2009 PMBA race team
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DrSaw
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« on: July 04, 2008, 06:17:39 PM »
Any interest in having an "official" PMBA team for MASS races, downhilling, etc? If so, I could look into lining up some indy bike manufacturers, shops, etc. that would fit the "fun" groove of PMBA. This process takes a long time, so thought I would plant the seed now.
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chunter
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« Reply #1 on: July 04, 2008, 10:12:00 PM »
I have conflicting thoughts on this.  I don't want to have PMBA become a partisan group.  We already have a hard enough time getting these race team guys to come out and do work.  Imagine if we had a race team kicking butt every weekend, someone might set fire to the forest!
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Lust4singletrack
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« Reply #2 on: July 04, 2008, 11:25:00 PM »
Neil are we still talking about the same sead I planted with you about a week ago? In in.
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« Reply #3 on: July 05, 2008, 06:29:06 AM »
1.There are many "neutral" teams out there representing areas or groups (Delaware Trail Spinners, VisitPa.Com, etc) and nobody has torched their home turf yet as far as I know. And if a PMBA downhiller up in New England won an event, I don't think the Wissy would burn down

2. Sorry, but we are not going to massacre the competition. There are riders entrenched with bike shop sponsored teams for years that are hammers.
 
3. If we do podium occasionaly, especially in beginner, that will show what we are all about: having fun on your bike and respecting the trails, especially at an "easier" race level.

4. We would have to get neutral sponsors. Example: A local frame builder or REI/EMS to work pro deals and service. Or sponsors that are not cycling direct competitors. We don't want to favor a certain shop or national bike brand that woud hurt PMBA in getting local support (i.e. Rally in the Valley)

5. Small investment. All you need are Jerseys, and the team members, to get any pro deals offered by sponsors, would have to do a small, minimum amount of races and group rides/TMDs. The racers would have to pay a fee (standard across most teams to join) usually just to cover cost of iniform or jersey.

6. Have a local neutral bike business be primary sponsor, and PMBA as secondary. If one sponsor can't make it to a race with their tent and some support that some riders want to go to, the other sponsor can try to go, and the first sponsor's banner could be used in tandem with the seconds tent.

7. I race for a team, and still get out for one FOW or PMBA TMD a month, along with some "self-motivated" projects occasionally. The PMBA team members would have to do some form of PMBA "non-riding" volunteer work; it would be in their contract. Even if the exposure from races got us an occasions "invisible" paying member, that money could go right to tools, etc.

Just some ideas to float around. Great way to get PMBA and any other bike friendly company(s) high exposure, plus emphasis our members to have fun in races, be ambassadors for the sport, and not make it a second job!!


« Last Edit: July 05, 2008, 12:43:33 PM by DrSaw » Logged
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Lou
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« Reply #4 on: July 05, 2008, 10:00:20 AM »
Excellent comments Neil. I might even dust off my tights for some races! But in the meantime I will be the coach and teach everyone how not to go over the bars and crash land on your head and shoulder...

2009 will be the year for us to do it. It's all positive. Hunter, you are correct about not getting many racers to join our TMD's, but a lot of people just dont have time and they are training for the races or whatever, but our riders will spread the word around the racing circuit and we will win new members and donations for our important work, ESPECIALLY if a PMBA rider shows up and spanks a bunch of shop guys...
« Last Edit: July 05, 2008, 11:20:28 AM by Luigi » Logged
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« Reply #5 on: July 05, 2008, 10:57:24 AM »
As a MT.Bike club, group, charter, (or whatever you call us) we are still  the beginning stages, crawling pretty fast though, and should be open to the idea of inviting any opportunity, and support any riders that want to be part PMBA, as long as it's in a positive direction and goes in a direction that helps our group become increasingly sustainable, (sound familiar).
 
I believe having a racing team can increase our credibility in the area and further abroad, and I don't think it will take away from our TMD's.  Hunter, does have some legitimate apprehension, I think we should, and do address any concerns when presenting new idea's that can affect the club's direction.  I'm also IN IN as Lust, er I mean Tom said.....

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Lust4singletrack
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« Reply #6 on: July 05, 2008, 08:10:00 PM »
Yep same conversation (I can't tell anyone anything). Thanks Neil. I really like the idea a trail work being part of our pro deal.

I've been racing for a while and I can tell you that kicking ass is not going to happen as easy as you think. Even if you break out your tights Lou.

I set the PMBA tent up at a couple of races this year and got some good exposure and even some recognition from fellow racers.
« Last Edit: July 06, 2008, 09:52:01 AM by Lust4singletrack » Logged
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« Reply #7 on: July 06, 2008, 12:25:07 AM »
hmm this does sound familiar:

http://www.phillymtb.com/component/option,com_smf/Itemid,86/topic,358.0/

I'd like to carry on riding for my team but be able at times ride for PMBA, or better yet be consecutively associated with PMBA. I've seen a couple people doing this who ride for their LBS and a local sponsor, or LBS and a big bike company. For me it would be CreativeArts/PMBA.

