Section head text.
The sponsorship argument
It’s begging season! The time of year when teams are assaulting businesses with freshly printed proposals and mind boggling stats. Did you know that by having your logo on our team shorts you will reap the benefits of thousands of sets of eyeballs viewing them at drive time?
Is giving money to a bike team worth it, promotion-wise? What makes you think that you and your team are worthy of sponsorship?
…and you want to be my latex salesman?
Park Police (not NYPD) kicked 5 of us out of the park this morning at about 5:15am stating that the park does not open until 6am. We rode around the park perimeter for a half hour and ducked back in around 5:50pm. At that time there were at least 100+ cyclists and joggers as usual going around the loop and resevoir.
Is this part of a new crackdown or just an example of a park cop with nothing better to do?
with our first year as a team coming up and my first time begging, i find it hard to believe that people will give me money for jersey space… We have 2 equipment sponsors already but how do you get people to lay out cash???? Any tips would be usefull. Be honest now, it seems like every team has some sort of in with their sponsors. Is it pointless to go to local buisness and the like??? We have a proposal and i have a heck of a smile!
I think it depends on who the sponsor is, business that depend on the local racing scene can benefit greatly, corporate behemoths with million dollars ad campaigns are just doing , well, usually as a favor for someone on the team.
Just promise to spend multiples of the sponsorship $ on beer in their fine establishment.
I think the key here is the favor part – there arent many, if any, sponsors that were approached randomly – most are avid cyclists who run businesses, or employees going to employers for a small donation. Gotta hit up people you know, not just knock on doors…
Do sponsor’s really give substantial money or is it just cool to ride around with logos?
entirely depends on the company but like you say 9 times out of 10 its because someone in the company has an association with the team. In VB’s case I think it worked quite well and certainly most cyclists in the NY area wouldn’t have heard of VB before but probably would now and if they were planing a trip to Europe would be more inclined to visit http://www.visitbritain.com – like to think so anyway.
On the other hand I remember a few years back some huge contruction company sponsoring a team – can’t really see any big developers spotting a cycling jersey and thinking – yup I’d be better off using them for my next skyscraper. Then again it would only take one person to think like that to pay off all the subteam budgets for a long time to come.
Restaurants work – I’d be inclined to go to one that sponsored a team, banks I wouldn’t. Bike shops I would, hedge funds I wouldn’t.
It was probably due to Halloween. I’m in there at that time 3+ days a week and have never had a problem. I would have just tried the next entrance.
Steve Rosenblum and Ben Hughes were the masters of getting Sponsership mulla. Very polished presentation.
The entrance wasn’t blocked. He actually escorted us out of the park with his truck. First time it has ever happened to us in the two years we have been riding this early.
Re:crackdown
Two of us were kicked out one morning a few months ago. It was around 4:15 am and i think we might have woken the cop up or something…..he repeated several times that he would not be giving us a ticket so we high tailed it out of the park and rode down the west side bike path and then reentered around 5. We were told that the park opened at sunrise. I get into the park at 5 3-4 mornings a week and have not had any trouble before or after that one incident.
Marathon stuff too
OK, I am hoping it was an isolated incident. Thanks Anthony. By the way, you are one sick mother for being in the park at 4:15am. I thought 5am was ridiculous.
4:15 is not so bad. The bars close at 4.
Sponsorship dollars are tough to get. I know – we have been working hard at it for 5 years now and I tell you, every year we have to go out and solicit money, fundraiser etc etc. It is hard hard hard. Even with the best proposal in hand.
As Justin eluded, it has to do with the relationship and typically it is easiest to raise money from within the company you work with or represent. That strategy has worked for us.
Also, it might make sense to hit up companies that have a direct benefit in this business – eg Champion System. Or local business which are tyring to imact the geographic market your are in. Beer is good – and Wine too. Beverage media is HUGE typically – worthwhile finding out from friends who to call. Years ago – Rennie road for Seagrams – that was pretty good too.
Still in the end – IT IS HARD WORK. For me, my brother and the guys that help me run the team – its our 2nd full time job. And for some (like Rennie and I) its our 3rd because we have families.
So my advice
1) create a proposal
2) talk to your boss – get them to invest in your hobby
3) talk to friends and family – find out who might be interested
4) drink lots of RED BULL to keep trying to close sponsors
5) Be sure you have guys that are committed to you – its key – all your hard work in the end – you should have loyal people.
