« Hawks Win in Overtime to Force Game 7 | Blackhawks Survive Wild Ride to Game 7 » |
Cycling Tue Apr 26 2011
Ladies' Choice: Disc Wheels or Dirt
This Saturday female riders have a big decision to make: Channel their inner sprinter at the Chicago Women's Track Clinic or become a maiden of the mud at the second Chicago Women's Dirt Day.
The track clinic, sponsored by Half Acre Cycling and Alberto's Cycles, will start with the basics. Francine Haas of Alberto's Sport Racing Team will teach riders about the mechanical differences of a fixed gear track bicycle and help first-time riders spin around in a smooth, safe environment.
Attendees will learn proper track etiquette like when to ride above the stayers line and the danger of attempting to pass a rider in the apron of the track. The clinic will also introduce riders to the various types of track races, like points races, win-and-outs and chariots, and practice a few mock races to demonstrate how to ride in a group.
The clinic runs from 8 a.m. to noon at the Northbrook Velodrome. Registration is $10 for USAC-licensed riders, $15 for non-licensed riders. Loaner track bikes are available through Alberto's Cycles, George Garner Cyclery, Turin Bicycles and Yojimbo's Garage.
If skinsuits and skinny tires don't sound like the way to spend a Saturday, the second Women's Dirt Ride will be meeting in the Wolf Roads parking lot of Palos Forest Preserve at 9:30 a.m.
Presented by Half Acre Cycling, Johnny Sprockets and CAMBr, ride leaders will take ladies in and around the trails on the west end of Palos. Riders will zig-zag through bullwhip, pedal into out-and-back and fly down everyone's favorite, the grassy hill. Depending on turnout, riders will split into groups to prevent too much traffic on the trails.
Both events are weather-permitting. Check the Women's Track Clinic and Women's Dirt Days Facebook pages for updates.