A grand jury on Wednesday indicted Thomas Lynch on six counts of aggravated battery and one count of failure to stop after an accident causing injuries in connection with September's paceline incident on St. Mary's Road. These are felony charges, largely in relation to just two of the 17 victims, and the state's attorney may add additional counts to reflect the full scope of the alleged attack. (Full disclosure: I was one of the 17 riders in the paceline.)

This is a major step toward trial. Lynch will be arraigned and enter a plea at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 27, at the Lake County Courthouse.

USA Cycling's new rulebook has some interesting changes to the upgrade requirements on the road.

Racers still need 20 points to upgrade to Cat 3 and 25 points to upgrade to Cat 2, but the points now vary based on size of field and criterium vs. road race. Furthermore, the points are now standardized across categories.

Let's look at the requirements to become a Cat 3. Previously all races awarded 7-5-4-3-2-1 points to the top 6 finishers, regardless of the size of the field. In 2008 points will go five deep (5-4-3-2-1) for criteriums of 21-50 riders and seven deep (8-6-5-4-3-2-1) for road races of the same size. For bigger races, more points are available. For smaller, fewer.

With fewer points available for criteriums, this could make it harder for 4's to upgrade, given the dearth of road races close to Chicago, but I expect many 4's will continue to upgrade based on a combination of top 10's and the discretion of our wise and benevolent technical director.

The same tables apply to 3's upgrading to Cat 2. Of note is that the points warranting an automatic upgrade are now 40, down from 60. Sandbaggers, you're on notice.

Requirements to upgrade from 5 to 4 remain the same: 10 mass-start races.

Similar adjustments have been made to the cyclocross guidelines, which have lowered the bar for entering the 3's: One need only "experience" 5 races (not necessarily finish?) or score seven points. I think this will be good for the Chicago Cyclocross Cup, which this season saw more than 80 riders line up for 4's races but only 20 for the 3's. Ben Popper (Killjoy), who first brought my attention to these changes, disagrees.

One other major change in the cyclocross guidelines, emphasis mine: "If the road and XC categories do not correspond to the same CX category, then the higher one will be used." This means Cat 3 roadies can skip the Cat 4 cross races altogether. (That clicking sound you hear is me applying for my upgrade.)

This weekend is your last chance to see the Pieter Ombregt photography exhibit at City Gallery, 806 N. Michigan Ave. If you are downtown, it is well worth your time to visit.

The Illinois Cycling Association is rolling out its new Web site, including a new dot-org domain. Not all features are operational yet, but ICA vice president Steve Hansen (North Branch) promises quicker results and more timely information.

XXX Racing-AthletiCo on Friday unveiled its 2008 uniform. In a bold departure from previous color schemes, the black kit will pay tribute to the two riders the team lost in 2008, Beth Kobeszka and Pieter Ombregt. (Ombregt, some may remember, was known for wearing a black jersey when he rode unattached prior to riding for XXX Racing-AthletiCo.) Overhauling a uniform is no small gesture, and the team hopes that the kit will highlight its efforts to improve safety in 2008 and be a stark reminder of why safety is so important.

(Note also that the team is overhauling its Web site for 2008. I secured the webmaster's permission to give CBR readers an exclusive first look.)

Starting this weekend, Judson will embark from the Plaza del Lago parking lot because of construction on Sheridan Road in Wilmette. (Wilmette obviously heard my plea for a smoother surface.)

Related to our discussion last week about gender equity in bike racing, XXX Racing-AthletiCo is hosting an open house for women this Sunday. Although the event has recruitment in mind, it's an excellent chance for women thinking of joining any team -- or of racing unattached -- to meet other female cyclists and learn about their experiences. (Note that the hosts request an RSVP.)

In his CBR interview last month, Mike Ebert (ABD) alluded to some big changes for Athletes by Design. Today he delivered, and the changes are a much bigger deal than just a few new sponsors.

ABD is joining forces with Gear Grinder Cycling (formerly known as PCW) to form a combined pro development team, known as ABD-Gear Grinder, to race regionally and at select National Race Calendar events.