My 2 cents. I hoped it helped.
Ray
Everybody loves Ray!
Red Bull’s replacing Champion system?
Curious as to why the nyvelocity guys had to pay for their kits with four sponsors on their jerseys.
Curious as to why the nyvelocity guys had to pay for their kits with four sponsors on their jerseys.
nyvelocity was created as a gimmick to feed the upton coaching business. the money probably went to pay for coaching
I dont love Ray he is kinda a dumbass, The Champion system thing was a great team and he f-that up. The elite team had great riders some of which turned pro.
Your 2 cents are just that 2 cents worth nothing.
People who want something (or everything) for nothing.
Just to clarify….. I can say that the "Upton Coaching Business" didn’t take cent from the nyvelocity team. And the "Upton Coaching Business" had nothing to do with creating the team.
Just to clarify….. I can say that the "Upton Coaching Business" didn’t take cent from the nyvelocity team. And the "Upton Coaching Business" had nothing to do with creating the team.
For all the time spent on raising sponsorship $, how about instead get a bunch of matching plain jerseys, maybe get the club name sublimated on them, and ride them year after year. Oh yeah I forgot, it that wouldn’t look serious enough.
Wow. I hate when idiots post stuff and they can’t even own up to it. Face it, if you were MAN enough you would OWN up to it and use your real name. Come on -what are you afraid of. Do you think I will hurt you or something? Stop being pussies and post your names!
It’s sad that guys like you are pretty much useless and probably only look out for themselves rather than the team they are on. You are what I call an opportunist and believe me plenty of them exist in this sport. It’s sad that guys like me bust their asses for idiots like you – why, I can afford my own bike and my own clothes and I have my own car and certainly don’t need a bunch of whining babies bitching to me about their bikes, entry fees etc. I do it because I want to help guys get things that I couldn’t get when I was younger. Give the people the opportunity to afford to race!
I am not sure how I fucked up my program – the fact is, it takes money. Champion System has been generous and we essentially helped them define a market, their brand and helped them penetrate areas of the cycling more quickly than if they didn’t have us. Truth is – nobody in cycling even knew who they were – and our team helped give them credibility and too get them plenty of orders, even within the CRCA subteams. The fact is – we are still raising money for 07 – and I can tell you I will still have a team to reckon with next year. So I am not sure how I f-ed up my program.
Yes – some guys moved on to what apparently are better deals – Jared to Mengoni, Devon I think to Sakkonet (though I thought he was going to Colavita), Jones to Target Training now I think Nerac. So basically the program I had basically gave these riders enough clout to get onto better programs. If you consider guys MOVING ON UP to better programs – I think you better reconsider your assumption.
You can call me a dumb-ass all you want, and as my Momma said to me – it takes one to know one. So my hunch you aren’t the brightest cupcake around. The one thing I for sure have over your sorry ass is CLASS, plenty of friends and I will have a team that will probably make you look stupid next season.
Ray
I would also like to add that I have <b>BALLS</b> because I am never afraid to post my name with my comments!
I certainly don’t feel the impact. I never have the need to purchase equipements at pro deal discount price because I don’t have to. Or I already own the items already. Our team has no team car. Our race entry fees don’t get reimbursed. We have to buy our team kit and to pay our membership fee. On the other hand, I train more than 10 hours a week, and more than 100 miles. Commuting as well in my team kit. Our sponsors get enough exposure for sure. I still train as hard or even harder. I still race hard and harder each time. What do I get in return??? Run that by me again???? đ Maybe is true that telling others that you have sponsors makes your team to look cooler.
Well put Ray.
I feel like the only real benefit a rider around here can really get from riding on a team is the bike shop sponsership. The local H. post has a point. We could all afford our own kits I’m sure, but to pay full $ for repeatedly purchasing chains, cogsets, cables, tubes, tires and such can add up throughout a cycling season. Bike shops win with the swelling of business, racers win for the obvious. All the other sponser stuff is just doe used to get free clothing.
B/c that certain Lance guy. the guy with only one ball, will be all doped up for the marathon this week. Too bad they wont test him.
You could be right. You could be right.
Last time I checked – my balls were working just fine. So no drugs for me yet. Either way I would still suck. Maybe it’s cause I keep doing this TEAM management thing.
Ray
Ray writes like a girl.
