Hopkins Park Cyclocross

Once again, Hopkins Park hosted a cyclocross race, as part of the Chicago Cyclocross Cup. I went out to DeKalb to watch the race, as I've done for the last few years. Last year, I actually raced, and I thought about doing it again, but I've just been too busy lately to actually prepare for it. Watching the races and hanging out is just as much fun (if not more) though. It was great to see all my favorite DeKalb folks again and indulge in some delicious Malort. So, here are, like, way too many photos:

I brought a boom box in my basket so that we could blast gypsy tunes and songs from Phantom of the Paradise, the musical.

Hard-boiled egg hand-up. Nobody wanted it.

2 marshmallows between 2 beef patties. #crossfood

The cutest kiddos.

Double hard-boiled egg hand-up. Still, nobody wanted it.

T.J. was Grillmaster, as usual.

Pete.

La Kruz and The Nectar.

Warcus and The Nectar.

Pete and The Nectar.

Warc, warc.

See ya next year, Flyover!

Trans Iowa V. 9

Congratulations to all of my friends who participated in Trans Iowa, the 300+ mile gravel/off-road race, this past weekend: Derek, of the "Double-Wide Boyz", Chad "The Llama" of North Central Cyclery, Agatha (pictured above with their TI bikes), Ari and Jay of the Slender Fungus Cycling Association, as well as all of the other brave souls who fought off the demons through the night. Everyone put in an amazing effort. Derek finished the race on his first attempt and took 27th out of the 36 finishers. Jay took 11th place overall and 3rd in the single speed category. Incredible. I took a few bike/cockpit shots at the bike shop before they headed out to Grinnell, Iowa:

Derek's Singular Peregrine.

The fresh pair of Rock 'n Road tires that took Derek to the finish line at 2:08pm.

Handlebar bag with shooters filled with swedish wormwood.

The Llama's cockpit.

Derek's Cockpit, complete with celebratory cigar.

Agatha's cockpit.

Fantastic job everyone. I'm proud of you all! See the complete list of finishers and more info here.