The racing season is here – and so is the rain. Inevitably, we have to contend with mother nature and go all kung-fu patience to ride on the trails. Just recently, in a mad dash to get a trail ride in, two goofy northsiders drove at 4:30PM to Palos. On Friday. Just hours before a wicked storm. Two hours later after we arrived in Palos, we managed to squeeze in a 47 minute hammerfest or the longest interval I’ve experienced in a while just to get in at least 10 miles worth of trail before our drive home in the pouring rain. It was very well worth it.

People are training hard and enjoying their rides – here’s a few reasons to keep you motivated.

U.S. Rides to 3 Continental Mountain Bike Titles in Guatemala
North American, Katie Holden, takes the downhill crown from the Latin American contingent. The men didn’t fare as well, despite a 3rd place finish by Joe Shusler and then followed by his teammates ranging all the way to 49th place – the Brazilian and Colombian juggernauts reigned supreme in this event.

Cross Country was definitely the US’ strong suit – as all three top women, Willow Koerber, Mary McConneloug, and Heather Irmiger took the top three spots respectively in a dominating show of force. The men’s team had Todd Wells take the top podium spot, and his teammates rounding out spots in the top 10 and top 20. Complete results are here.

Saturday, May 8th – Trail Work Day with CAMBr and Half Acre Cycling
So who brings the refreshments that dirtbags love to a trail work day? Half Acre Cycling does! And this weekend they are enticing you to come join them in showing CAMBr that cycling teams care about the trails and want to help out in every way they can. It may be slightly rainy – but that is fine – don’t let that discourage your participation as there is much to preserve for your enjoyment and all others on the trails. Meet up information here –> HAC Trail Work Day.

It’s on like Donkey Kong!
There is plenty of racing to be done. The trails are mostly open, and the training season is on for all the weekend racing available in the tri-state area. Remember that the Illinois Homegrown Series is available to race on in addition to the WEMS, WORS, and DINO series. We would like to know how your race experience went whether you’re a seasoned homegrown racer, or a brand new participant to the sport – tell us your story and we may feature it in an upcoming article because we want people to know how you did it and why you did it!

Here’s the glimpse of a fun section from this past weekend’s Iola Bump’n’ Grind Race. Tell me that doesn’t look like fun?