Cycling Sun Jan 04 2009

Riding into 2009

By Zach Thomas

Luke over at Chicago Bike Racing's put together a list of his favorite road races to think about for the 2009 season. From all accounts, the races listed are all worth taking the trip for, each one serving up its own unique challenges. One wonders if in 2009, the Evanston Grand Prix will retain the "BK Stacker", or if the weather will come into plan during the early April Hillsboro-Roubaix in southwestern Illinois.

Registration opens up for the Horribly Hilly Hundreds near Madison, Wisconsin on January 15. The endurance event over 100K or 200K pits riders against the beautiful, hilly terrain of our neighbor to the north. With over 10,000 feet of climbing for the 125 mile route, this ride is an exceptional challenge for us flatlanders here in Illinois. While not a race, these rides are often treated as such and time completed is as much a bragging right as just finishing.

Miss all your friends from the ChiCrossCup? Want to gloat over some pints while in your Illinois State Champs jersey? The end-of-the-year banquet celebrating a successful season is this upcoming Sunday, January 11, at EJ's Place in Skokie. Check out the details after the jump.

2008 Chicago Cyclocross Cup Banquet
(Sunday January 11, 2009)

The Chicago Cyclocross Cup banquet is scheduled for Sunday, January 11, 2009 beginning at 4:00 p.m. The cash bar banquet is a family friendly affair and we encourage you to bring the kids and siblings along. The banquet will be held at EJs Place in Skokie.

Plan ahead and save some moolah by registering on-line and taking advantage of the 'early bird special'. Beginning Wed Oct 8 to Sat Dec 7 you pay $5.00 (under 18 years) and $15.00 (over 18 years). To get the special you must register on-line

Regular Pricing begins Monday, December 8 with $10 (under 18 years of age) (till Wednesday, December 31), $20 (over 18 years of age) (till Wednesday, December 31)
Snail Mail Registration, mail check to:
Main Street Bicycles
ATTENTION: CROSS BANQUET
52 East Main Street
Carpentersville, IL 60110
*** Checks payable to Chicago Cyclocross Cup***

Post-marked prior to Sunday, December 7 pays the Early Bird Special Pricing. Post-marked after Sunday, December 7 pays the Regular Pricing. Your integrity will be showing loud and clear if you send the incorrect amount.

In the end, all envelopes must be postmarked by Thursday, January 1, 2009. If we do not receive your payment or if it is lost/misdirected then you will be required to pay the day-of-registration fees, likely at higher prices.

The evening events will be as follows: (not necc in this order)
- Award distribution
- Raffle for the donated frames courtesy of Yojimbo's Garage
- Dinner and dessert serving
- Lots of socializing