The NorthShore University HealthSystem Grand Prix of Cycling

Sunday, July 19, 2009
Evanston, Illinois

Downtown Evanston will be hopping for the third edition of the The North Shore University HealthSystem Grand Prix of Cycling. Come early and visit the local shops on the course and choose from over 30 restaurants and enjoy outdoor dining along the racecourse. For more information, visit www.northshoregrandprix.com or call Turin Bicycle at (847) 864-7660.

NOTE TO RIDERS: NorthShore University HealthSystem, our title sponsor, is interested in identifying a rider registered for and committed to race in Evanston who has been screened for cancer and, as a result of that screening, had a tumor or lesion removed or treated early, such that they lost relatively little time from work/school/training (when compared to the alternative). Such a rider, if willing to "go public" with their story, could help NorthShore University HealthSystem with their message for the day in Evanston, where they will be encouraging people to get screened for cancer, and could earn a small stipend for the day and a call out to the start line for helping us out with this. (Yes, we know Lance Armstrong has another engagement this July.) Candidates should please send an E-mail to cmailing@turinbicycle.com with "cancer screening" in the subject line. Please include which race you will be entering in Evanston.

Cycling Needs: Turin Bicycle is a full service bike shop, stocking Trek, Bianchi, Cervélo, and other bicycles, plus parts, accessories, clothing, shoes, cleats, and more. Turin Bicycle has trained mechanics and fitters ready to assist you. Hours are: Monday thru Thursday, 11-8, Friday, 11-6, Saturday, 10-6, and Sunday, 12-5. Directions: from the Start/Finish line on Sherman Avenue, take Davis Street west almost three blocks, to 1027 Davis Street, on the north side of Davis, between Maple and Oak Avenues.

Lodging: The host hotel is the Hilton Garden Inn Evanston, at 1818 Maple Avenue, just two blocks from the course. The Hilton Garden Inn is located in the heart of downtown Evanston, walking distance to dining, shopping, entertainment, and public transportation to access downtown Chicago, with 178 rooms, indoor pool, whirlpool, fitness center, restaurant, and lounge. All guest rooms have a 32" flat screen HDTV, microwave, refrigerator, coffeemaker, iron/ironing board, hair dryer, and complimentary high-speed wireless and wired Internet. See more at www.evanston.HGI.com. There is a special nightly room rate of $119 for a king bed and $129 for two double beds, plus taxes. Make your reservation by 7/10/09 by calling 1.800.HILTONS and requesting the special rate for the "NorthShore Grand Prix." Directions: from the Start/Finish line on Sherman Avenue, take Davis Street west two blocks to Maple Avenue, turn right (north) on Maple Avenue to Church Street. Turn right into the far lane on Church Street, such that you are on the left side of Church Street as you go under the railroad trestle, and then immediately turn left (north) on Maple Avenue. Take Maple Avenue north one more block to The Hilton Garden Inn, on your left.

Race schedule is tentative and subject to change at the discretion of the promoter.

Race Type: Criterium

Course Length: 0.9 mi.

Course Description: Flat

Directions: From Milwaukee, Take I-94 East toward Chicago. Continue on I-94 when it splits from I-294 north of Chicago. Take I-94, (aka Edens Expressway) to Exit 37A, Dempster St. Exit. Go east on Dempster 4 miles to Asbury Ave. Turn left on Asbury Ave. and proceed five blocks to Church St. Turn right go three blocks on Church St. to Benson Ave. Turn right on Benson Ave. The Sherman Plaza parking deck is on the left. The course is easily accessible by Metra's North Line or CTA's Purple Line trains. Take either one to the Davis Street station and walk one block east to the start finish line. Bicycles are allowed on Metra trains all day on Sundays. Distance from Milwaukee: 80 miles (2 hours). Roadmap

Riders must park in the Sherman Plaza parking deck on Benson Avenue between Church and Davis Streets, less than one block from the Start/Finish line and registration. Ceiling height in the parking deck requires that bicycles be removed before entering the parking deck.

Past Winners:

Notes:

• ¹Only the Cat 4 race will earn points toward the overall standings.
• ²Masters 30+ & 40+ races are open to licensed riders of Category 1 - 3.