The Illinois TT Championship 20-30k, sponsored by American Bicycle Racing (ABR) and hosted by the Wisconsin-Illinois Cycling Association (WIIL Cycle), is a premier solo race in Garden Prairie, IL, starting at the SESI High Road Therapeutic School parking lot (7133 Garden Prairie Rd, Garden Prairie, IL 61038). This ABR-sanctioned event, a crown jewel of the Mid America Time Trial Series (MATTS), begins at 9:01 AM CDT, with riders launching every minute to compete for state titles. Offering 20 km (12.4 miles) for juniors and masters 70+ or 30 km (18.6 miles) for others, this flat-to-rolling course draws top talent across all levels—juniors, masters, and open categories. ABR, dedicated to promoting cycling (ambikerace.com), awards Illinois Championship jerseys to category winners, plus cash prizes ($40 for fastest overall, $30 for second, $20 for third, across men, women, and juniors). Register at wiilcycle.org/register for $35 (adults) or $20 (juniors)—on-site adds $10, opening at 7:30 AM. Post-race, celebrate with awards and snacks, a standout among Illinois cycling events.
The course is a fast out-and-back, starting just south of US-20 on Garden Prairie Rd. Riders head south, navigating a relatively flat route with a few rollers (elevation ~100-150 ft total), hitting a 10 km (20k) or 15 km (30k) turnaround before racing back. Smooth pavement winds through Boone County’s rural farmland, ideal for 25-30 mph efforts, though open fields amplify wind exposure. Roads are open to traffic—ride right, use a rear red blinker (highly recommended), and heed marshals; warm-ups are restricted to north of US-20 for safety. Past Garden Prairie TTs show top 30k times around 40-45 minutes—bring your speed to claim an Illinois TT title.
Illinois TT Championship 20-30k Weather
Mid-June weather in Garden Prairie offers warm, pleasant conditions, with morning temperatures ranging from 65-75°F at the 9:01 AM start—comfortable yet warming quickly. Humidity averages 65-75%, adding a slight stickiness—bring a bottle or two for hydration. Winds blow at 8-12 mph, often from the south or southeast, providing a tailwind one way and headwind the other—pace strategically. There’s a 25-35% chance of light showers, though mid-June mornings are typically dry—check forecasts closer to race day for gear tweaks.
Travel Directions
- From Milwaukee, WI (70 miles southwest): Take I-94 W south ~40 miles to I-43 S, exit at WI-120 S (Exit 36), go south 15 miles to US-20 W, turn right, follow 12 miles to Garden Prairie Rd, turn right to 7133 Garden Prairie Rd (1.25-1.5 hr drive).
- From Madison, WI (90 miles southeast): Drive east on I-90 E ~70 miles, exit at IL-23 S (Exit 36), go south 10 miles to US-20 E, turn left, follow 8 miles to Garden Prairie Rd, turn left to 7133 Garden Prairie Rd (1.5-1.75 hr drive).
- From Chicago, IL (60 miles northwest): Take I-90 W ~50 miles, exit at Genoa Rd (Exit 25), go north 5 miles to US-20 W, turn right, follow 5 miles to Garden Prairie Rd, turn right to 7133 Garden Prairie Rd (1-1.25 hr drive).
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