Alpine Valley: Races start with an extremely steep neutral rollout up out of the Alpine Valley parking lot and down Highway D. Racing will commence -- and likely in a big, fast way -- as soon as the first rider turns onto Bowers Road. Some meanies will want to drop the dead weight as soon as possible, and if you're not ready, the dead weight will be you.

In the second mile there will be a long, fast and curvy descent. The turns are gentle enough that one shouldn't need to brake or scrub speed on the way down. There will be a short, steep climb out of the valley (you should be able to big-ring it), after which the course will turn left for a steep, straight descent followed by an even longer, steeper climb. (See above, from the 2005 women's open race; it's not unheard of for spectators to push stragglers up.)

From there it's fairly flat until crossing the same creek valley on the back stretch. The descent here is also gentle and fast, but road conditions have in the past been loosen-your-fillings lousy. The climb is steep and long, but not as signifant as the earlier one-two punch. Nonetheless, both of these climbs are likely points for attacks and separation.

The rest of the course is flat and on the final lap will continue on Highway D (the part that was neutral at the beginning) for a flat sprint. You'll have about three miles to gain position and form your leadout. Highway D is unprotected from the elements, so wind can be a factor here.

Whitnall Park: This is a gorgeous course. It's in the same botanical garden as April's Whitnall Park Criterium, but the course is longer (2.3 miles) and in the opposite direction. Several climbs and limited sight lines would seem to make it a good candidate for a breakaway, although in my limited experience I've seen dozens attempted and none succeed. The finish is uphill following a sharp left turn, and the line will come at you sooner than you think. The winner will make this turn no farther back than 10th, and a good leadout will deposit its rider at the hill's base.

MGA Proving Grounds: This otherwise interesting course probably is the likeliest to result in a trip to the bike shop or, worse, hospital.

Wet roads will make things particularly treacherous. I may be biased, given a terrible pileup I experienced in 2005, but my reluctant advice is, if it rains, stay home and watch the Tour.

The race will again start with a neutral rollout, this time out of a large oval track used to test automobiles. The course itself is narrow and rolling, with no significant climbs to help separate wheat from chaff. Packs will be congested and slower than you'd like, especially in the 4/5's. Suck it up and deal. Be patient. Don't be a cheat, and more important, don't be a hazard. The windy roads will in spots prevent you from seeing oncoming traffic. Even though much of the course lacks a centerline, you'll be expected to obey it nonetheless.

On the last lap the race will turn back toward the proving grounds. This involves a particularly tricky downhill turn of almost 180 degrees. In almost every race someone will go down on this turn, so try to be upfront to limit your exposure to the mayhem (without causing any mayhem of your own). Only the most negligent racer won't spend time pre-riding the finish and practicing this turn.

From there, it's a flat, fast half-mile on the track. Suck wheel until you see the hill leading to the finish line and then go, go, go.

Good luck, friends. I'll be racing in the 3's Monday through Wednesday, my first racing in seven weeks, and taking pictures on Sunday. Be fast, be safe -- and be polite when you lap me.