It’s back to Blackhawk Farms this weekend as we return to the Blackhawk Farms Raceway in South Beloit for the Spring Super Criterium. This was a popular course when Burnham Racing introduced it last year, and it’s a good, non-technical opportunity to work out the early-season kinks.

Here’s some video of the course. Last year a crisp south wind influenced sprints and break attempts. (Tip: Attack into the wind where it’s hard, not with it where it’s easy.) Weather may be decisive again, with a cold and possibly wet day forecast, and this time the wind will be from the opposite direction. Dress appropriately!

Consult the technical guide for more information. And Cat 5’s shouldn’t forget the race-safety and skills clinic at 7:30 a.m. I’ll be helping Randy Warren (XXX Racing-AthletiCo) with this, and we promise to get you to your 8:15 start in time.

Also this weekend: The Kenosha Velosport Criterium Series wraps up on Sunday, and Michigan offers its own gravelly road race in the form of Barry-Roubaix.

Saturday Spring Super Criterium USCF criterium South Beloit, Ill. Distance from Chicago: 2 hours Previous wrap-ups: 2008

Barry-Roubaix USCF road race Middleville, Mich. Distance from Chicago: 3 hours

Sunday Kenosha Velosport Criterium Series ABR criterium Pleasant Prairie, Wis. Distance from Chicago: 1.5 hours