Track Season Begins

It was a chilly night for the first night of racing at the Northbrook Velodrome, but that didn’t stop the competition from heating up the track. We had two impressive women’s fields last night (4’s and 1/2/3’s), so there was no need to combine fields – what a treat!! If you’re thinking about racing at the track, give it a try and I’m sure you’ll get hooked. The camaraderie and competitiveness at the track is like no other venue. Now that we’ve got your Thursday evening’s covered, check out the information below to see the other great cycling events around town.

Events:
Elgin Cycling Classic – Head out to Elgin for this slightly technical and hilly course. The race is part of a two-day series which features multiple fields for women – even a 30+ master’s category! For information on the race, click here https://s3.amazonaws.com/USACFlyers/FL_2013-1870.pdf.

Kankakee 20K TT – Get your time trialing game on and head to Kankakee to set your mark on this new course. For details, click here http://www.ambikerace.com/2013/flyers/Kankakee20KTT.htm .

Fox River Grove Criterium – Calling all mountain goats! In the Midwest, this race is a climbers dream! There’s a lengthy uphill and a sweet downhill, so put on you climbing cassette and head out to the races. For more information, click here https://s3.amazonaws.com/USACFlyers/FL_2013-1871.pdf.

Upcoming
Quad Cities Memorial Day Races – This series has been around for quite some time and it features some pretty amazing must-do courses, including the famous Snake Alley course. If you’re looking for fantastic completion for the entire Memorial Day weekend, head to the Quad Cities. For details on all the events, click here http://www.snakealleycriterium.com/.

ABD Master’s Memorial Day Series – If you’re 30+ and want to stay close to home over the Memorial Day weekend, head out to Wooddale for this annual series. For more information, click herehttp://www.eventbrite.com/event/5255256614?ref=ebtnebregn%23#.

Half the Road Documentary – Check out the trailer for this documentary about women’s professional cycling. Learn how you can make a difference and help us move forward as we share the road. To view the trailer and to find out more information about the documentary, click here http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/half-the-road-the-passion-pitfalls-power-of-women-s-professional-cycling.

Ongoing:
Northbrook Velodrome – There are training sessions on Monday’s and Tuesday’s, elite racing on Thursday’s and beginner/kids racing on Friday evenings. Information on all the events can be found on the Northbrook website http://www.northbrookvelodrome.org/.

Chicago Velo Campus – There are elite training sessions (cat 1/2/3) on Tuesday’s and open training on Wednesday’s. The races will start up soon and will be held on Sunday’s. For information on hours of operation or to schedule a certification, click on the link for their website at http://www.chicagovelocampus.com.

Happy Mother’s Day

Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms out there! It’s your weekend to feel extra special and take a little time out for yourself. Whether you’re a new mom or you’re an empty nester, your role will never change. Thanks for all you do, all you’ve given up and all you will continue to do. You’re the best!!

If you’re a cyclist and a mom, this weekend your workout comes first! There are plenty of options, but in Chicago there’s an extra special race on Saturday. Read on and see what’s in store for your weekend.

Events:
Monsters of the Midway (MOM) – It’s Mother’s Day weekend, which means its Monsters weekend in Chicago. This race is perfect for beginners and experienced racers alike. The course features long straight-aways and wide open corners, but most likely there’ll be other factors such as wind you have to contend with. Bring your race-ready attitude to make it exciting and fun. For details on the event, click here http://ucvc.uchicago.edu/Monsters.html.

Matt Wittig Memorial Race – Looking for a more varied terrain? Just a smidge over the Wisconsin border is Muskego Park, which hosts the Matt Wittig Memorial race. The course is hilly, but carries plenty of momentum in the right places to take some of the sting out of the climb and keep things competitive. It’s another oldie, but goodie! For details on the event, click here http://wicycling.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Muskego-Park-compressed.pdf.

