Bikes and beer on tap this weekend in Carpentersville

The acres of green grass in Carpenter Park will be turned into a challenging bike course that will have riders and spectators sitting on the edge of their bike seats and bar stools, alike.

Carpentersville will host the fourth race in the Chicago Cyclocross Cup series on Sunday, in conjunction with the village's Oktoberfest. While riders fly around the track, spectators can enjoy a cold beer and live music at the festival.

A mix of competitive running and bicycle riding, cyclocross challenges athletes' physical strength and endurance. The course includes sandpits, a pump track, hills, hurdles and water hazards.

Jeff Provisory, owner of Main Street Bikes in Carpentersville - an event co-sponsor - said new additions to the track this year include a rhythm section. The section, also known as a pump track, is a series of small rises that require timing and control to maneuver. Provisor said riders do not need to pedal over the section because momentum or speed can be achieved by pushing down on the handle bars at the crest.

"Some people can enter the pump track faster than they entered it," Provisory said. "But if riders don't get their timing right, there could be trouble."

While there are other changes and additions to the 11/4-mile course, Provisory declined to elaborate "to add a little excitement to the course for the riders and spectators."

About 400 riders are expected to compete in more than 10 race categories for men, women and junior riders. A free kids' race is also included this year.

"This is a beautiful park, a beautiful venue," Provisory said regarding the race's popularity over the past five years. "I think some of the racers like the course because there are not any steep hills. While we are challenging them, we are not really killing them. It is not easy, but it is tamer than other races in the series."

In addition to the races, the festival will include a beer garden serving typical Oktoberfest fare like brats, hot pretzels, sausages and potato pancakes. Pizza, hot dogs and hamburgers will also be available. NASA Education Corporation is sponsoring the fest.

Entertainment will include a battle of the bands contest, a karaoke competition as well as a host of inflatable games for children. Prizes will also be raffled.

In order to help the FISH Pantry in Carpentersville, canned goods and personal hygiene items will be collected.