What's Up: 7-18-12

We don't often ask much of you, readers (other than reading), but this week we have a special request: register and race in Lincoln, Neb., this weekend.

The Cornhusker State Games cycling events have, for the last few years, been a simple time trial shoved into the schedule. This year there's a crit at Pioneers Park in Lincoln. It has a gravel-and-dirt section. Yes, you read that correctly. It'll be pretty fun.

The time trial, while short, isn't the Yutan course that many riders so disdain. It's also at Pioneers Park. 

Are there drawbacks? Sure — there are no payouts, for one. And forking over $30 for a race with no payouts is, essentially, burning money. But there are 5K and 10K runs every weekend that cost $30 and attract 200 people and NOBODY gets paid. They figured out a way to deal with it — I'm sure you can, too.

Despite that, you should still race. The events will be well-run, they'll be on a new-to-most-of-you loop and they're reasonably close to home. Also, what else are you going to do this weekend? Go on a training ride? There's no better training than racing.

Saturday

• Cornhusker State Games Criterium Challenge (Crit) — Lincoln, Neb.(Online registration only; registration closes at 11 p.m. on Saturday)
• Sunflower State Games (Crit) — Topeka, Kan.

Sunday

• Cornhusker State Games Time Trial (TT) — Lincoln, Neb. (Online registration only; registration closes at 11 p.m. on Saturday)
• Sunflower State Games (Road) — Topeka, Kan.