It’s time again for the luxury of racing within the city, compliments of the Sherman Park Criterium, put on by XXX Racing-AthletiCo. The course is a milelong loop through a historic South Side park. There are no turns to speak of, nor any elevation changes. The most technical part of the course will be handling the occasional pothole, but those who train on Sheridan Road may not even notice. The alderman has promised some fresh pavement, but lower categories need to take heed: Stay cool. In any race, but especially when there is imperfect pavement, havoc can occur when inexperienced riders overcorrect for bumps or cracks. Don’t swerve, don’t panic. Keep your body and arms loose and absorb any bumps. Purses and primes are bigger this year, including some of Get a Grip Cycles’ famous bike fits, a wheelset from Johnny Sprockets and three iPod Shuffles from CycleAnalyze Training Systems. The morning 5’s race has reached capacity, but there is still room in the masters 4/5 field and the afternoon 5’s race. XXX Racing-AthletiCo turns 10 this year. On Saturday the team remembers two of its beloved teammates by inaugurating the Beth Kobezska Women’s Open and the Pieter Ombregt Men’s 4’s. This is an important race to me and to my team. Consider this your opportunity to show your appreciation for Chicago Bike Racing. I get a lot of support already, but nothing would please me more than to see you out there this Saturday.

Saturday Sherman Park Criterium USCF criterium Chicago, Ill. Distance from Chicago: 0 hours

Wisconsin State Criterium Championships USCF criterium Ripon, Wis. Distance from Chicago: 3.5 hours