Pleae lay off Ray. He is a cool guy and very good for the sport of cycling. We need more people like him.
He still writes like a girl.
Also, I don’t see how Ray is good for the sport. He only manages a local team. That does not make him an ambassador for cycling by any means. And the simple fact that he knows a lot of people who ride bikes locally does not do much to further the sport either. I don’t see him in front of they city gov’t fighting for less ticketing in the park. Nor do I see him promoting races. Charlie I is far better for the sport locally than Ray has been. He may be a good guy and he does what he can for his team, but I think it goes about as far as that.
Ray would encourage anyone into the sport of cycling – hes totally non-elitist in his enthusiasm and would have a kind word for anyone on a bike regardless of their ability. A few more Ray Alba’s wouldn’t go amiss in all walks of life.
how does that further the sport? being nice is great, but im pretty sure most people that ride would encourage anyone to try it and are pretty nice about it.
Either way, this was supposed to be about sponsorship, not Ray, so just drop it. Let Ray have his own fan site and you can post your admiration there.
Not true at all! A lot of roadies are too concerned with looking cool and making other newer riders feel like second class citizens .
well those are cat 4’s, and they need to think they are cool cause they are 2nd class racers. they dont count.
well those are cat 4’s, and they need to think they are cool cause they are 2nd class racers. they dont count.
Hater – who are you? I mean, be a man. Why do have to hide behind the curtain. Are you afraid of me? Or are you afraid that people might not like you for bashing me.
I never proclaim to be an ambassador of the sport, however, I do plenty to encourage people to ride their bikes, ride for fun and for sure ride hard. Other than this team, you have no CLUE what I do to help this sport. Which includes helping Charlie I and of course helping Champion System and other sponsors.
You forget – cycling to me is more than just RACING. That is where my team differs from yours perhaps. I mandate that my riders use their bikes to raise funds for good causes, I also do plenty in the cycling community to make riding in the city streets better, recently I sat down with members of the TBD (Times Square Business District) to disucss setting up a race in Midtown – in the bowtie. We have donated money to races and have had our sponsors contribute money to events – Harlem being one of them.
So I think you better get your facts straight and start to think more about your accusations and assumptions. Nobody is perfect, not EVEN me, and for sure you too have your issues. That is clear because you don’t have the guts to come out and say to all of us readers who you are.
The cycling world needs more people like Rennie and I, trying to help others get better in this sport, or for that fact, into the sport of cycling as a means of fitness and for fun.
Now, I think you might be better of reflecting on yourself and your issues first before you flame someone, such as I, who has done more to help this sport than you. Maybe it’s best you get out of the sport entirely and do something that is more your speed which seems to be whining. I believe other blogs exists which you can post your sad and silly opinions of people that are merely trying to improve the image of cycling – and give people an opportunity to afford this expensive sport.
To thost that support me – I am thankful and appreciate the kind words. For those that don’t – oh well – life isn’t perfect.
Best,
Ray
well those are cat 4’s, and they need to think they are cool cause they are 2nd class racers. they dont count.
And if Hater were to post his name – I bet his ass might be kicked off his team – and perhaps if he or she managed a team – then this blog might make it back to their sponsor – and possibly they might even lose that sponsor.
This post only became about me because an ANON idiot decided to bash me which could be this Hater character. I have had a good local/regional team for 4 years and I have produced loads of guys – who were 4’s a couple of years ago – into very good elite athletes. This is due to the fact that I believe in motiviating people and I have successfully raised the funds to provide the riders with the things they need to improve quickly. And yes – riders have moved on- to better teams perhaps. This is the nature of any sport or for that fact job!
Now back to sponsorship- when you are trying to get sponsors – the company you are soliciting has to believe that you can help their business. You do that, then you have won most of the battle.
Obviously for good advice – someone should speak with Ken Harris and Mike Sherry as I know they have raised a good amount of money for their new team. In addition speak to Basil – great guy – as he also knows what it takes to raise money for sponsorship.
Best,
Ray
only european professional teams, and not even all of them, are economically wothy of sponsorship. American UCI continental team sponsors usually a CEO with an invested personal interest in cycling. They lose money, always.
only european professional teams, and not even all of them, are economically wothy of sponsorship. American UCI continental team sponsors usually a CEO with an invested personal interest in cycling. They lose money, always.
