When the pros come to town in August for the Tour of Elk Grove, they’ll kick the weekend off with a $15,000, 4.5-mile time trial. This year there will be two ways for amateurs to get in on the action: Be fast or be generous.

The Chicago Time Trial Series will be selecting the fastest six contestants and giving them free entry to Elk Grove’s pro time trial. Eligibility requires competing in at least three of the series’ events. Two are already in the books, but there are three to come: in Hampshire on July 13, a rain-postponed Willow Springs on July 19, and in Richmond on July 26.

Failing that, 30 amateur spots are open as a fundraiser for the Elk Grove Village Soldier Memorial Fund. Entry is $250. WDT-Allvoi was instrumental in making this happen. I’m told the hope is that teams and shops will sponsor their best TT hot shots and see who can embarrass some pros. These amateurs will not be eligible for the prize money, but Voytek Glinkowski (WDT-Allvoi) will be providing trophies for the top 10.