After a month off from racing, I decided to make today’s ChiCrossCup race in Lansing, IL, down in the far southside, my big return. Predicted conditions were 35 and windy, which it was, and the course was said to be flat – a “grass criterium” – which was also correct. I don’t like the cold, nor do I like flat courses, so the fact that I was so pumped about this race somewhat surprised me.
— Zach Thomas
“Save Ferris.” I still don’t know for sure why Sunday’s race was called that but I’m sure there was good reason for it. The eighth race of the ChiCrossCup was in Northbrook this time, just a little ways from the city, and only three miles from the velodrome. Adrian kindly gave me a ride out there despite not racing himself and it was here where I’d compete in my first Cat 3 CX race. The usual bevy of teammates in the 3’s wouldn’t be present — Kevin (Canada where he placed awesomely), Adrian (taking a weekend off) and Zach (in OH-IO) — but Tim was with me we were united once again.
— Naz Hamid
When I awoke in the Toronto suburbs, the weather man could not make it through his morning forecast without mentioning several NHL hockey teams. The forecast was that the Leafs were gonna score some goals, it was gonna be cold, wet and windy, and I was gonna have as much fun as possible. Half Acre cyclocross was going international.
— Kevin Clark
This is serious. That’s all the thought I could muster about how a bunch of cat 4 girls rolled off the start line in Carpentersville on Sunday. I’m used to racing. I’m used to aggressive starts. But for beginners, I’m used to the initial push for the lineup on singletrack, then a settle-in for at least a 90 min effort. Where was the settle in?
— Julie Popper
Sunday featured our team hosting the 2nd race of the Chi-Cross Cup Series with North Central Cyclery at Hopkins Park in Dekalb. Props should go out to everyone involved, as this race turned out great. An excellent course, with perfect cross conditions made for a very exciting day.
— David Bowers