The arrangement is for 2008 only, but Ebert tells me "everyone at ABD and Gear Grinder has been looking much further down the road since we first started talking." This includes potential partnerships on junior, off-road and multisport programs.

The teams will continue to operate separate teams -- ABD has more than 200 members, PCW 130 -- for riders Category 1 through 5.

Gear Grinder is a Wisconsin-based company that will be selling "cycling-inspired" casual clothing. (Its Web site is under construction.)

Ebert's post also unveils the 2008 ABD-Gear Grinder roster, which retains ABD heavyweights Josh Carter and Jeff Schroetlin and adds from PCW the dynamic duo of Rob and Ryan White. You may know Rob best from an impressive win over Jonathan Clarke (Colavita) at Glencoe or from this famous shot from Downers Grove.

In other ABD news, the flier for its annual indoor time trial series is now available. 2008's first race is only a month away.

(Full disclosure: ABD is a sponsor of Chicago Bike Racing.)

I learned to today that on Nov. 15 the Lake County state's attorney charged Thomas Lynch with four felonies in connection with September's alleged attack on the St. Mary's Road paceline.

He appeared in court Monday and was released on a recognizance bond.

The charges are: causing leaving an accident involving injuries, reckless driving and two counts of aggravated battery.

His next court appearance will be a "status date" hearing on Dec. 11. This a procedural hearing, and victims and supporters are not expected to attend.

As one of the 17 victims, I am thrilled with this development. Special thanks go to the state's attorney's office for recognizing the seriousness of the incident, as well as to all concerned cyclists who wrote letters and e-mail on our behalf.

I'll also reiterate my hope that this case highlights the need for all of us, cyclists and drivers alike, to share the road safely and courteously.

North Branch Cycling is hosting an open house for prospective riders next Thursday, Dec. 6, in Lake Zurich.

It somehow slipped past my radar, but tomorrow night is the Wisconsin & Illinois Bicycle Racing Association Banquet in Mt. Prospect. Awards include for Rider of the Year, the Tour of Illinois & Wisconsin and the Mid America Time Trial Series. Dinner is included with the $22 admission.

Memo to top secret new teams yet to reveal themselves:

Hurry up and make your big debuts, will you? In a few weeks I'm going to get tired of checking your URLs every day.

OK thanks!

Photo by Ellen Wight

My Unattached Rider jersey, the finest use of Helvetica since Crate and Barrel, arrived this week and I couldn't be happier. Carlos did a great job. My only disappointment is that there aren't more people on the lakefront path to admire it.

UPDATE: The Unattached Rider kit made its competitive debut Saturday when Ryan Gingerich (Unattached) wore it at Campton Cross, where he finished an impressive 8th in the 4A's (above).

In the original coverage of September's alleged hit-and-run on St. Mary's Road, I reported that the driver, Thomas Lynch, would have a court date of Oct. 29. In the meantime I've neglected to mention that that date has been postponed until early 2008. I'll pass along more details as they develop. (I don't yet have information about the status of upgraded charges.)

Seth Meyer (Team Get a Grip Racing) reminds me that many group rides are adjusting their start times to account for diminishing daylight. The Pizza Hut and The Turin ride has gone into hibernation, Pizza Hut now starts at 5:15 p.m., and this week the Judson ride leaves at 8. The XXX Racing-AthletiCo ride will start leaving at 8 and 8:30 a.m. this Saturday, too.

Marc Zionts (Alberto's) reports that the GTE Barrington ride is suspended until April. "We still depart at 5 a.m. every Saturday, but on cross bikes and usually hit the Des Plaines River Trail. The ride still departs at Java Love in Highland Park at 5AM. Anyone looking to join or for details can contact me."

I won't be able to verify every time on the rides list, so try to confirm any ride time before you head out.

The Daily Herald has a story: "Cops: Driver caused 16-bike pileup near Libertyville."

Two clarifications: By my count there were 17 of us, and not all of us went down in the pileup.

A more complete story will be in tomorrow's paper. Friday's paper has a more complete story: "Pickup driver accused of causing 16-bicycle crash."

Update: Chicago Athlete has its story online: "Driver allegedly attacked cyclists and caused 16-bike collision."

