Go big and get home
We've got a whole new ride, everyone should please be nice and welcome the Cuttin' Cruiser.
Those interested in being a part of this, please contact us at chicagocuttincrew@gmail.com.
World's, pt. 2
In the running for greatest race report is Ben's race in Philly, and this one by our friend, Avi. His experience is an inspiration. World's are incredible and we're gonna to be going out in style but I don't think we'll ever top the tube sock incident:
Canadian Cuttin' Crew?
Who's nervous? Don't be, the terminology is intimidating but the passport for re-entry by LAND does not go into effect until June 1, 2009. Anyone flying to Canada will need a passport. Here's the summary provided by the U.S. consulate of Toronto... -------------------
Under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), for entry into the United States at land or sea borders, as of January 31, 2008: - Oral declarations of citizenship alone will no longer be accepted; - U.S. and Canadian citizens ages 19 and older will need to present a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license, along with proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate or naturalization certificate; - Children ages 18 and under will only be required to present proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate; - Passports and trusted traveler program cards - NEXUS, FAST, and SENTRI - will continue to be accepted for cross-border travel. All existing nonimmigrant visa and passport requirements will remain in effect and will not be altered by this change. A passport has been required for air travel since January 23, 2007. [read more on WHTI] NEW. Entry requirements at land or sea borders in effect June 1, 2009: Washington -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the U.S. Department of State (DOS) announced today the final rule for the land and sea portion of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), a core 9/11 Commission recommendation. The WHTI final rule requires travelers to present a passport or other approved secure document denoting citizenship and identity for all land and sea travel into the United States. WHTI establishes document requirements for travelers entering the United States who were previously exempt, including citizens of the U.S., Canada and Bermuda. These document requirements will be effective June 1, 2009 [Press Release] [FAQs] .
World's, pt. 1
Da-dum... Da-dum... Da-dum...
Get. Some.
The time is near. This is what it's all about. The greatest stage of them all as far as we're concerned.
The World Championships...
Cuttin' Crew will be rollin' in big. Stay tuned for the latest on this sure to be adventure...
Yojimbo's rules.
So we have some cool sponsors. That's no secret. Few might realize, however, that we not only have a great shop helping us at Yojimbo's, but we also have the wisdom and guidance of a national treasure. Well known and renowned across the fixed-gear, track, road, and urban riding scene throughout this city and country, Marcus is the man when it comes to helping out his team, his scene and his community.
Recently there has been a great effort put into helping develop a juniors track racing program for kids in the city of Chicago. Track racing is a beautiful thing but intimidating and difficult to get into without proper resources and guidance. With the assistance of a wonderful group of people, including Chicago's great West Town Bikes, a new junior specific team called the Yojimbo's Track Cats has come to fruition. We are very proud of the work he is doing and we are also proud of the noteworthy effort being made by the Cuttin' Crew's own, Brean.
If you're looking for some more reasons to smile today, check out some photos from practices down at Pershing and Cottage Grove. We will provide updates intermittently. For more information on the project, check out the news bit at chicagobikeracing.com.
That there Memorial weekend
MOLLY!! MOLLY!! MOLLY DAMMIT!!! WE HAVE YOUR PHOTO!!!Our lovely li'l Lady of the Cuttin' Crew nabbed 4th place at the rather renowned "Cage Match" Quad City Crit held on Memorial Day!
Thanks to our xXx friend Brian Morrissey and our teammate Ben for the photos.
This is Snake Alley...
This is Adam eating up Snake Alley...
Adam is made of helium. Dude dropped his chain and still flew around the snake to claim 6th in the 4's. THEN he came back for 7th in the Melon City Crit! (Snake photo by Brian, Adam shot by Ben)
Max had a great weekend of performances claiming 6th in the Snake's 5's and then 4th in the Melon City Crit the next day. (photo by Brian)
Dr. Morell fared well in the Snake, nabbing a top ten slot in the 5's and bouncing back for a 5th place finish at Melon City Crit. (photo by Brian)
Chicago Bike Racing's cover boy, Mr. Fietz found himself a finish in the Snake and came back for the 8th best performance at Melon City's Criterium. (photo by Brian)
Jeff got dressed up. Then he got drunk. (both pics by Ben)
Stan was heard but never seen. Sorry Stan. The man came back from a wreck at the start of the Snake and flew in a rage up to about 15th place. That was kinda awesome.
