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Chicago Fri Mar 05 2010

The Chiditarod Cometh!

CHIDITAROD.jpg

For the first four years of its existence the Chiditarod has been "blessed" --in the eyes of its organizers, as a former competitor, I beg to differ-- with miserable weather. Sub-freezing temperatures, flurries, steel-grey skies were de rigueur for Mother Nature during most years. On the off year in Chiditarod's brief existence that the mercury was moderately cooperative --read: above freezing, it is, after all, still, Chicago in early March-- the clouds opened up and doused the few, the proud, the miserably drenched masses of costumed, grocery cart racers with off-then fiercely on-rain showers. So, rejoice! competitors and spectators, the forecast for tomorrow is a deliciously warm high of 46 with sunshine all day.

Still, after soldiering thru brutal and awful weather for the past four years and exponentially growing in spite of (or thanks to?) horrendous conditions, the Chiditarod will continue unhindered (it's a perfectly cromulent word) and do what it does best. Namely, raising awareness for Chicago's hungry and gathering an obscene amount of food --one team (five members per squad) already has collected over 4,500 pounds.

In addition to the food drive/fundraising aspects (and, please, head here to find out about donating) the race is a gathering of costumed, fun-loving freaks shouting out against winter and taking to the sidewalks and alleys of Chicago in the name of fun, competition, sabotage, bribery and bar crawling.

If You Go:

    • The starting line (Hubbard & Wolcott, you'll know when you get there) is an amazing experience for spectators and racers. Show up there and then bounce to checkpoints.
  • Look for Team ActionSquad! They are legendary when it comes to costumes/cart decoration/themes
  • Play Nice! Cheer on everybody. Hi-Fives for everyone, people.
  • You're an observer, not a Chiditarod cop; there are judges and bike marshalls, so if you observe shenanigans, let 'em slide, Narc!
 
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Mark / March 5, 2010 1:51 PM

Aw, we're flattered! Looking forward to the most epic day of the year!

Chiditarod / March 6, 2010 2:24 AM

Route map and final logistics posted - http://chiditarod.org

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