When I’m not on my bike at races, I’m usually on the sidelines taking photos. Thus as we wrap up the year’s racing, I’m thrilled to announce that I’ve taken 12 of my favorite photos from the 2007 season (and 2006 cross season) and put together a calendar for your enjoyment.

The calendar is for sale through Cafe Press for $17.50, plus shipping.

I’ve tried to capture the gamut of the Chicago bike racing season, from the indoor sprint contests of winter to the 90-degree hill climbs of July, from the grit of the individual racer to the brotherhood (and sisterhood!) of the competitive peloton.

Naturally you’ll want to get at least one for yourself -- one for the office, one for the bike room? -- but also remember that it’s never too early to start on your Christmas list. Consider a thank-you gift for all the people who make your season possible:

• » Your teammates!
  
• » Your coach!
  
• » Your team president!
  
• » Your physical therapist!
  
• » Your mechanic!
  
• » Your orthopedist!
  
• » Your significant other!
  
• » Your mother!

Use it as a training log. Use it as a race calendar. Shoot, maybe you make an appearance: For a month you can use it as a daily reminder of how awesome you look on a bike!

I’m not looking to make a profit here, but your support will be appreciated. Primarily it’s a vanity project and a fun souvenir to offer my friends and readers. If it works out I’ll explore more affordable options for 2009.

Interested in buying more than 10? Want to delight your entire team? Want to sell them in your shop? Significant bulk discounts are available. E-mail me for information.

Who’s included?

January: Emily MacDonald (XXX Racing-AthletiCo) concentrates on a turn at the 2006 Jackson Park cyclocross ace.

February: Val Brostrom (XXX Racing-AthletiCo) cheers on Josh Radlein (Team Pegasus) at the inaugural IRO Sprints, a fixed-fork roller contest held at The Mutiny.

March: Many riders said a prayer as they wiped out on “Amen Corner” at the inaugural Glencoe Grand Prix, but not Francine Haas (Alberto’s), who takes the turn as smooth as can be.

April: The P/1/2 field rumbles over the fabled brick of the Hillsboro-Roubaix.

May: Torrential rains made for a slick, messy Snake Alley Criterium in Burlington, Iowa.

June: The Cat 4 field enjoys a beautiful night for racing at the Northbrook Velodrome.

July: Amanda Eaken (Metromint) digs up one of Alpine Valley’s difficult climbs in pursuit of a dangerous break. Eaken’s efforts paid off, catching the break and resulting in a 4th for herself and victory for teammate Jane Robertson.

August: Rob White (PCW) shows what cycling is all about as he guts out a wet and wild Downers Grove elite national championship.

September: An Abercrombie & Fitch rider is one of dozens to slide out over a wet weekend in Downers Grove.

October: The mens’ P/1/2 field climbs up the hill at the Whitnall Park Road Race.

November: Riders leap over the barriers at the 2006 Jackson Park cyclocross race.

December: Even with 10 inches of snow, the bicycle is the best way to get around Chicago, and it’s weather like this that makes Chicago cyclists so tough.