The Chicago Cyclocross Cup (CCC) series is worth checking out if you've not tried it before. Last Sunday's CCC race was in Woodstock, Illinois which is an easy drive from Madison. I've attended a few times before and have really enjoyed the larger racing fields, the course layout and the heckling crowds. Last Sunday was no different except the course was very different from years past. Most weekends I line up with the 55+ field in a Wisconsin race containing about 15 riders. At this Chicagoland event, the 55+ field is nearly 40! There are a few of us that made the trip south and I found myself lined up between familiar competitors, Bob Downs and Dave McCollum. As usual, the race was fast and hard. My favorite bits were the tiny stairs they created and the run-up. It seemed like only about half the field rode the stairs and I had fun practicing my uphill bike mount on the run-up. The sandpit had a 90 degree turn in the middle which made nearly all of us dismount. My single speed race was cut short by a gashed sidewall but it was super-fun up until that point. Put this race on your calendar next year -- you won't regret it! Cheers, --joe (Joey King - AMR Member) |
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April 2019
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