Wednesday notebook: Feb. 1
» I’m a little behind in piecing together the 2012 race calendar, but here are some important updates: Registration is open for the Leland Kermesse. Registration opens Wednesday, Feb. 15, for Hillsboro Roubaix. The Gapers Block Crits — a fun and accessible race series, perfect for beginners — will return Monday, March 26.
» The Wisconsin race calendar is online, including a return for my personal favorite road race, the Leland Grand Prix, on May 19. Meanwhile, other Illinois races can be sleuthed out on the USA Cycling race finder. ABR’s race calendar is starting to come together, too, including the start of the Kenosha Spring Training Criteriums on March 11.
» The Illinois Cycling Association is holding a introductory officials clinic on Saturday, Feb. 11.
» If you missed the New Year’s Resolution, catch up with Jeremy Powers (Rapha-Focus) and Behind the Barriers.
» How do you beat the Chicago Bulls? Riding to work helps.
Wednesday notebook: Jan. 4
» The Illinois Cycling Association Awards banquet is next Saturday, Jan. 14, near downtown Chicago. The special guest is Freddie Rodriguez (Team Exergy), and $20 of each $50 ticket will go to the Chicago Velo Campus.
» Speaking of awards, Mark Swartzendruber (Scarlet Fire) is back with his 2011 Druber Awards.
» If the Chicago Cyclocross Cup’s 4B’s races have taught us anything, it’s that cross is best enjoyed in slow motion. Driving that point home is this gorgeous video from Kyle Bainter, shot at this weekend’s New Year’s Resolution races at Indian Lakes Resort. More great photos from this amazing weekend can be found in the Saturday and Sunday wrap-ups. (Don’t miss this muddy report from state champion Scott McLaughlin (SRAM Factory).)
» It’s already time to make plans for ABD’s Indoor Time Trial Series, which begins Sunday, Jan. 22.
» It’s bike swap season. The well-regarded Brazen Dropout Bike Swap in Madison takes place Jan. 14, followed by the Chicago Winter Bike Swap in Palatine on Jan. 21.