What you fail to realize is that most means of traditional advertising fail to hit the customer. And you are completely wrong about the advertiser losing money – case in point our sponsor Champion System or even Flyte bikes. They for sure reeped benefits from sponsorship and continue to do so. Other sponsors perhaps there is a loss factor but, when you figure out what it cost to place a 2×2 ad in a local paper versus sponsoring a team – with 15 to 20 riders – that ride all the time – the ROI is probably better. If that weren’t true – then you wouldn’t have the type of sponsorship we have witnessed lately.
Years ago – cat 4’s had NOTHING – now we are seeing completely kitted cat 4 teams. Which to me is a good thing? It shows that the sport is growing. And believe me -cat 4’s are where the money is at – and have the best pull to getting more sponsors involved in the sport. Why because thousands of these riders exist!
Ray
Charlie for President!
last i checked neither ray nor charlie was running for MVP of cycling new york. this is a dumb argument.
try adding a bit more color to your posts. i like how you establish yourself as a raving lunatic (you are off to a good start) but you need some more outlandish statements in your post to take it beyond the "this guy is dumb" level and move on to the "this guy is F%$king hylarious!"
try things like, "i hate NYPD" to get our emotions running hot and then follow it up with jokes about ray’s natty dread or the poor dood that crashed and broke his carbon bars, bike, seatpost, wheels and cranks. "honey, 7 thousand dollars is a small price to pay for a bike this sweet!"
whoops!
get on netflicks.com right now and pick out every will farrel video you can find. follow it up with vince vaughn. crazy meets funny is totally hylarious. just plain dumb is dumb.
love – dolan.
"bicycle racing is not a popular sport in the United States,"
from article about wheelchairs in running races.
well those are cat 4’s, and they need to think they are cool cause they are 2nd class racers. they dont count.
Beyond a possible bike shop discount, other incentives to ride on a cat3/4 level team is participation in group training rides, sharing of expenses to out of town races, the camaraderie of team mates, with some becoming good friends. None of the guys I ride with consider themselves anything close to a pro, now or ever. WhatââŹâ˘s in it for a sponsor at that level? I still canââŹâ˘t figure it out. The riders clearly enjoy the benefits though.
I’m so sick of the whole Puerto fiasco these days. I just read some stuff about Langkawi and it seems that this doping thing, though the artlcle doesnt directly mention it, has a lot of its backers questioning the races’ need to continue. I dont know about you guys but Langkawi for me is sort of a statement race. Lots of good riders that do well there go on to the next level. I hope to see SKNT do this some day if they havent already. The scandel, in my opinion, equates to something of a poorly written soap opera chocked full of tabloid fodder. So where are we now….all of the guys they pointed the finger @ in July were either let off the hook (Liberty dudes) or shelved due to lack of anything concrete (ullrich,basso etc..) which they knew back in July! Now that the season is over all of a sudden guys are getting cleared to race? The whole thing just stinks quite honestly. The timing of the tabloid like release during the height of the biggest cycling event of the season and now the way its silently sort of peetering out @ the end of the season. So newspapers can sit back chew the fat about how much money they made selling papers this summer and bathing in their multiple site hits and meanwhile an innocent athlete’s career is basically shat upon.
Dont hate Ray hate JP its more fun
Just wanting to say that "hater" is not me. I always capitalize my Hater moniker.
Just sayin’ for those who know me – my Hate is always in fun – this "hater" is not fun.
So the JP hate is making a page jump?
What kind of sponsorship did High Gear Cyclery offer JP to get him to jump from Kissena? Was any cash involved? If so can someone please ask JP to give me a call. He has my #.
Ray, you are a good man. On the road and off the road. Dont worry about the haters(fake or real). Go on with the stuff that you…Ultimately, they are all jealous b/c they dont have the balls and the passion. There are some morons out there, who can only criticize at what they dont like or what they dont have. But you also have many who support you and consider you asset to the sport. EW
Ray, congratulations on joining the hated club. It is filled with those deserving of respect. The committment you make to your family alone speaks volumes about your quality as a person. Tony Settel
NYVELOCITY
Do you think you could start a hate JP page. I would happily post with my real name.