Opening Night at Northbrook Velodrome – Ready or not, it’s track racing time in Chicago. This Thursday is the opening night for racing at Northbrook. On Monday there will be a preseason social where you can pick up your race number and goody bag and maybe put in a few laps with the Monday night training program. For information on all upcoming events at the velodrome, click here.http://www.northbrookvelodrome.org/erv-thursday-night-racing-opens-in-one-week

Coming Up:
Elgin Cycling Classic – This is a fun little course with some changes in elevation as well as a technical aspect. If you’re looking for a fun and challenging course, this may be just right for you. For details, click here https://s3.amazonaws.com/USACFlyers/FL_2013-1871.pdf.

Fox River Grove – This race is the second in a two part weekend series. It’s a tough course that’s all about climbing and descending. Are you up for the challenge? For race details click here https://s3.amazonaws.com/USACFlyers/FL_2013-1871.pdf.

Kankakee TT – Got a need for speed? Test your ability to go fast on this new 20K course. For event details, click here http://www.ambikerace.com/2013/flyers/Kankakee20KTT.htm.

Women’s Track Cycling Clinic Event #2 – Last week we had a great women’s clinic at the Northbrook velodrome. It was great to see the transition in confidence from, “I don’t know” to “I can do it”! Take it to the next level and plan to join us for our second women’s track cycling clinic to be held at the Chicago Velo Campus on June 15. For more information, click here https://s3.amazonaws.com/USACFlyers/FL_2013-1657.pdf.

In other news:
The Columbian Women’s Team Presentation. Looking to promote women’s cycling around the globe? The Columbian National Women’s Bike Team is having a fund raiser dinner on Friday, May 31 from 7:30-10:00pm at El Llano, which is located at 4011 N. Elston in Chicago. For more information, contact David Cordoba at dcordoba56@aol.com

Have a great weekend!

National Bike Month

ERV Specs and Markings 4-23-13[1]May is national bike month, yet another great reason for you to get out the door and on your bike. Whether you’re planning on racing or keeping it a little more low-key, there are plenty of events to keep you pedaling. From the dirt to the road and onto the velodrome, there are lots of options this weekend. Check below for all your options
Events:
Women’s Track Cycling Clinic – Event #1 – Our big day is finally here! Join us tomorrow for some fixed gear fun. Be sure to bring a few layers of clothing, your track bike, or pedals if you’re borrowing a bike, your helmet and a great attitude. It’s going to be fun! If you plan to drive over on Willow Road, allow a little extra time as it’s under construction. For any last minute details, click here https://www.usacycling.org/register/2013-1698.
Women’s Dirt Days #1- Looking for an all-women fat-tire event? Attend the first in this series of mountain bike rides held at the Palos Forest Preserve. For more information, click here http://www.meetup.com/Illinois-Women-Cyclists/events/103431922/?gj=ro2_e&a=ro2_gnl&rv=ro2_e&_af_eid=103431922&_af=event.
Tour de Champaign and Urbana Grand Prix – Head to central Illinois for an opportunity to race on Saturday and Sunday without additional travel. These crits are mostly flat and aren’t too technical, so they should be fun and fast. For information on both events, click here http://www.scarletfireracing.com/races.html.
Single Bong Time Trial – its hookah time again! This time trial series, which is named after the Bong Recreational Center in Wisconsin, goes on through the spring and summer. Each event adds distance to the course for a single, one and a half and double. For more information, click here http://www.ambikerace.com/2013/flyers/bong.htm.

Coming Up:
National Bike to Work Events – Chicago – The Active Transportation Alliance has its annual bike month events including Bike to Work week, Bike the Drive and the Commuter Challenge. Please visit their website for details on the events and everything they do to promote cycling and an active lifestyle in our community. http://www.activetrans.org/content/events
Monsters of the Midway – This crit is a local favorite. It’s held on the Midway Plaisance on the University of Chicago campus. It’s a four corner crit with long straightaways and wide open corners. For more information, click here http://ucvc.uchicago.edu/Monsters.html.

Have a great weekend!

Decisions, Decisions.

This weekend we’re finally getting a little relief from the cold and rain, so there’s more incentive to get out and enjoy a little pedaling time. There’s a wide range of cycling options over the next few weeks, so the hard part will be making a decision.

