I've finally pieced my life together after the blitzkrieg from the USGP Finale in Portland to CX Nationals in Bend, where I battled mud, ice, cold wind, flats, and embrocation flare-up in a total of 5 races over the span of 8 days. That was followed swiftly, of course, by the lovely experience we call Holidays, when our peak fitness quickly begins to feel like a thing of the past.

Before you travel too far down that road, consider ramping yourself back up for the next (and last) big event on the local cyclocross scene. Unless you're camped out in Belgium right now, that would have to be Chilly Cross, our series finale!

The Cornwall Park course will be laid out in a familiar style for those who have raced at this classic over the years (with a Spiral of Death adding some extra zing). But the real news is... I'm adding something special to cap the end of the local cyclocross season... a series finale party!

I want to reward all the loyal participants of our cyclocross races over the past four years (especially the winners), and hang with all the best of the Bellingham cycling community in one warm space. So save your Saturday evening on Jan. 16th, and maybe plan for some local lodging if you're traveling from out of town. Here's an unconfirmed tip-off if you want to sleep real close to the party.

I hope to make this a multimedia event, complete with Euro race footage to help keep the excitement going all the way to the World Championships on January 30. If you like to help plan parties, please !