Michael Hemme – Photographed by Amy Dykema

For those of you out there, who are unfamiliar with all the craziness Chicago brought you with Cyclocross, there is a term that racers and fans alike have been tossing around like a monkey’s poo at the primate house in Lincoln Park. That term is ‘Nationals’. For those that are saavy on the term, are most likely drunk and twitterfied from the relentless updates posted on everyone’s internet status in the past week leading up to what is rightfully considered, the party of the year. Personally, I have friends who were there, and took a great interest basking in their glory as they drove, flew, and railed their way across the country to the idyllic town in the mountains nestled in yippie-dom {yuppie plus hippie = yippie}. I’ve not personally gone to Bend myself, but Nevada Dave has been there, hell, he started a cross country bike ride from Portland to New York, and he has said that if The Bonebell doesn’t go to Portland next year, he will take up barefoot running in Mexican desert. So alas, a dream is born. The Bonebell Crew is cajoling the wives, the kids, their friends even – into taking the big leap for next year – to partake in this glorious party at Nationals and revel with their friends instead of from the googles. Will you join us? We hope so.

Ambitions
It’s good to have ambition, sprinkled with a little planning, and earnest effort, its a recipe for success. Everyone in the world has heard of the greatest races of our time, and the magnitude of such things, the races that are for the most part untouchable. The Tour de France, the Giro D’Italia, the Paris Roubaix, etc. They are most definitely great races for many regards. In the off-road world, few events hold such magnitude or acclaim as their road counterparts – but the races that are available in the off-road world are mostly experiences that can be attainable by the every man. You want to do a 100 mile off-road epic? Then simply sign-up and chew that bacon son, because its that easy. In our fine country, there are off-road cycling events that are burgeoning in numbers and exposure, and are still accessible to all, no matter what level your ride. The bonus – if you are a novice or a pro – you’ll most likely be reckoning the same course, and in some instances, the same distance. Cyclocross is very much like that – same course to all – same suffering – and for a little dough, training commitment, and your tolerance, you too can show up at ‘Nationals’ and say, “I’ve raced and partied at Nationals!” and have your drunk bad ass self plastered all over Flickr. So follow your ambition and participate in a truly national event that praises the lunacy of racing your bike in foul weather in any terrain for a measly hour of your life – and then drink yourself silly cheering everyone else for committing to the same. How could you go wrong?

US CUP
Speaking of Nationals – a National Pro series for MTB is ‘re-forming’ into a new format. Stay tuned as word comes from the US CUP about these changes. In short, the series means, accessibility to pro level mountain bike races open to a wider audience, with the same level of pro circuit support and prize money. This is good for the sport. There is a lot of confusion over what it means to ‘not’ have a UCI sanctioned event for MTB, and is it good for the sport, and why wouldn’t we want to legitimize the sport with UCI events? There are lots of pros and cons to it, and the way I see it is – if you are a pro-level MTBer, then your competition really isn’t here in the US, its in Europe, so you’re better off chasing points in the Alps. If you are not, then really, what are ‘you’ chasing? There’s a lot of non-UCI ranked amateur pros kicking serious arse off-road. If the competition can be open for all to enjoy, especially at a level that is similar to Cyclocross, then more participation means more fun, less serious attitude, and with equal if not greater competition. Dirtbags like to keep it low key – its rough enough on the course as it is.

Coming Soon
We have some good news coming soon – in terms of sponsors, new faces, and racing news for 2010. Above all that though are RIDES! Join us please for the New Year’s Day ride on, well, duh, January 1st at 9:00AM. Meetup locale is tentatively Palos Forest Preserve, weather permitting. The backup locale is Waterfall Glen. Your head may be hurting, and your tummy a gurglin’ – but a ride off-road is the best cure for what ales you (trust us we ‘are’ speaking from experience!). Become a Facebook friend and see the event posted on our Fan Page.