Events:

Whitnall Park – This course packs a lot of action into a mile loop. There’s a descent with a wide open sweeping corner which provides enough momentum to help even the most hill-phobic cyclists ascend the opposing climb. For race information, click here http://wicycling.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/TW-Whitnall-Flye.pdf.

Cobb Park Criterium – If flat and fast is what you’re looking for, this will be an easy pick for you. The course weaves through a riverside neighborhood, with a few good technical corners to challenge your skills. For race information, click here https://s3.amazonaws.com/USACFlyers/FL_2013-1518.pdf.

Kettle Moraine Klassic Road Race – If hills are your friend and you want the opportunity to add a few miles into your strategy, this race is for you. Don’t forget, there aren’t many road races in our area, so weigh your options…. Click here for details http://wicycling.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Kettle-Moraine-Klassic-Road-Race-2013.pdf.

Women’s Group Ride Clinic – Most ride clinics are held on the weekends, and for those who miss out because of work, this is a nice option for you! Practice your group riding and paceline skills and meet a few new friends. For more information, click here http://www.meetup.com/Illinois-Women-Cyclists/events/115622812/.

Coming up:

Women’s Track Cycling Clinic – If you’re even a little curious about learning how to ride a fixed gear bike or riding on a velodrome, attend this women’s only clinic. We’ll help you learn the fundamentals of track riding and racing. There are track bikes available to borrow for the event, just bring your pedals and we’ll set you up! For event details click here https://s3.amazonaws.com/USACFlyers/FL_2013-1698.pdf.

Women’s Dirt Days Event #1 – Are you more the fat-tire and off-road type of girl? No worries, you’re all set with the Dirt Days events held at Palos Forest Preserve. Demo bikes will be available for the event. For more information, click here http://www.meetup.com/Illinois-Women-Cyclists/events/103431922/.

Women’s Cycling Clinic – Getting ready for the summer cycling season? Get a tune-up on your road skills or build more confidence in you bike riding abilities at this women’s only clinic. For more details, click here http://highergearchicago.com/training_riding_racing/womens-cycling/womens-cycling-clinic/.

From the road to the track and even off-road, you’re covered. Get out and enjoy some great riding!

Boston

It seems like a lifetime ago when I was running marathons. Having run Boston a few times, I have to say, it’s a race like no other. The city of Boston and communities on the route are relatively small and they seem to embrace the event. Little kids set up stations and hand out water, cut up oranges and sponges. The ladies at Wellesley provide a tunnel of cheering that encourages even the pro’s to fan out of formation in order to catch a little attention. It is an awesome feeling of welcome and celebration. My heart goes out to all who have been affected by this tragedy. Even though I’m no longer running marathons, I am an athlete and will stand together with those who have been affected by this tragedy.
Show your support and show your commitment to your sport and take part in your community this weekend! The cycling community has plenty to share, so get out and enjoy.
Events:
Saturday Morning Ride. Local women racers have organized another women’s ride tomorrow morning. The ride will depart from Chicago (Damen & Clybourn/Diversey) at 7:30AM and head to Highland Park and back. Ride pace determined by the group. For details, click here http://www.meetup.com/Illinois-Women-Cyclists/events/114306042/.

Cherry Valley 20K TT- Planning on doing a stage race or triathlon? Get the practice you need to fine tune your TT skills at this race. For race details, click here http://www.ambikerace.com/2013/flyers/cherryvalley.htm.

Coming up:
Whitnall Park Criterium. This course is on my favorites list. It’s located in a park, so it’s closed off from regular traffic. It’s a 1.1 mile loop which includes descending and climbing and feels a little like riding a roller coaster. For race details, click here https://s3.amazonaws.com/USACFlyers/FL_2013-1463.pdf.

Cobb Park Criterium – This race has some history behind it. In its heyday, members of the professional 7-11 team competed here! It’s fairly technical and totally flat; a crit riders dream! For race details, click here https://s3.amazonaws.com/USACFlyers/FL_2013-1518.pdf.