JP jumped ship because he is madly in love with Igor, which became apparent from the Puerto dosier. High Gear cyclery was mentioned in the documents under the nickname Fake Naviagtors. Poaching NY riders by NJ teams has previously happened when Ideal Tile hired DS to lead the team (supposedly cash offer) which failed miserably — Castro arrested for importing drugs, team falling apart, poor results, blah blah blah
Thank you Ray for running the team professionally and thank you for all the time and effort you put into it!!! We can only hope for dedicated people like Ray, Charlie, Mike, and others like them. Thank You!!!
of some other country far away….like tanzania. at least they wouldn’t understand what he’s saying, and would be spared, kind of. lucky tanzanian bastards..
I’m just sick of everyone either wanting to kill ray or kiss him. Hes a rather insignificant person in the grand scheme of things, so no more discussion about it. JP is much more fun. and whats with all this talk of balls, i think you guys got some seriously suppressed feelings you might want to look into.
Both with the Champion System elite team and also with getting new riders into the sport
because ray alba eats anonymous posters for breakfast when he discovers their identities..He shrinks their heads and keeps the wee skulls in his ridonkulously huge tuft hair. Laffy taffy.
Why don’t you just go suck your own balls and get off this site. While JP may be entertaining, you guys just suck. Your irresponsible attackes are getting really boring and just annoying. Go somewhere else, really. And btw, I am sure you are ugly, like you anon name.
Again, why don’t you just go suck your own balls and get off this site. While JP may be entertaining, you guys just suck. Your irresponsible attacks are getting really boring and just annoying. Go somewhere else, really. And btw, I am sure you are ugly, like your anon name.
ray fuck em just turn ur back and do ur shit
Cat3, Cat4….even most of the Cat 2 guys…we are all just bunch of potatoEs in a sack, "wannabies".
We all want to look cool with stylin’kits with sponsors. We train hard and are committed to the sport, and kits are the only way that visually separates us from those bubble gum indoor spinners or know-it-all-NYCC riders – so nothing wrong with rewarding ourselves with fancy kits/sponsors.
Let’s not take ourselves too seriously and start attacking those who try to do best for the team, the club or the sport. Because of guys like Ray, Alex O, and team managers and board members that cycling remains colorful in NYC.
you belong in the zoo
"We all want to look cool with stylin’kits with sponsors"
Well, I’m on a team with nice clothes provided, but I’m on it because of the teammates, not the goods. And the last couple years before that I helped run a team with no sponsorship. We didn’t think it was worth our time to pursue sponsors anymore and just kept wearing old stuff. As that stuff wore out, we were thinking of plain jerseys with just CRCA logos (as required by the club) actually.
Beause when his name comes up I’m reminded he owes me serious money.
Also hard to ignore because he seems to be out riding a lot.
thats what im talking about jcm. yeah, let him do his thing, but lets shut the fuck up about it.
what does he owe you money for?
Rent Ha ha JT lived with JP
JFT has issues
Is that news? Of course I’ve got issues.
JFT may have issues bit JP is a true TOOL!!
Without Ray, JT, Schmaltz, Eric Berend, Cubi, Gacki …..and a few select others, this local scene would be oh, so empty. Mihael
wow
meow
actually, if JT didn’t have a computer, the local scene would be better off.
He whines too much.
Maybe it’s the mordern internet culture that I just don’t understand – which is possible – but some of the things I see on this site are truely disturbing. For myself, having been referred to here as "big, fat, bald idiot," it is frightening to read this stuff, and to think that people have such rage churning up their insides like this. Of course being anonymous in posting helps their bravery in getting these deep feelings out I guess.
In cycling, the hard part is actually doing something. It’s getting blood from a stone. So, even though one or another might have issues with Ray or Craig or me or anyone else trying to make something, anything happen in the sport, for goodness sake – either do it better yourselves, make constructive suggestions, offer to help, or be quiet. What’s more, the sport has always attracted slightly (or majorly) off-center individuals. So freaks unite! Thank god we have a few like JP left – the sport is becoming so vanilla.
In terms of sponsorships, you have to find a message that is appealing to your targets. It might be something a simple as: "we are a bunch of nice guys who keep our bikes clean, will represent you well – maybe win a race or two, and send you a really cool set of pictures for your restaurant to display. And we’ll have big dinner there twice a year."
With Sakonnet – the message is "we will help young riders further their careers."
For the bike shops, I think the teams give them very good visibility. The problem there comes (often) from the rider’s sense of entitlement verses the reality of what a shop can afford to do. Loyalty becomes a issue too, when a sponsoring shop finds their team supporting other shops and services.
