 3rd finisher on course. The same goes for the Cat 1/2’s. We need to do it this way to make the combined staging work. Payout will also be combined unless the individual promoter decides to award more or a separated prize list for the Women Cat 3’s.

– Since we’ll now have 4 categories on course at the same time (W1/2/3, 50+, 60+, SS) during the 10:45am time slot we will have to limit Pre-Reg in those categories. However if each category does NOT fill on pre-reg its still first come first served on race day. We’ll also run wait lists as always on race day and everyone should have a chance to race. Just pay attention to BikeReg.com!

– Everyone should also pay attention to the Series Rules and Facts page. Take 10 minutes and read it now. There’s lots of good info, even for hardened CCC veterans who think they’ve seen and heard it all. Cat 3’s should pay special attention to USAC’s reworded upgrade criteria.

– Going back to Payout, the 2012 standard payout for all categories will remain the same as 2011 (with the addition of a Single Speed payout). However, since the CCC continues to grow each year, for 2012 we will introduce increased payouts for the Cat 1/2/3‘s scaling with the number of total pre-reg’d riders for each event (not just the Cat 1/2/3’s). We’re still working out the math, but in a nutshell… the greater number of rider’s pre-reg’d across all categories, the greater the payout to the Cat 1/2/3’s. Stay tuned for more details.

– Each year the CCC seems to figure out one or two little things that really make races run smoother and riders happier. At last season’s New Year’s Resolution we found out very quickly that we had never set up nor maintained proper Equipment pits (if anyone needs to borrow 600 feet of garden hose, let us know). National level CX racers demand that sort of thing and we thing you all do too (the pits, not the garden hose). That’s why this year we plan to institute correctly organized equipment pits. No more little sections of grass off to the side of the course, that were an afterthought, and have a few spare wheels. SRAM neutral service won’t be at every race dishing out Zipps like, well, bacon… but our pits will look better in 2012. This also means you as riders, mechanics, and spectators will need to respect the equipment pits more. The entire area should look, feel, and be pro.

– Speaking of pro… congratulations to the Schneider family. Last weekend the 2011 CCC Women Cat 1/2/3 overall champion Sam Schneider won the USA Cycling U23 national Criterium AND Road Race championships while the the 2011 Junior 10-14 overall champion (and Sam’s younger sister) Skylar won both the Junior Girls 13-14 Criterium AND Road Race championships as well. The CCC’s own Gina Johnson also finished 3rd in the 13-14 Road Race and 4th in the Criterium.

– 2012 is shaping up to be another great season in the Chicago Cyclocross Cup. Hopefully everyone worked out the kinks of an extended season last year and is ready to go that extra month longer this year. Remember CX Nationals are again just over our Northern border in Verona (Madison), WI. Master’s World Championships are again in Louisville, KY but a few weeks later this season to correspond to the week before the Elite World Championships. That’s worlds-worlds for those of you in the know. We want 2012-2013 to be the Year of Speed. We want to see everyone racing to their highest potential while still having the time of their lives. Oh yeah, and bacon and Twinkies too.

– And finally… the weather is great, if a little hot, right now in Chicago. Don’t be stressing about CX and certainly don’t train on your rollers in your garage. Get out there and enjoy the next few weeks of summer! See you soon…

– Now that CX season is officially, officially over the CCC site will be dormant for a few months. We’ll have sporadic updates as needed, but don’t expect much content until June-ish. Head over to ChicagoBikeRacing, The Bonebell, or your favorite online news site for your warmer weather cycling fix.

– We know its a long way off, but the Chicago Cyclocross Cup New Year’s Resolution will be back again next season as a 2 day, UCI C2 event. The CCCNYR was originally scheduled for 12/29/2012 – 12/30/2012 but we have pushed the dates back one week (1/5/2013 – 1/6/2013) to again coincide with the weekend before the US National Championships in Verona, WI which take place from 1/9/13 – 1/13/13.

– CX Masters World Championships (1/29/13 – 2/1/13) have also been pushed back from this year’s dates to the days immediately before CX World Championships (2/2/13 – 2/3/13). You may want to book your hotel rooms soon.  See dates here (choose 2013 & All Competitions).

– And finally… Happy Valentine’s Day.

Photo: Duane Higgs

– Thanks to everyone who came out to race, cheer, heckle, take photos, hold down a tent from blowing away in the wind, course marshal, help stage riders, hold down another tent from blowing away, fix course tape, scrub mud off bikes, and above all… make the CCC NYR a great first year event. We’re still getting caught up on emails, tweets, and carry pigeon messages but we promise to respond to everyone soon. In the mean time please see the two posts below for pictures and videos. CX Magazine also has a nice collection here.

– Chicagoland CX racing is officially done for the 2011/12 season, but racing is going on close by. We hope to see as many of you as possible in Verona/Madison this coming weekend for CX Nats, and the week after in Louisville for CX Masters World Championships.

– If you pre-ordered CCC merchandise and never picked is up, please email us and we’ll find a way to get the goods to you ASAP. We also have a few pairs of SockGuy socks, some mad Alchemy embro, and quite a few Contigo mugs left over if you’d still like to purchase any CCC merchandise. Please email us if you’d like some schwag.

– If you’re a stats geek, check out the CCC’s 2011 blogging report.

– And finally… thank you to everyone, and we mean EVERYONE for making not only the CCC series, but the NYR and all of Chicagoland CX racing such a blast this season. We’re already looking forward to the 2012/13 season when we can do it all again!