Thomas Francis Lynch is the name of the driver accused of attacking the group ride Saturday morning.

TUESDAY UPDATE: This afternoon I spoke with Chris McNally (MetCycling), one of Saturday's victims, who has done a great job of getting information from the sheriff's department and the state's attorney's office.

Lynch had a bond hearing Monday morning on various traffic misdemeanors. This week the deputies will file a report with the sheriff, who will in turn approve the report and pass it on to the state's attorney. The sheriff cannot file felony charges himself, but based on the evidence and recommendations of the sheriff, the state's attorney will determine which, if any, felony charges to proceed with.

The state's attorney should have the report by Monday. At this point Lynch has a court date of Oct. 29, 2007, to face whatever upgraded charges have been filed by then.

The state's attorney has wide discretion. It is crucial, therefore, that he is convinced that this incident is important enough to society that it warrants full prosecution. Furthermore, he needs to be convinced that all interested parties, especially Saturday's victims, will attend as many hearings as possible and do whatever is requested to secure conviction. He needs to be assured that come Oct. 29 he can expect the annoying click-clack of dozens of bike shoes across the courtroom floor.

Here's the contact information:

Michael J. Waller
Lake County State's Attorney
18 N. County St.
Waukegan, IL 60085
(847) 377-3000
statesattorney@co.lake.il.us

Here are the points I'll be making in my letter:

• » This was not merely a hit-and-run. This was not a case of a driver making a mistake and fleeing in a panic. This was a driver behaving with malice in a way likely to cause injury or death -- and then fleeing in a panic.

• » Lynch's actions suggest anti-social tendencies. This is a man willing to use or threaten violence in order to express himself. It is in society's best interest to see this behavior punished to the full extent of the law.

• » Publicity from this case can be an important step toward improving car/bike relations. The case can be an example for other drivers who might consider such actions, but it can also be an opportunity to remind cyclists of the need to ride responsibly and safely.

Finally, Alan Burns is the name of the deputy who responded to the attack. This would be a much different story if he had not taken it as seriously as he did. If you'd like to join me in expressing your thanks, write him at: Lake County Sheriff's Department; 25. S. Martin Luther King Jr. Ave.; Waukegan, IL 60085. Flowers and chocolates would not be out of line.

A hit-and-run sent one rider to the hospital Saturday morning, but the episode closed with what appeared to be a happy ending.

Shortly after 9 a.m., I was among 15 17 cyclists heading north on St. Mary's Road on an extension of the XXX Racing-AthletiCo team ride. After turning right off of Everett Road, we were going about 25 mph single-file on the solid white line of the shoulder. A white pick-up truck driven by Thomas Francis Lynch passed us, veered to the right and applied its brakes. There was no way to avoid a pileup, and as soon as one started, Lynch sped away.

The lead riders were able to ditch into the gravel. Riding fifth in line, Chris McNally (MetCycling) endoed and wound up beneath the truck, making contact with the rear wheel and slicing his shin open on the tailpipe. XXX Racing-AthletiCo president Bob Willems gashed his knee and would be transported to the hospital for precautionary neck and back X-Rays. Something or someone struck and broke the truck's right taillight. Others sustained abrasions and cut knees.

It could have been much, much worse.

We were able to get his license plate -- "FES! 344!" we yelled so we would remember. "FES! 344!" -- and immediately called 911. Within minutes, Lake County sheriff's deputies arrived to take statements. Paramedics followed to tend to the wounded.

As we were preparing to leave, 30 minutes after the attack, the driver returned to the scene to turn himself in. After speaking with the deputy for a few minutes, he was in cuffs and being escorted into a patrol car.

According to the deputy, Lynch claimed he had braked to avoid a squirrel. The deputy told us this was, in the professional parlance of law enforcement, "bullshit."

Since he had turned himself in within two hours, it did not qualify as a hit-and-run. However, the deputy said he would push for reckless conduct, a felony. If nothing else, Lynch will face a raft of misdemeanors. (Ultimately the state's attorney's office will determine which charges will be filed.)

