We’ve been racing non-stop for almost six months. Save for those misfits who peak for cross, many of us may find our needles tilting toward “E,” but it’s time to eek at least one more race out of the tanks with Saturday’s state road race championships Willow Springs.

As previously discussed, the course is a 10-mile, mostly flat triangle with excellent pavement. There’s a kicker at Turn 2, but it’s too short to be of much consequence.

The real challenge is the climb from Turn 3 off Archer up to the finish line atop 104th. The milelong, three-section ascent is an enigma that has left this rider scratching his head on many a reconnaissance ride. Jump at the base? In the flat? On the final, steepest pitch? Attack too early and you’ll fold like a crêpe. Wait too long and you’ll run out of road. Indeed, race winners won’t necessarily be the best climber nor the best sprinter. Victory awaits the crafty rider who can best decode the climb’s mysteries.

Although 104th will animate fields on each trip up, I’m not convinced it’s long enough to yield any selections. However, it could open the door to some creative counterattacks and allow for unexpected moves in the false flats.

Traffic is closed one-way the entire course, but larger fields may experience congestion on the somewhat narrow roads. Be up front lest you get left out of any separations.

Online registration is open through Thursday and saves you $10. I’m a bit dismayed that no P/1/2/3 women have pre-registered. Recall that no Illinois women showed up to June’s criterium championships in Proctor.  Meanwhile, the 40+ 4/5 field is exactly one spot away from filled to capacity.

Note that there is some sort of golf tournament going on nearby, so traffic may be heavy.

Saturday Illinois state road race championships USCF road race Willow Springs, Ill. Distance from Chicago: .5 hour