– One week closer to the CX season.
– If you haven’t checked out BikeReg.com recently all CCC races are now posted. Online PreReg for all races will open Tuesday 9/3 at 9am. We figured you wouldn’t be doing much at work the day after a long weekend anyway.
– Speaking of… remember the CCC matches all USAC license numbers to the USAC rider database. So please make sure your USAC license number is in your BikeReg.comย rider profile. This will ensure you are attributed all of your hard earned series points.
– Speaking of points… now is a great time to check out CrossResults.com and make sure all of your CXR points are correct. If you have points spread across two riders (yes, it happens) please contact the folks at CXR to be updated. Just search your name in the upper right and make sure it looks right. If not, contact CXR.

– The Illinois Dept. of Transportation is planning to resurface the five-mile stretch of Sheridan Road between Lake Cook Road and Winnetka Avenue, sometime next year. This project is great news, but it is critical that cyclists influence the planning and implementation to ensure that appropriate bicycle infrastructure is included (such as currently exists, for example, in the Wilmette stretch of Sheridan). As a first step in efforts to engage in advocacy, an e-mail has been assembled of North Shore cyclists — road riders, cross riders, neighborhood riders, etc, basically anyone who rides a bike on the public ways. Everyone on the list will be kept apprised of opportunities to advocate for cycling, and a meeting is set up for September, details soon to come soon. Those interested in joining the effort can do so here, just by filling out a quick form. The Facebook group, where additional communication takes place, is here.

– On Saturday, 9/7 the Michigan cross season kicks off with the 5th Ithaca Grand Prix of Cyclocross p/b ZEVLIN. As a special offer for Chicago racers, the race promoter has created a coupon on the USAC registration page good for $5 off your pre-registration ($25 pre-registration, $30 day-of). This coupon code expires on Sunday, 8/18 at midnight EST and is limited to the first 10 registrants. E-mail racepromoter@gmail.com for the coupon code or questions! Don’t forget to pre-order a pint glass when registering. RV camping is available at the park; tent and RV camping is available across the street and down the road (all free). There are hotels in the area but you’re better off staying in Lansing (40 min drive) or Grand Rapids (80 minute drive). As a double bonus there is a Kiss Cross race on Sunday (September 8) in downtown G.R. on your way back home. More information is available at the race website: www.IthacaGP.blogspot.com or on the Facebook page: www.Facebook.com/IthacaGP.

– Closer to home, Patriot CX is in Rantoul the same day (9/7).

– Closer in time and distance, xXx Racing hosts another addition of Relay CX next weekend. Please, please, please read the tech guide to understand all the rules as there are a few quirks to be aware of.
– Juniors, check out the Juniors specific CX clinic on Saturday 8/17 at Melas Park with David Lombardo, Scott McLaughlin and Tim Boundy. Reg is free and on BikeReg here.
– And finally… the CCC will be finishing up its sponsorship drive at the end of August. If you would like to be a part of the CCC family (and see your name in bright lights, or the back of a t-shirt) please contact us immediately.