I'll be following the case as closely as I can. This is not about just me, and it is not about just XXX Racing-AthletiCo. Road rage is a danger that could strike any of us, and St. Mary's Road is a popular road for cyclists, triathletes and recreational riders. If an example is not made here, the message will be clear: Open season on cyclists.

Update: Here are more photos of the scene. Apologies for the lousy quality.

A few other notes:

• » Three cheers for the Lake County Sheriff's Office. The deputies took the incident seriously and treated us with concern and respect.

• » Two drivers who witnessed the attack attempted to follow the truck, then returned to the scene to provide statements. The deputy said this buttressed our case immensely, as they were able to verify that we had been riding single-file and as far to the right as possible. Otherwise it would have been difficult to call for more serious charges. One more good reason for our group rides to stay no more than two abreast. Not only is it the law and not only does it ensure safety, but in a case like this, it can make the difference between an arrest and a verbal warning.

• » There is something incredibly satisfying in hearing handcuffs clasp shut on someone who has just apparently tried to kill you. Justice heals a great many wounds.

• » A few weeks ago I got into a lather over comments Steve Dahl made on his radio show. I knew that Dahl was kidding when he said how much he'd like to hit cyclists and "take their jerseys and keep them as pelts," and that he likes to "get as close as I can to scare them," but it didn't take long to find out what can happen when a driver tries to "scare" cyclists. Dahl's comments contribute to a climate where drivers feel such conduct is acceptable. (This is hardly the first time a vehicle has stopped short to startle a group ride.) Do North Shore cyclists need to do a better job of sharing the road? Yes, of course. Does this mean drivers should use their vehicles as weapons? No, and how dare you, Steve Dahl, to even joke about it.

• » XXX Racing-AthletiCo has a tragic history with road rage. In 1999, messenger and team friend Tom McBride was run down and killed after an altercation on Chicago's West Side. In a landmark case, the driver was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to 45 years in jail. This was one wound, however, that no amount of justice could heal.
  

There will be a viewing this Sunday, Sept. 16, at Drake & Son Funeral Home, 5303 N. Western, Chicago, beginning at 11:30 a.m. A prayer service will follow at 1:30 p.m.

In other sad news, I learned from Mike Ebert (ABD) that Gerry Turrubiartes, the cyclist killed by a train this weekend, was popular on area group rides. This Kane County Chronicle story notes that he had ties to the Bicycle Heaven shop and team in St. Charles. "He was the guy who would ride up to you after a hard-won race or sprint and would say 'good job,' and not just ride away and pout," said John Dapkus (Turin).

Here is an obituary, which says he was a former member of Colavita, as well has his Legacy guestbook.

If anyone can tell us more about Gerry and his life, feel free to comment or e-mail.

7/15
2 p.m.: The Tuesday night St. Charles group ride rode by the crash site and laid flowers. Ara Oggoian (Bicycle Heaven) says there will be a memorial ride in the future. I'll pass along details when I get them.

Photo by Luke Seemann

I caught Floyd Landis (Unattached) tonight at the Borders on Michigan, where he gave a brief Q&A and signed books. (I was the guy in the smelly team kit taking pictures up front. Sorry 'bout that.)

He was self-deprecating and relaxed before a friendly audience that gave a standing ovation on his entrance. His answers were as surprising as the questions, which were not surprising at all. He did mention that he took a very early ride on the lakefront path, in case you did a double take on your way to work. And his pick for the Tour? He's rooting for David Zabriskie (CSC), "but I'm not sure he's going to stay on his bike the whole time." Otherwise, Alexander Vinokourov (Astana) has the best shot.

I'm not a Landis scholar in the slightest, so I'll leave further forensic analysis to the ever thorough, ever excellent Trust But Verify blog, which has already broken down Monday's appearance in Wheaton. Rant Your Head Off also has coverage of Landis' visit to the area, and even went on a ride with the once -- and future? -- Tour de France champion.

Photos
The Editor

I continue to update the original Beth Kobeszka post, but I'll highlight important news, such as this:

Beth's family has named the Hancock County Community Foundation as a memorial benefactor. Tax-deductable donations can be mailed to her mother: Vicki Kobeszka; 1536 Misty Oaks Drive; Findlay, OH 45840. Include your name and address.