Kettle Moraine Klassic Spring Road Race – The roads in the Kettle Moraine are scenic, smooth and have a varied terrain, so this road race is bound to be good. There aren’t many road races in our area so take advantage of a great opportunity. For race details, click here http://wicycling.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Kettle-Moraine-Klassic-Road-Race-2013.pdf.

Be safe and have a great weekend!

Lincoln Park Criterium

I felt a little like Dorothy earlier this week as I headed out on a training ride. It was cold and crazy windy! I thought to myself… what am I doing? Perhaps if we all tap our heels three times we would be transported into a warmer sunnier Chicago? We can always hope! Wind, rain, or maybe even snow, the races will continue this weekend. It’s spring in Chicago – never a dull moment.

Races:

Lincoln Park Criterium – It seems like we’ve had a reversal of seasons for the races at Montrose.
For last year’s cross race we enjoyed balmy and unseasonably warm weather. Fast forward to spring 2013 and we’re looking at chilly temps for Saturday’s criterium. The buzz on the street is that Chicagoans are hearty racers and will be there for this local event. For race details, click here http://www.xxxracing.org/images/uploads/lincoln-park-crit-flyer-2013.pdf.
John Fraser Memorial TT – The time trial series is headed outdoors. Make your way to Maple Park this Sunday and see if you can improve your odds outside. For race details, click here http://www.ambikerace.com/2013/flyers/TT13_flyer.pdf.

Coming Up:

Tuxedo Thunder Cat 5 Racing Clinic – Tuxedo Thunder Cycling team has teamed up with the Illinois Cycling Association for a beginner racer clinic. Skills and drills make you a safer and smarter racer! The event will be held at Labagh Woods. For more information, click herehttp://www.tuxedothunder.com/news/cat-5-road-racing-clinic-april-21st/ .
Cherry Valley 20K TT-Whether you’re looking to be a great all-around racer, triathlete or time trial specialist, the only way to improve is to practice, practice, and more practice. Head out to the Cherry Valley TT to test your fitness at the 20K distance. For more information, click here http://www.ambikerace.com/2013/flyers/cherryvalley.htm.

Enjoy the weekend and see you on the road!

Rain Dance Weekend

A true spring weather weekend is in the forecast. There’ll be sun, rain and mild temps – something we’ve all been waiting for! We’ll have to do our best rain dance to make sure the rain only falls when we’re sleeping or when we’ve finished riding our bikes. There are plenty of outdoor activities this weekend, let’s hope Mother Nature is cooperative and keeps the rain away long enough for us to have fun.
Events:
Spring Super Criterium- The season opener for the Illinois Cup is here! The racing begins at 8:30AM tomorrow on the speedway. For race details, click here http://burnhamracing.org/?page_id=2.
Kenosha Velosport Spring Training Crit #3 – The final race in this series is this Sunday. One more chance to get a tune up before things really heat up. For race details click on the Facebook link. http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=350559611728802&set=a.350559608395469.77794.156028847848547&type=1&relevant_count=1&ref=n
Coming Up:
Lincoln Park Criterium – For several years, XXX-racing held their annual criterium at Sherman Park on city’s south side. It was a no-corner crit, but great for beginners. Starting last year, they changed things up a bit and moved their race north. The race is now located near Montrose and the Lakefront. It’s a bit more technical, but sure to be fun. For more information, click here http://www.xxxracing.org/index.php?/pages/lincolnparkcriterium/.
John Fraser Memorial TT –The indoor series has come to an end, but the outdoor series is just beginning. Take it outside with this long standing TT. For more information, click here http://www.ambikerace.com/2013/flyers/TT13_flyer.pdf.
Women’s Track Cycling Clinic Series Event #1 –Join us for the annual women’s track clinic at Northbrook. It’s a great place to learn how to ride a fixed gear and see if racing on the velodrome is for you. No need to commit to a bike, there are rentals available. All you need is your helmet, pedals and proper clothing and you’ll be all set. To register or to see the event flyer, click here https://www.usacycling.org/register/2013-1698.
Have a great weekend!