Nico has been in cahoots with Comcast SportsNet and documenting his experience in Poland and the Cycle Messenger World Championships which have been taking place this entire weekend. Follow him here to get a full feel of what Ambassador Nico has got going on as well as get a feel for the CMWC experience!
Good Luck Nico! Hope you've been crushing it!
So our rising star, Mr. Brian Ellison, had a real bad accident at the 2011 Mayor's Cup race at Kenosha Velodrome. It was a nasty multiple-person accident involving a few ambulance rides and a few other riders getting medical attention. Thankfully mostly everyone was fine and walking afterward despite signs of the worst. Unfortunately, Brian didn't share that good fortune and was life-flight'd from a Kenosha hospital to Advocate Medical Center in Libertyville. Brian was diagnosed with a small skull fracture and internal bleeding around the break as well as a more or less floating collarbone with some serious abrasions across his body to boot. It was a long night full of plenty of anxiety for friends, teammates, organizers, competitors and especially family members. Many a thanks should be passed along to Josh, Molly and Joseph for literally chasing ambulances and helicopters all night in order to be liaisons to Brian and his fam.
The news evolved from awful to stable over the course of a long 16 hours. He did have energy for visitors the next night and was well aware and willing to admit, "at least I got a cute nurse." His pain wasn't giving much, however, and his spirits dwindled when the migraines started trumping the meds within a few short moments of dosage. It was good to see he was 'there' but it wasn't for lack of a massive effort over the course of 20 minutes.
As of Friday, the spirits have returned for longer spurts and the attitude is as pleasant as ever. Two key ingredients he'll need in the long path to recovery he has ahead of him. Discussions have also gone from what happened to what to do next. A tough transition to make laid up in a hospital bed but certainly another step in the right direction if you ask me. It's amazing how proud someone can make you from a hospital bed.
We're all excited for the next milestone which will probably be the time he can stand without any dizziness and walk without assistance. That sounds a bit gnarlier than it is. As far as he's concerned "if" was never even in the picture and his optimism is contagious.
Those of you that have had a chance to see him race or the pleasure of racing him in these last 12 months are well aware of the fire inside Brian. He can and will be needing it more than ever as he'll surely need to be patient and focused through this grueling spell of mundane exercises to get back to even touching a bicycle.
Despite all the gems said outta that boys mouth in the past 3 days, "All in due time" is by far my favorite.
By Marie Coming off an impressive night at the track, including hours upon hours of reviewing every single team tactic possibility of podium sweep contenders, C3PO rolled in ready to conquer fears at 2011’s Glencoe Grand Prix.
Stone. Cold. Ella.
As Daph, Jamie, and I show up to the course, Ella is just finishing the last laps of her race. Setting the tone for the day, Ella races with all the big boys and finishes strong against a girl literally twice her size. Little did we know, not only can Ella grab those bronze medals (to hang next to her inaugural track performance), she can climb a tree in bike shoes like nobody’s business!
With CCC lining three deep in the Women’s 4’s, D, J, and I are ready for anything. Due to years’ previous crashes, most of the women are timid, grabbin’ handfuls of brakes ‘round every bend. The first fifteen minutes show for long, laborious laps led by the Daphinator. No one’s moving to break away til the prime laps are announced, with Michigan’s Amanda Schaap stealing ‘em all, Daph chasing and holding her wheel grabbin’ those 2-deep primes. Three laps to go, and there’s still little movement...except James passing around the field with precision! We’re down to the bell lap, and I’m pushing with all my might to catch the token orange jersey. A bike throw and cool down lap later, I learn that we got James sitting at 4th, me with the fiver, and Daph concluding with a solid ninth. Because Schaap won, our top Illinois women included Sarah Rice (Tati), Amelia Katz (Alberto’s), and Glencoe’s very own hometown hero, Jamers!
Hayyyyyyy!
Double Up Squad features Doc Morell and Avi, their first race being the Master’s 30+ 4/5's. Morell sustains a solid effort (in addition to a surprisingly strong showing in the ping pong tournament the night before), concluding with 11th place ca$hmoney. Avi manages to grab the most points for the Sprint Title, and more importantly, an amazing orange and black Swiss Army watch prime!
Sprint Winner! + Master's 4/5 podium. Credit to Erica
After a walk to and meal at the generous Gavin-Smyth home, the crew heads back to the course to spectate Part Deux of the Double Up Squad: the notorious Cat 4, also known as Teen Dream’s Last Stand. The forty-five minute run has to be handled carefully if DUS and TD are going to dominate. Our men stay with the pack throughout the entire race, supported by Brian’s ever present family on the sidelines. The standings come down to a tight finish, and a particular finish full of life lessons: even if you throw your bike with the gangliest of arms, sometimes the other dude will get ya by a millimeter at the line. Awarded his silver Illinois medal and second place flowers (given to his ma, of course), Bri proves to show maturity in his skill, positioning, and attitude. Avi finishes just at the back at the pack, and the Doctor once again comes through in the money.
