Recruiting - DH, MTX/Slalom, & Super D Racers

[DownhillWebKook]

I am working with my local shop (in south OC) to put together next season's gravity race team. I am looking for serious, passionate, and dedicated racers in the expert and semi pro classes that are looking for shop sponsorship and support. Rider perks include substantial discounts on high-end product (hardware and software) and pit support at a variety of races. In addition, there will be incentives for podium finishes as well as some logistical support for various out-of-town races on the calendar.

Finally, because I am out of the game for another 8 weeks, I plan on making myself available to the team for coaching and training (filming, timing sections, data analysis, lugging around equipment, errands, etc.--whatever is needed to ensure the riders perform optimally) early in the season.

My goal is make sure the team is well taken care of and focused on having fun and racing.

Feel free to send me a message if you're interested. I think next season is going to be a blast especially since the team concept seems to be taking hold in greater numbers. Before you know it, it will be like NASCAR out there!

[2wheel_lee]

Can you say the name of the shop?

[tkblazer]

i would guess TBC

[ShinKen]

Originally Posted by tkblazer

i would guess TBC

???

[TURNERob]

Originally Posted by ShinKen

???

The Bike Company

[DownhillWebKook]

I was reluctant to mention because I didn't want to invite a discussion on shops. These threads often digress and I really did not want to lose focus.

Those of you that know me realize that I am very passionate about riding and racing. If you don't, then I hope you get that sense here. I rode for the team last year and really wanted to see something bigger come out of it. I rode with SBF the few seasons prior and really liked how that developed, especially with the integration of the Mongoose Tribe and the influence of Eric Carter. The Bike Co. shares a similar vision and presented the opportunity to put together another team this coming season. The plan is to have increased support for the riders and a better conduit to the vendors to ensure the riders have the equipment they need at good prices and in a timely fashion.

The idea is to really try and create a professional "experience" for the team--with good products and support. This is a very difficult proposition, but is something I have long thought about. Now I get to work on it. I therefore invite anyone with similar interests and aspirations to contact me. This is a fantastic chance to build something good, add energy to our sport, and invigorate the climate our local bike shops operate in. I look forward to hearing from you.

Thanks.

[2wheel_lee]

Thanks for bringing this to the table. Although other shops have offered various sponsorship packages, it's great to see yet another option from a very well respected bike shop. Although The Bike Company has a long tradition with their involvement with DH-type racing, it's seemed to have diminished in recent years. However, I believe that was a necessity to focus on the best interest of the shop and their customers. It's great to see they're getting back in the mix.

As the original poster mentioned, it's not about comparing different shops, but on a somewhat unrelated note, local DH racing will be very exciting, having local rival shops competing for bragging rights.

[tkblazer]

yup, Brad is a good guy and rider... its cool that he's willing to take time away from his family to help other riders/racers

[Dino Brown]

Attention Bike Co: If you like the idea of HANGING first place trophies on the wall- convince 2 Wheel Lee to come out of his "self-imposed" retirement!

He already has an UZZI and an M3.

Hold on...... OK...Yeah.... Uhh Huh...
.... Lee "may" be willing to race if you pass the SUBSTANTIAL DISCOUNTS on to me! Do not contact him directly! Send inquiries to the mailbox of Dino Brown!

P.S.- Long Live Kevin Fowler!

[Shu]

Frank Jansen and his 2 kids race for them now...he's 34-44 Expert and his kids are 12-13 range...He was set up w/ Kevin.....Stevie B from the OC will run w/ them too as soon as he's healthy enough to race...ME? I'm just the DH Photographer now....haha

[Dino Brown]

Long Live StevieB from the OC

[DownhillWebKook]

He's got the bikes so now it's just a little podium glory that we need to sprinkle on there.

I also hereby nominate Shu as the official photographer.

Damn, this thing's shapin' up!!!!

Originally Posted by Dino Brown

Attention Bike Co: If you like the idea of HANGING first place trophies on the wall- convince 2 Wheel Lee to come out of his "self-imposed" retirement!

He already has an UZZI and an M3.

Hold on...... OK...Yeah.... Uhh Huh...
.... Lee "may" be willing to race if you pass the SUBSTANTIAL DISCOUNTS on to me! Do not contact him directly! Send inquiries to the mailbox of Dino Brown!

P.S.- Long Live Kevin Fowler!

[Dino Brown]

Originally Posted by DownhillWebKook

He's got the bikes so now it's just a little podium glory that we need to sprinkle on there.

Lee's podium glory usually comes in the form of 1st place trophies! He sometimes "sprinkles" in an OVERALL title for good measure.

I will trade you a PERSONALIZED (i.e. autographed) photo of Lee in exchange for a $500 Bike Co. Gift Card!!! Whatta' Ya' Say?

All kidding aside, you SHOULD be commended! Increasing the number of racers, having friendly rivalries, increasing exposure for your fine shop, discounts, a sense of community, easing the cost of racing for those who may otherwise be unable to afford it..... BRAVO!

[Shu]

I will be "A" photographer but the title "OFFICIAL Photographer" should land on Sharky or Allison sense they are the GODS on this site....

[bighit8]

I'll give a go, but I have no idea ( racing wise) what my skill level is. So I would have to say Am or beginner at this point. If this an option well keep me informed.

[DownhillWebKook]

Originally Posted by bighit8

I'll give a go, but I have no idea ( racing wise) what my skill level is. So I would have to say Am or beginner at this point. If this an option well keep me informed.

Here's why.

I see the team functioning on three levels: personal, local, and global. Here's what I mean:

Personal - You ride on a team because you are a serious and motivated racer and cyclist. You're trying to actively improve your abilities and raise the bar for yourself by exposing yourself to competition and a diverse group of riders with mixed abilities often above that of your own. You wish to receive support, training, etc. to optimize your performance. And so on.

Local - You ride on a team because you are working to the benefit of local interests including your shop and other neighboring shops, local riding communities, the team itself, the racing community, and so on.

Global - You ride on a team because you are a champion of the sport and wish to see it flourish beyond the boundaries of your own locale. You want to work toward improved venues, facilities, and events. You want to create a viable environment and marketplace for manufacturers and retailers to create and sell their products in. And so on.

You influence and affect things on these levels by demonstrating good sportsmanship (in all that entails on and off the bike). You are an ambassador of sorts and you represent the sport, your sponsors, and yourself with the utmost professionalism.

You can do this in any class ranging from beginner to pro. Skill and ability is important, but so is heart. So, bring it.

[bighit8]

Sign me up then. I just need to know some sort of schedule to work around. Send me more info or I can come to the shop.

[Rockinthecasbah]

I may be in for 4x and downhill , o yea I can help out photography wise if you need some refrences ask sharky or anyone from fontana