Week in Review...
Kenosha Opening Night (Washington Park Velodrome)
Tuesday, 5/20
Photo courtesy of Half Acre's Ed White
Cuttin' Crew was aglistenin' Tuesday with Ben, Andrew, and Al
Ben ran the blocking in the Cat-4 field, helping Al get 1st Place in the Scratch Race and 2nd Place in the Miss-n-Out
Andrew hopped in the 3's Scratch and claimed 4th Place.
Northbrook Thursday Races Presented by Turin (Ed Rudolph Velodrome)
Thursday, 5/22
Photo courtesy of adam spartacus
Brynn was undefeated in her track career until the third race when she got second. At no point was she aware of what she was doing. The girl just likes to ride in circles really fast. Here's her career resume thus far:
10 Lap Tempo: First
21 Lap Points Race: First
10 Lap Scratch: Second
Phil Liggett Loves the Cuttin' Crew! Big ups to Turin and Sram for bringing him out for commentary!
Madison...Ohhh the Madison. A beautiful race. Even better if you're in the CCC jersey.
We only had two teams entered. Al and Andrew played a great game of tag to claim 1st place. Stan and Jeff played part in a "Brilliant exchange by Schultz and Perkins of the Cutting Crew" on their way to 2nd place. There's no "g" Phil, regardless, thanks for making my life.
After a great showing in the Madison, we had Brean, Daryl, Stan, Adam, Andrew, Jeff, and Al toe the line for a 10 lap tempo. Stan got his wind back to win the very hard-paced race set up by Daryl.
Not much luck in the third event of the night, the Miss-n-Out. Couldn't sneak any of the six guys in the final but it has been a long night/week...(excuses, excuses)
Big props to Stan for coming through with the best cumulative performance of the night.
Northbrook Opening Night
So last week we went up to the Ed Rudolph Velodrome in the lovely Village of Northbrook. It was a chilly 50 degrees. We were in spandex. I'm sure there's something in between but I'll let the photos and results speak for themselves. (Big thanks to our flickr friends: xxxracing, Fedo and Ring, and ewwhite).
First and foremost, I'm trying to find a picture with Molly where she is NOT smiling. Awesome.
Cuttin' Crew males included Al, Andrew, Adam, Ben, Jeff, Max, Stan.
First Race was a 10 lap scratch. First one across the line after 10 laps wins, nice and simple...
Al got 1st according to the crowd, but the people with the pen and papers deemed him 2nd one across the line.
Jeff got 3rd.
Second race was a Win-n-Out...
"The race gets underway from a rolling start (usually 2-3 neutral laps.) When the riders hear the bell, they are racing for the win. The second lap is for 2nd place and so on." - Northbrook flier.
It's kind of like trying to sucker punch Mike Tyson. You just really hope your first punch works or else you're gonna be really hurtin'.
Stan came through for 2nd place.
Third race was a 15 lap points race. You get a set amount of points for every placement you get on only certain laps. Confused? Try officiating it.
Jeff pulled 2nd place.
Al claimed 3rd.
The results of the "Omnium" were as follows:
1st Place was a tie between Henry (HENRY!!!) from Team Pegasus and Al from Cuttin' Crew.
3rd Place went to Jeff
WE DEMAND FEWER RIGHT TURNS!
Thursday night, May 15th, is opening night at Nortbrook Velodrome! Here is the flier for opening night! It's FREE for race entry!!!! (Remember you must be Category 4 or higher to race Thursday nights)
Ed Rudolph Velodrome is our closest Velodrome as it is located in the northwestern suburb of Northbrook. Despite construction and planning headaches, we'll be going out there to have a big debut for the Crew. Logistics will guarantee to be another pain but we've been waiting for this for a while.
Spectator fees are low but necessary to help things like this go. It looks like $2 gets you access but, if you can print one, you should totally grab this coupon and a friend, cause they'll get in for free. Don't have a printer? Hit us up in the comments or send us one of them electronic letters and we'll have some waiting for ya!
As long as you're not feeling shy, let's take another opportunity to plug the coolest fund-raiser since sliced pie... We'll be sure to bring some for those interested.
If you're curious what it takes to race on the velodrome, definitely check their website. Also, they have a checklist of rules and etiquette for you right here.