The Dr Craig Schultz Memorial 20k-40k TT (Time Trial), sponsored by Stray Kats Racing and hosted by the Wisconsin-Illinois Cycling Association (WIIL Cycle), is a heartfelt tribute race in Cordova, IL, starting at the Cordova Township Civic Center (910 3rd Ave S, Cordova, IL 61242). This American Bicycle Racing (ABR)-sanctioned event begins at 9:01 AM CDT, with riders launching every minute as part of the Mid America Time Trial Series (MATTS). Offering 20 km (12.4 miles) for juniors and 70+ masters or 40 km (24.8 miles) for others, this flat, fast course welcomes all levels—juniors, masters, and open categories—honoring Dr. Schultz, a cyclist and physician killed in 2008. Stray Kats Racing, a southern Wisconsin grassroots crew, awards trophies to the top 3 overall and MATTS medallions for category winners (e.g., Seniors, Masters, Recumbents). Register at wiilcycle.org/register for $30 (adults) or $15 (juniors) – on-site adds $10, opening at 7:45 AM. Post-race, gather in the air-conditioned Civic Center for awards and snacks, a standout among Illinois cycling events.
The course is a dead-flat out-and-back, starting at the Civic Center off IL-84. Riders head north along IL-84, tracing the Mississippi River, with one turn onto a rural stretch (e.g., 150th Ave N), hitting a 10 km (20k) or 20 km (40k) turnaround in the road before racing back. Elevation is minimal (<50 ft), with smooth pavement through Cordova’s open farmland – perfect for 25-30 mph efforts. Wind exposure is high, with little cover from cornfields, demanding focus on pacing. Open to traffic, safety is critical – ride right, use a rear red blinker (highly recommended), and follow marshals. Course records (40k: Jeff Otto, 52:01 @ 28.67 mph; Leigh Thompson, 58:26 @ 25.24 mph) set the bar—test your speed on this Midwest classic.
Dr Craig Schultz Memorial 20k-40k TT Weather
Mid-July weather in Cordova brings hot, humid conditions, with morning temperatures ranging from 75-85°F at the 9:01 AM start – expect a sweaty, intense ride. Humidity averages 80-90%, amplifying the heat—bring two bottles per rider for hydration. Winds blow at 8-12 mph, often from the south or southwest, offering a tailwind one way and headwind the other – pace wisely. There’s a 30-40% chance of scattered showers or thunderstorms, though mornings often hold clear – check forecasts closer to race day for gear adjustments.
Travel Directions
- From Milwaukee, WI (160 miles southwest): Take I-94 W south ~80 miles to I-294 S, go south 20 miles to I-88 W, follow 50 miles to IL-78 N (Exit 44), head north 15 miles to IL-84 N, then 10 miles to 910 3rd Ave S (2.5-3 hr drive).
- From Madison, WI (140 miles southeast): Drive south on I-90 E ~80 miles to I-39 S, take I-88 W 40 miles to IL-78 N (Exit 44), go north 15 miles to IL-84 N, then 10 miles to 910 3rd Ave S (2.25-2.5 hr drive).
- From Chicago, IL (110 miles southwest): Take I-88 W ~90 miles to IL-78 N (Exit 44), head north 15 miles to IL-84 N, then 10 miles to 910 3rd Ave S (2-2.25 hr drive).
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