6/8/2008

By Al (photo by Chris Dilts)

My attack was kinda accidental. I was trying to set up Adam just after I fought my way to the front by stringing out the pack going into the climb and making it harder for people further back to catch him. We were trading pulls at the front in the 4th stretch before the big climb. I noticed a lot of the Cuttin’ Crew had moved up to the front now. XXX was either anticipating our attack or planning one of their own because they started swarming too. I started the climb maybe 2nd or 3rd wheel on the right side. XXX kept streaming up to my left and were effectively boxing Adam and I in, intentionally or not. I got pissed. I don’t just let people box me in. I shouldered my way out to the left, finally got some open road, and my frustration powered me up that hill. I was still expecting Adam to attack, but when I got to the top, I had a pretty good gap. I rode tempo to see what was going to happen. Peter Strittmeyer of XXX chased me down along with a Wheaton rider. I realized between us and XXX, we would combine for some pretty serious blocking. A Tower Racing guy caught up pretty quick too and yelled “Let’s go!” So I did.

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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.

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:

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…

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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] .

Da-dum…
Da-dum…
Da-dum…

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…

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.

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.

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.

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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.

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