Lots of racing options this weekend, including our first suburban crit. Here’s what I know:

Saturday’s Circuit of Sauk near Baraboo, Wis., is a long haul but I’ve always found it to be worth the trip. VeloNews even named it as one of 63 “must-do” races. Each of its scenic, 15-mile laps throws two challenging climbs at us. They aren’t particularly long, but they are steep, especially for urban flatlanders such as ourselves, and they are more than capable of popping riders off the back. Here’s an elevation chart from the 2005 edition. (The course has changed slightly since then, but the main hills are the same.) The first climb is harder because after a short reprieve the road continues to pitch upward. The second climb, on the other hand, is followed by a long, windy but safe descent that can give some riders a chance to catch back on if they’ve been dropped.

Two tips for these climbs: Switch to your small chainring before you start going up. Wait too long and you risk dropping your chain. Second, keep your head up and mind what the riders ahead of you are doing. Many will start to do the “paperboy weave” as they crack, and others will drift backward as they rise out of the saddle. This is not a time to worry about the draft. Find a lane and don’t let anyone disrupt your rhythm.

Sunday’s Vernon Hills crit is a milelong, mostly circuit with gentle corners. It’s in an exposed park so wind can be a factor, but Sunday’s forecast calls for sunny skies and minimal breeze. Note that the Cat 5 field is filled via pre-registration.

Saturday’s Circuit of Sauk USCF road race Baraboo, Wis. Distance from Chicago: 3.5 hours Previous wrap-ups: 2009

Fat and Skinny Tire Fest Road Race USCF road race Winona Lake, Ind. Distance from Chicago: 3 hours

Sunday Vernon Hills Grand Prix USCF criterium Vernon Hills, Ill. Distance from Chicago: 1 hour Previous wrap-ups: 2009

Kenosha Business Park Criterium ABR criterium Kenosha, Wis. Distance from Chicago: 1.5 hours

Fat and Skinny Tire Fest Road Race USCF criterium Winona Lake, Ind. Distance from Chicago: 3 hours

Cone Azalia Classic Road Race USCF road race Milan, Mich. Distance from Chicago: 4 hours