Throw what ya got! Credit to Tati
Remember Jannette’s showing last year? Well, never doubt a lady with revenge in her eyes. The original 70 minute race is shortened by 10 and held at an exceptionally fast pace. Jannette is not to be held down, as she plows through the hill, ten technical turns, and a stampede of Vanderkitten and Tibco PROs. After a hearty hour of power, Jannette grabs that bronze Illinois medal and a tenth place finish, with an abundance of post-race pride. JRho conquered her demons with a big smile!
Jannette knows what's up. Credit to Erica (again)
At the end of the day, we took home podium spots in every category entered, a belly full of delicious food and beers, and a desire to continue successful teamwork! Special thanks to all of the race’s sponsors, in addition to the Neurohr fam, my family contingency flying in from all over the country, Sarah’s excellent massaging skills, the Teen Dream Team, Maria & Andrew for making the trip out to cheer, and the welcoming Gavin-Smyth household!
Chicago Comfy Crew. Credit Bill Draper
When Olympic gold medalist Marty Nothstein calls you "fearless" and "an incredible bike handler," it's worth immortalizing.
Velonews broadcast the entire Harlem Classic live last weekend, and our East Coast contingent was all over the amateur fixed gear event. You can watch the whole video here. Jump to 51:30 to see the whole race, or if you just can't take the suspense, jump to 61:30 to see the nail-biting final lap.
While some of us were ripping up Kenosha and one of us destroyed Cobb Park last weekend, a certain someone got it together for the Junior's State Championship hosted by xXx.
Ella made everyone proud, ESPECIALLY papa Avi as he watched his young one hit the oval. Her Father's Day gift to him included a whole bunch of hardware! She ended up 2nd on the day but certainly worked hard on the track to earn it. We hope she keeps the hard work going outside the track and I'm sure there will be no doubt as to where to take the next step. Check out Avi's summation and photos here.
Pete rules.
Well, after a very sizable turnout at last month's Velo-City Chicago attempt, this past weekend's event was certainly short on the numbers. It was no less relevant, mind you. Six people came from a city other than Chicago to meet us there. It was excellent to see the large Milwaukee contingent as well as the lone wolf, Mr. Erin Young, make his journey all the way from Minneapolis! By my count we had about 5 people that had never raced on the track before and, had it not been for last month's rain date, all 5 might not have ever ridden on the track ever! Chicago brought a few as well. Made for some spiced up racing and a variety of ability/experience levels. All told we had 12 different racers. 11 men and the woman named Bob.
We started the day watching some motor-pacing. A Saturday morning tradition up at Kenosha. Man. Them big kids can really rip on those workouts. It really can be a treat to watch everyone training behind that motorcycle.
When we were ready, we executed a 5 event schedule. The Match Sprint, 9 Lap Scratch, Miss 'n' Out, Cargo Bike Time Trial, and, a 25 lap points race.
The sprints went very well. Only a couple of them went to the "go slow and jump" game and even those were warranted. Many people got up and out and just gave 'er at any point. You really gotta be on your toes with these people.
After that we had the first pack event of the day. The 9 lap scratch. It was simple enough and really was an honest pace throughout. The pacelining was clearly coming together as things turned moreso into every man/woman for themselves once that bell lap came around.
The Miss 'n' Out was a fan favorite. Everyone was super safe and smart about it as well which trumps just about every Miss 'n' Out I've ever raced...
Well. The Miss 'n' Out WAS a fan favorite. But then we got to the Cargo Bike Time Trial. This was an absolute blast. All 12 participants got up and out for this one. From 6' 4" and 200+ lbs. to 5' 2" and 100- lbs. the big rig fit one and all. Mikey and Bradley shut it down in the two man/one bike cat. Everyone else was left to sort out their own demons in the race of truth. Who wouldn't want a poster to commemorate it?
The points race was a classic war of attrition. Brian made his inevitable move early to escape everyone but Bradley. A chase group of Joseph and Devin formed as Anthony, Brennan and Erin carried on solo campaigns to make it through the 25 lapper.
Clearly the results weren't the main goal of Saturday's event. I hope to instill that in everyone, anyway, as I think Murphy ate them (That's right. I'll blame the dog. I know he had an appetite.) The notable feats definitely include the gear restricted Mr. Ellison sweeping the omnium. Bradley gaining 2nd place after taking the lead from Joe in the last race. Joseph rounding out the podium. Erin winning farthest traveled. Bob took 1st Female! AND best track rook! Anthony, Brennan and Devin duked it out all day for MKE bragging rights. I won't put it out there with certainty but I think Anthony KNOW Devin got 'er (by 1 point!). Dan took the ever coveted DFL. Oh. And did I tell you I smoked Nico in the Cargo Bike TT?
Special shoutouts to our event sponsors and overseers! Mr. Squid in NYC holdin it down for yet another year. Continental came through with some killer tires and tubes. Yojimbo's Garage came through a second time with some goodies. Velocity wheels threw down some sick two-tone and sparkly (industry term) rims as well as some serious discounts for people to get their build on. The top prize went to Mr. Brian Ellison, courtesy of our friends over at Chrome. The newly opened Chicago shop came through with the Sherman Track Bag for all his racing/traveling needs and it couldn't have been a more perfect fit for boy wonder as his commitment to bike racing is in full swing.
