The Fall Fling Road TT (Time Trial), sponsored by Athletes by Design (ABD) and hosted by the Wisconsin-Illinois Cycling Association (WIIL Cycle), is a thrilling solo race in Maple Park, IL, starting at Lions Park (42W431 Airport Rd, Maple Park, IL 60151). This American Bike Racing (ABR)-sanctioned event begins at 8:00 AM CDT, with riders launching every 30 seconds as part of the Mid America Time Trial Series (MATTS). Covering 20 km (12.4 miles), this flat, fast course welcomes all levels—juniors, masters, and open categories—offering a late-season speed test within ABD’s Fall Fling series (abdcycling.com). ABD, a Chicago-area cycling powerhouse, awards medals for the top 5 per category and cash prizes ($30 for fastest overall, women, and juniors). Register at wiilcycle.org/register for $30 (adults) or $15 (juniors) – on-site adds $10, opening at 6:30 AM; TrueSport registration is also available. Post-race, enjoy snacks and grassroots vibes at the park, a standout among Illinois cycling events.
The course is a classic out-and-back, starting at Lions Park near Airport Rd. Riders head west on Airport Rd, then south onto rural roads like Francis Rd or Perry Rd, hitting a 10 km turnaround before racing back. It’s nearly flat (<50 ft elevation), with smooth pavement winding through Kane County’s open farmland—ideal for 25-30 mph efforts over 12.4 miles. Sparse tree cover exposes riders to wind, emphasizing power and pacing. Open to traffic, safety is critical – ride right, use a rear red blinker (highly recommended), and follow marshals at crossings. Past ABD TTs clock top times around 25-28 minutes – bring your late-season form to this Midwest gem.
Fall Fling Road TT Weather
Mid-September weather in Maple Park offers mild, crisp conditions, with morning temperatures ranging from 60-70°F at the 8:00 AM start—perfect for a comfortable ride that warms later. Humidity averages 65-75%, keeping it slightly sticky – bring a bottle for hydration. Winds blow at 8-12 mph, often from the south or southwest, providing a tailwind one way and headwind the other – pace to leverage the breeze. There’s a 20-30% chance of light showers, though mid-September mornings are typically dry – check forecasts closer to race day for gear adjustments.
Travel Directions
- From Milwaukee, WI (85 miles southwest): Take I-94 W south ~40 miles to I-43 S, exit at WI-120 S (Exit 36), go south 20 miles to IL-173 W, turn right, follow 15 miles to IL-64 W, turn right, go 5 miles to Airport Rd, turn left to 42W431 Airport Rd (1.5-1.75 hr drive).
- From Madison, WI (100 miles southeast): Drive east on I-90 E ~80 miles, exit at IL-23 S (Exit 36), go south 15 miles to IL-64 W, turn right, follow 5 miles to Airport Rd, turn left to 42W431 Airport Rd (1.75-2 hr drive).
- From Chicago, IL (50 miles northwest): Take I-90 W ~40 miles, exit at IL-47 S (Exit 52), go south 8 miles to IL-64 W, turn right, follow 2 miles to Airport Rd, turn left to 42W431 Airport Rd (1-1.25 hr drive).
Roads are open to vehicular traffic.
Registration
Entry Fee: ABR Members $30, Juniors racing Junior category $15. Race second time $10.
Day of Race: $10 additional – Opens at 7:30am
ABR membership required: purchase one day $5 or Annual $25, Junior annual $10
Awards
MATTS points towards season overall prizes. Medals 5 deep in each category
Fastest times of the day cash awards:
- Overall – 1st-$30, 2nd-$25, 3rd-$20, 4th-$15, 5th-$10
- Women – 1st-$30, 2nd-$25, 3rd-$20, 4th-$15, 5th-$10
- Juniors – 1st-$15, 2nd-$10, 3rd-$5
Awards will be available on the day of race, at the next MATTS event, and at the end-of-season awards party.
Responses