Who else is tired of driving so far to get to races? The gas, the time, the traffic -- it’s the pits. Fortunately, this weekend brings us a rare chance to stay home and race with 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 avoiding the occasional pothole, but those who train on Sheridan Road may not even notice. And dig those race lengths: Have the 3’s enjoyed a 60-minute criterium yet this year?

The Cat 5 race has reached capacity, but there is still room in the masters 4/5 field.

Primes are improved this year, including cash primes for the lower categories compliments of Chicago Bike Racing. XXX Racing-AthletiCo is also placing a premium on safety precautions. An EMT will be on site, and the team is doubling marshaling efforts to keep riders and neighbors safe.  (Your help is needed: Volunteer here.)

Naturally, this is an important race to me and to my team. Please consider this a personal invitation to come celebrate bike racing in Chicago. If you appreciate the work I put into this site, race Saturday and you can thank me in person.

Elsewhere, Wisconsin is having its state criterium championships in Ripon, and for a more informal road race experience, there is the 62-mile loop of the Great Carroll County Cycling Event, which this year starts in the town of Savanna.

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

Wisconsin State Criterium Championships
USCF criterium
Ripon, Wis.
Distance from Chicago: 3 hours

Great Carroll County Cycling Event
ABR road race
Savanna, Ill.
Distance from Chicago: 3 hours