From last month's support and money raised we were able to outfit Anthony and Devin with some tickets for NYC. They will be there to represent the Midwest contingent in the grand race for tix to Poland! It should be pretty rad to hear from them on how the trip goes.
Big or small. I love Velo-City and all it entails, man.
Photo credits to Mr. Dizzle and Ed White
This Saturday, June 18, we will be holding another track event in the same vain as Velo-City. It will be the rain date for the last attempted competition with a slightly different structure. The tickets situation has been sorted out so this one is really for the sake of a good time, some alternate swag and to raise a buck or two for CMWC 2012.
That said, we've got the same racing schedule except it is moved up a couple hours. The bus will be loading up at the lot at 8:30 and leaving at 9:00 AM from Green and Kinzie. Racing should be set to start at 11:00. Depending on turnout, we could change the categories from Messer and Non-Messer to A, B and possibly C.
Otherwise be ready for some verbatim...
This event list is designed to give you participants and fans a taste of the classics of the track. We will offer a tutorial on each race throughout the week. Be aware that it is subject to change!
1) Sprint
Seeded at random. 2-ups, 3-ups, 4-ups. One-offs, not best of 3. There will be a repechage
2) 15-25 lap Scratch (TBD)
First to cross the line after said amount of laps is the winner. Guts on a breakaway or confidence in your sprint? You decide.
3) Miss-n-out
The last wheel across the line of each lap is pulled. Once it gets down to three riders there are no further eliminations and it essentially becomes a two lap scratch.
4) 30 lap points
A track classic. Always a feature, usually final event. Every x number of laps there will be a sprint to garner points. Distance trumps points. If anyone is beast enough to gain a lap on another racer then they will be scored on a tier above that person. This also applies to anyone that laps the field (majority of riders) vs. anyone that might not have been in the field but might not have “gained a lap”.
Erin Dickey teaches class. You can only hope to learn.
Daphne proudly represents her 3rd place finish medal for the Women's Category 4 criterium as well as the 3rd place medal for the Women's Category 4 Omnium.
Brian blinging with the silver after the big sprint finish got him 2nd in the Men's Cat 4 sprint. (click through the sequence)
Jannette in elite company. Right where she belongs.
The racing was fast and the logistics were very well handled. Tip of the hat to xXx-Athletico for solely handling a massive 3 race/2 day endeavor on the other side of the state in beautiful (and hilly) Galena, IL. Highlights included (but are not limited to): There was a massive turnout from the Men's squad and a variance of fine results to boot. Zero intimidation came off of J Rho as she faced the terrifically difficult task of handling the big dogs solo in the Pro 1, 2, 3 category. Daphne and Marie teamed up to get Daphne onto the podium and Marie set that rep of being a badass pace driver. Mumford and Nikki joined us to get a taste of the whole "roadie" thing. We got the bus over those hills out west not once but TWICE! And we all were privileged to hold the great company of Erin Dickey. in fine wine country.
Josh was a sport after working so hard at the front in the crit and getting taken out by a nasty bell lap crash.
Sure. There were some lows as well. Mechanical misfortunes bring out the eternal optimism of what "could of been". What actually was the case was our teen dream, Mr. Ellison, learned a good lesson as to how anything can happen once the race starts. Bravo to Mr. Nordyke for eventually giving his bicycle and shoes (which were given to him by the ever wonderful Mr. Marcus Moore) to his teammate that was without a workable wheel 30 miles into a road race. Avi took some turf with his knee and Jannette was considerably undernourished for her daunting road race. I'm not convinced a single one of us understood or respected the significance of "climbing" gears and waited until we got BACK from the trip to seek some out. Right now the biggest blow, however, is looking to be the fate of super-domestique Josh Shough's knee and hip. We are all waiting to hear a verdict on the x-rays after he was taken out by a crash in the bell lap of a VERY fast paced criterium. First the verdict, then the direction, then the healing begins.
True, the peaks and valleys were quite literal and metaphorical. Regardless, we certainly won't be overlooking what a fine weekend it all turned into. Without a doubt, everyone appreciated the beautiful scenery and made do Cuttin Crew style with the accommodations. All this while taking advantage of some super fine racing. Thanks again to xXx for the great event as well as their team promo rate. As always, a major shoutout goes out to our ever-supportive sponsors!
-- Results are here. Some photos to check out for some captionable moments along the way - the new chicagocuttincrew flickr page and the candelabra caretaker. --
We'll have a proper writeup for the Inaugural Tour of Galena in a bit, but we came home to find this waiting for us:
You might recall our mention a couple weeks back of Global Gutz, a worldwide simultaneous alleycat. Somehow or another, a fast fellow named Matudo got his hands on an old Cuttin' Crew jersey, and it looks like it brought him some luck. Click through to the video to see some hot Tokyo action.