My Univest race works because the community wants to have something world-class to act as a uniting force, and the local businesses see that happening and want to be involved. We also deliver a very extensive set of benefits and media exposure to them.
THe Colavita team sponsorship works because they give excellent image, get a surprising amount of media coverage and are very well marketed. Of course the CEO is crazy for the sport – but the team has to justify his investment.
The main thing is not to overpromise. But, try and overdeliver, at least a little bit. Try and tap into the passion for the sport. Here and in Europe, that is the most reliable means to get support. And there are a surprising amount of racing fans out there, often in positions to help, who might find the idea of supporting a team to be a fun project. Push the idea that you are trying to develop a sport. But just don’t overpromise. It’s a small sport, even at the pro level, and really delivering hard returns is very tough. Good image, cool factor, a unique approach, these are the buttons I’d push if I were back in the teams game. John
Maybe it’s the mordern internet culture that I just don’t understand – which is possible – but some of the things I see on this site are truely disturbing. For myself, having been referred to here as "big, fat, bald idiot," it is frightening to read this stuff, and to think that people have such rage churning up their insides like this. Of course being anonymous in posting helps their bravery in getting these deep feelings out I guess.
In cycling, the hard part is actually doing something. It’s getting blood from a stone. So, even though one or another might have issues with Ray or Craig or me or anyone else trying to make something, anything happen in the sport, for goodness sake – either do it better yourselves, make constructive suggestions, offer to help, or be quiet. What’s more, the sport has always attracted slightly (or majorly) off-center individuals. So freaks unite! Thank god we have a few like JP left – the sport is becoming so vanilla.
In terms of sponsorships, you have to find a message that is appealing to your targets. It might be something a simple as: "we are a bunch of nice guys who keep our bikes clean, will represent you well – maybe win a race or two, and send you a really cool set of pictures for your restaurant to display. And we’ll have big dinner there twice a year."
With Sakonnet – the message is "we will help young riders further their careers."
For the bike shops, I think the teams give them very good visibility. The problem there comes (often) from the rider’s sense of entitlement verses the reality of what a shop can afford to do. Loyalty becomes a issue too, when a sponsoring shop finds their team supporting other shops and services.
My Univest race works because the community wants to have something world-class to act as a uniting force, and the local businesses see that happening and want to be involved. We also deliver a very extensive set of benefits and media exposure to them.
THe Colavita team sponsorship works because they give excellent image, get a surprising amount of media coverage and are very well marketed. Of course the CEO is crazy for the sport – but the team has to justify his investment.
The main thing is not to overpromise. But, try and overdeliver, at least a little bit. Try and tap into the passion for the sport. Here and in Europe, that is the most reliable means to get support. And there are a surprising amount of racing fans out there, often in positions to help, who might find the idea of supporting a team to be a fun project. Push the idea that you are trying to develop a sport. But just don’t overpromise. It’s a small sport, even at the pro level, and really delivering hard returns is very tough. Good image, cool factor, a unique approach, these are the buttons I’d push if I were back in the teams game. John
Good post
Bravo John. Thanks for the post and support. He is right – if you all you can is post stupid things about people who are tyring to make this sport better, then I too sugggest getting off your ass and make something happen. And I bet you will also be subject to the same BS I get everytime for posting a good response to a thread.
Best,
Ray
So many folks here are falling right into the haters trap. The kiddies have been watching too much MTV and think it is funny to get a rise out of other folks. It seems that if you are doing anything that gets you a little recognition, you will be a target for these fools. Just ignore them and they will go away.
I too often wondered how all these teams were getting all of these great sponsors. I asked a few folks and in most cases someone on the team was related to the company in one way or another. If a company has a huge advertising budget, they can afford to spend some of it on a cycling team sponosorship even if theri ROI is not as great as other venues. They still get the tax benefits.
I pretend to race with a team with no sponsorhip. To me it really makes no difference. This is my hobby and I don’t mind paying for it. I think it would be a TREMENDOUS bonus if someone was willing to give us money just to have their logo on our jersey. I enjoy riding with my teamates, and that is what is important.
As JE points out, even at the professional level we are a small sport. so we should not expect the big bucks.
Just get out on your bike and have fun. That’s the important part.
Great post, John.
