The Herscher Two Person Team TT (Time Trial), sponsored by Stray Kats Racing and hosted by the Wisconsin-Illinois Cycling Association (WIIL Cycle), is a unique tandem race in Herscher, IL, starting at Herscher Community Park (272 E 2nd St, Herscher, IL 60941). This American Bike Racing (ABR)-sanctioned event begins at 8:00 AM CDT, with teams of two launching every two minutes as part of the Mid America Time Trial Series (MATTS). Offering 25 km (15.5 miles) or 50 km (31 miles) options, this flat, fast course welcomes pairs across all levels—juniors, masters, and open categories—emphasizing teamwork and drafting strategy. Stray Kats Racing, a southern Wisconsin grassroots crew, awards medals for the top 5 teams per category and merchandise prizes (e.g., Bioshield T-9, Sapim donations) for top finishers. Register at wiilcycle.org/register—$30 per rider ($60/team) or $15 per junior ($30/team)—on-site adds $10, opening at 6:30 AM. Post-race, relax with snacks at the tree-lined park, a highlight of Illinois cycling events.
The course is a smooth out-and-back, starting at Herscher Community Park near IL-115. Teams head east on 2nd St, then north onto rural roads like County Rd 2700 E, hitting a 12.5 km (25 km race) or 25 km (50 km race) turnaround before returning. It’s dead flat (<50 ft elevation), with well-paved asphalt winding through Kankakee County’s open farmland—ideal for 25-30 mph efforts with a drafting partner. Sparse scenery keeps focus on pacing and coordination, as the trailing rider’s time sets the team’s finish. Open to traffic, safety is key—ride right, use a rear red blinker (highly recommended), and follow marshals. Past Herscher TTs show top 25 km times around 35-40 minutes—sync up for speed on this Midwest gem.
Herscher Two Person Team TT Weather
Early July weather in Herscher brings warm, humid conditions, with morning temperatures ranging from 70-80°F at the 8:00 AM start—expect a sticky rollout. Humidity averages 75-85%, 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 as a unit to leverage drafts. There’s a 30-40% chance of scattered showers or thunderstorms, though mornings often stay clear—check forecasts closer to race day for gear tweaks.
Travel Directions
- From Milwaukee, WI (120 miles southwest): Take I-94 W south ~80 miles to I-294 S, exit at I-55 S (Exit 277), go south 30 miles to IL-115 S (Exit 227), follow 10 miles to Herscher, turn left onto 2nd St to 272 E 2nd St (2-2.25 hr drive).
- From Madison, WI (140 miles southeast): Drive south on I-90 E ~100 miles to I-39 S, take I-55 S (Exit 97), go south 30 miles to IL-115 S (Exit 227), follow 10 miles to Herscher, turn left onto 2nd St to 272 E 2nd St (2.25-2.5 hr drive).
- From Chicago, IL (70 miles southwest): Take I-55 S ~60 miles to IL-115 S (Exit 227), go south 10 miles to Herscher, turn left onto 2nd St to 272 E 2nd St (1.25-1.5 hr drive).
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