There are weekly practices abound within the city at different parks – all aimed at perfecting our dismounts and remounts and .. suffering?  If you are remotely interested in trying a CX (read: cyclocross) race out, then you should be encouraged to attend one of the few weekly practices held by different teams throughout the area.  Since I am only really privy of two practices in good detail – I’ll highlight the both of them hereUPDATED: Wow, more information came our way, so thanks to all for participating and throwing in the CX spirit – rock it!:

xXx Racing-AthletiCo

Wednesday’s at 6PM at Cricket Hill (Montrose Ave and Lakeshore).  This is a group practice that welcomes all and has a nice regimented style of learning how to launch from the line, how to handle chicane-like turns, and the obvious run-ups and barriers.  This draws a large crowd (20-30) and is a friendly invitation into cyclocross with a little competition thrown in to keep the competitive spirit raring.  It ends typically around 7ish and socializing is up to you and recommended afterwards to get to know other racers in the community.

E-Mail for more information.
[googlemaps http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=113050267496003547927.0004572f9b5a5bc6b1a4b&t=h&s=AARTsJqyTdpcaZymdgLoue0LyPraQphnZA&ll=41.963894,-87.64266&spn=0.009573,0.012875&z=15&output=embed&w=300&h=300] 

Killjoy

These badboys and girl are the epitome of hoss in Chicago dirtbagging.  Also, on Wednesdays around the 6PM hour, they have practices at the ‘Goose Poop Island’ section of the park that is directly south of McCormick Place off of the lakefront bike path.  This is a handy one to get to if you commute downtown.  This one (though I haven’t attended personally to date – but will be soon) should be expected to be a more competitive practice at a much faster pace than a typical newcomer should expect.  However, if you are gearing to aim at your competition and learn from very qualified fast racers – you should consider this practice as it is more highly tuned to killing it ala their name ‘killjoy’.  They are a fine group of racers and you shouldn’t be intimidated by their skulls – mental game is part of ‘the game’.
[googlemaps http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&t=h&msid=113050267496003547927.0004572fae335a4816071&s=AARTsJofEh6q75qizehC_L88e_ZGSQtfzw&ll=41.850383,-87.611418&spn=0.01918,0.025749&z=14&output=embed&w=300&h=300]

*Updated – 11:05AM – 9.18.08*
Beverly VeePak
Tuesdays and Thursdays
Meet at Grove #14 of the Dan Ryan Woods at 87th St. and Damen Ave 5:30 pm
2-3 sets of barriers per lap with up to 50 feet of climbing.
E-Mail for more information.
[googlemaps http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&t=h&msid=113050267496003547927.0004572fa366d3d59e467&s=AARTsJrelkUOdiPqLk_v8Px3pfqLGcqZ6Q&ll=41.73571,-87.672615&spn=0.019215,0.025749&z=14&output=embed&w=300&h=300]
(Thank you Seegs for the information)

*Updated – 1:10PM 9.18.08*
The Pony Shop
Wednesdays 6PM
James Park aka “Mt. Trashmore” – Evanston
Tried and true group of Pony Shop riders who also lay it down tough as nails – anyone is welcome and they may very well try to seduce you into blinging out to tubulars.
E-Mail for more information.
[googlemaps http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&t=h&msid=113050267496003547927.0004572fba26ae07c45f7&s=AARTsJrNevYBCun38am1qfTN7YU_7GsSBg&ll=42.024814,-87.704887&spn=0.019128,0.025749&z=14&output=embed&w=300&h=300]
(Thank you Chris for the information)
 
Do I have to be a member to join a practice? No.  Though they are team oriented, if you are a 1st timer, it is recommended that you try your hand at the xXx practice first to meet more of your kind ilk in the transition from roadie to dirtbagger.  If you are a definite dirtbagger through and through, then either one will float your fancy.  Come prepared and self-supportive – its evening practices and everyone likes to get home on time, especially as the daylight draws thinner this time of year.

Advice

Expect to hurt.  CX is not about spinning high RPMS coasting behind someone, nor is it about singletracking smoothly with momentum.  Races are only 60 minutes max, typically 30-45 minutes in lower categories.  So expect a very high pace that is amplified by the necessity to run, jump, hop, and climb up some short climbs whether run or on your bike.  Just because you suck wind the 1st time around, don’t quit.  Everyone sucks wind – some are better at masking than others, some have been doing this for a while.  But everyone hurts! 

There are advantages for all types of cyclists who haven’t done CX before – the high intensity in the winter months helps you out in the spring warm-ups of next season, and they will improve your handling skills immensely.  If you are a 100% dirtbagger, you get to shine on your skills and see if you can hang with the Cat 2 roadies on grass.  If you are a 100% road geek, then you get to test your flexibility in technical sections against hardcore dirtbaggers – somewhere inbetween you all make sweet sweet love.

Don’t wear baggie pants to practice.  I just did this last night and it was quite an embarassing move.  Truth be told, I hate spandex.  Sure its great for long rides and protects the boys and has its wicking merits, but I don’t ride it to work – just my thing.  So I wore my Chrome pants to the practice last night and I have about 3 inches of space between my crotch and the pant inseam – well – that doesn’t do you any good dismounting or remounting.  In succession I threw myself off my bike and threw my bike with me on it because my pants caught on the saddle.  My pride is hurting today – but lesson learned, wear your spandex and expect to rack yourself a few times if haven’t done dismounts or remounts – it’ll beg you to get better.  Don’t quit.
Remember – everyone hurts.  (And I ain’t talking about that silly REM song – thats just stupid).