Thanks John,
Well said, your insight is needed in this community, you should post more here- and where is your NYVC interview ?
except for the part about thanking god for JP. if there’s one thing we’ve learned from all this, no one likes JP, except JT. But he doesn’t have choice, since their names are so similar..
Well, I like both JP and JT very much. Both love the sport, do lots and lots to help it in an effective manner, and are interesting persons. They both have a deep historic knowledge and perspective on the local scene that i find quite valuble to tap into when needed. Plus, I always loved the X-Men when I was a kid, and I think that’s where they actually came from.
this site has been blessedly blowhard free (more or less). please keep it that way. you know what I’m talking about.
JT is funny, charming and in genral fun to talk to in a race. JP on the other hand is just a know-it-all.
I’m talking about the other blowhard.
I like your post. But don’t take all this crap too seriously. The Haters tend to be guys trying to get under the skin of the vulnerable. I seriously doubt that any of them actually hate anyone. Except for maybe JP, which is sad, but he must be at least partially at fault for that. Individuals rarely get singled out on this site. To be singled out for as long as he has, on so many different pages, means one thing: he must have done something to ask for it. Times like this call for introspective analysis. Why am I such a doosh bag? Am I capable of being less of a doosh bag? Should I try to be less of a doosh bag? Should I pay JT the rent I owe him? These and other deep thoughts could help all of us avoid being singled out and flamed anonymously on this site. I seriously, and anonymously, encourage everyone NOT to be a doosh bag. Don’t let this happen to you. More important, don’t let this happen to us.
Seriously, JE. Nice post. You are a good man.
By the way: I know "doosh" isn’t the correct spelling, so everyone put your keyboards away, take a deep breath and relax.
well done
Is there a way to get a list of riders that are not on a team for the 2007 season, or have left the CRCA club and or sub team? Thank you…
I hear people are leaving NYVelocity in droves. What gives?
My guess is that it is the 9 man team limit that led to the NYVC exodus. If you have 20 B’s on a team some of them won’t get to race. You can probably guess that the people that are leaving are the one’s that weren’t going to get to race.
its your own damn fault that people are posting really mean stuff, you idiots. you have provided them with a venue to do so and in some cases instigated the slander. but i guess if you take the nasty stuff down, you feel better about being assbags, huh?
We didnt make you an asshole…
funny word.
Agreed…..I too found "assbags" to be a funny word.
Anyway sorry for them momentary off subj. question but…which race punches the nuts harder – Battenkill or the Bear race? Prioritizing 07′.
That’s an easy one. Ride Battenkill and help organize the Bear race. No one has stepped forward to be Open Racing director so your help is needed.
Good to know…I just needed an effort assessment since I know the bear course. I have always skipped the spring race to officiate. Been doing that for 3yrs – I wouldnt have the time to take on full Race Director resp. but am always willing to be the right hand man!
Actually, a couple of people have stepped up for the race director position and the details are being ironed out – there is still a formal process of nomination and voting that has to happen.
I’m pretty sure it will be a full team again next year. Don’t worry.
if the 9 rider rule gets in the way of development teams doing some good stuff, maybe it’s a bad rule.
It should apply to field championship races though. Scratch races should be a free for all.
I talked to one guy who rode for them last year and it was my impression that it was a 1 year deal.
Why do you think ALL the riders who helped win the B-Cup are leaving?That’s 9+ guy …and btw where are they going?ML? Adler? Edgemontt? Vegan?Metro…or?
jesus christ, please stop taking about the crca b’s like its the uci pro tour…its pathetic and just painful to read..
Battenkill is a harder course overall than Bear, IMO. It also helps to pre ride it as the elevation chart is a bit misleading.
If guys stopped talking about the B’s no one would be interested in this site.
If by "helped win the B-cup" you mean riding in the races but not scoring any points then you may have 9+ guys. By my count there were four guys that placed in cup races: Shaw, Brown, Mecray, and Brownlie. They were recruited to other teams. I hear the others are forming thier own team. There is a big difference between being recruited and leaving.
cmon….the B field & cat IV rides were fun this year. We had way more charisma in our bunch. How could you not dig the Garcia win or Aaron’s G mtn. success – B’s vs. Riseth, Omalley attacks that you could set your alarm to, Prinsloo’s winning gap, Mo stompin FBF, of course Rady’s Toefield defense that the 3 fld never caught and Accardi. Only NYC!
Thanks for the Battenkill tip. How far is it from NYC?