Since it looks like we won’t have a state championship of our own this year, we might as well make the most of our neighboring states.

I’m most familiar with the Spring Prairie Road Race. It’s popular with Chicago riders, and I’m happy to see that out-of-state 4/5’s continue to outnumber cheeseheads 11 to 1.

The course is a rolling 6.5 miles with high exposure to the wind. Senior fields will do between four and nine laps. There’s a steep but short climb before the start/finish that will crack the legs of even the lightest riders (above). Each time up is liable to cut a field in half. Be sure to anticipate the climb by being in your small ring before you make Turn 4, then save something for the top, because there’s a long false flat up to the finish line.

Don’t forget the construction on 94 and give yourself extra time to get there.

Many people have written to ask about the Wheaton Criterium, which was originally scheduled for this weekend. I’m told Wheaton declined to give its blessings for a return, so that race is off. No doubt there were multiple concerns, but it’s something to think about next time you’re wondering whether that sticky gel wrapper should go back into your pocket or flutter into the breeze, or when you’re debating whether to wait in line for the potty or to drop trow behind the hydrangeas.

Saturday
Indiana State Road Race Championship
USCF road race
Fishers, Ind.
Distance from Chicago: 3.5 hours

Sunday
Spring Prairie Road Race
USCF road race
Spring Prairie, Wis.
Distance from Chicago: 2 hours