Talked briefly with Ken a few hours ago and I know they have no 'money' for sponsorships but the idea of "pro" deals was mentioned in passing.
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Kelly
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« Reply #8 on: July 06, 2008, 12:40:53 PM »
As a consistant DH racer (when not injured...) I can tell you being part of a team with jersey's and sponsors with 'deals' is a great thing. Last year I tried to build up the Guys' racing with a DH team - didn't work as we did not have enough racers to warrent spending time and money on jersey's and promotional excersizes.

This year I am with RPR Racing (RPR officially stands for Rock Pounding Racing - or Ride Pussy Ride!) which is a group of avid DH racers from the Stroudsburg area (Dan Whitehead is one of them who got me in). We have Azonic, Marzocchi, Profile, Turner and many more sponsors and deals. It has taken them many years to get to where they are now which is a recognized race team.

I have reservations about a PMBA race team as well. The main one is that we are too young and focussed on our mission to improve the Wiss. A race team needs a manager and several other positions like sponsorship and marketing to be real effective. We should use this time to brainstorm what our team would be like: what sponsors, deals and race series we would go after. Then we would need to start specific meetings, like forming a race committee to build it and in 2 to 3 years we can come out to the public with an organized look and not some half-assed approach.

I am willing to be part of this committee. And yes I am going to finish this yer out with the last 5 races hoping to clinch at least second place ocer-all of the grandpa-DH Gravity East Series!
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fishnchips
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« Reply #9 on: July 06, 2008, 02:48:16 PM »
Earlier this year I wanted to join a team because of all the advantages. But it wasn't really the pro deals or the sponsorships, or paid race entries that was of interest, it was simply the camaraderie of hanging with a group like minded people and having a buddy throw you a water bottle when you need. Just general support, much like we get on a TMD or just a group ride. . Bikers at the races all seem to help each other anyway, no matter what team they are on, especially other PMBA members who probably represent up to 10 different teams now.

My thought was for those of us who weren't on a team could put down PMBA as their team on the race entries and give individual riders an extra level of support, etc.... When we get jerseys as PMBA, great, we can wear those too. But team managers and committees, sponsor deals and the like, well, that's way down the road, and I'm not sure how it will fit with our non-profit mission. It's just out of the scope of our essential needs at this time.

If we want to do a PMBA team I feel we need to allow all members to be a part of it, no matter ability, and we need to allow people on other teams to also ride in association with PMBA.

My buddy Travis rides for the Fisher 29er Crew, as well as carrying logos from the LBS and the local Milk producer. But he also carries his local hospital's Heart Center as a 'sponsor' when in fact he's riding to support them. I reckon any rider or team should be able to do that for PMBA too.

When I get team jerseys for my team I was planning to put PMBA logos on them to show our support, especially as everyone on my team happens to be a PMBA member.
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« Reply #10 on: July 07, 2008, 03:03:50 PM »
I race, but have no team.  So I would love to have a PMBA team, even if all I get out of it are people to carpool to races with and clap when I cross the line. 
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Fish
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« Reply #11 on: July 09, 2008, 06:17:59 PM »
Ditto for me.   I'm not on any team and enjoy racing occasionally..   Count me in.. I can usually commit to 3 or so races a year.. I did Neshaminy Sport and am doing Fair Hill on Sunday...   Who cares how we do, it's about friends and building awareness for our group. 
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bonkers
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« Reply #12 on: July 09, 2008, 07:50:51 PM »
I'd be up for a PMBA team thing. I was planning to try racing this Sunday but my hardtail doesn't seem to be getting back to me anytime soon so either I wait till Iron Hill or next year.
 
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« Reply #13 on: July 09, 2008, 09:02:04 PM »
Neil, depending on how this all pans out I'd be down for racing next season under PMBA...................
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Lust4singletrack
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« Reply #14 on: July 09, 2008, 10:03:03 PM »
Looks like  we're gonna have a sweet team! Good times.
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« Reply #15 on: July 10, 2008, 05:40:27 AM »
I don't we'd have a prob getting people together for a team. Even if we don't have a sponsor right now I think there's enough interest in riding for a team that people wouldn't care about that part, they'd just want to get out & do the race & have fun. 
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DannyC21
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« Reply #16 on: July 10, 2008, 07:54:52 PM »
Quote
I don't we'd have a prob getting people together for a team. Even if we don't have a sponsor right now I think there's enough interest in riding for a team that people wouldn't care about that part, they'd just want to get out & do the race & have fun. 

Yea I want to start racing next year and would love to have group to ride with.  Just the support and being able to learn from more experienced racers is more than worth it for me.
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bonkers
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« Reply #17 on: July 10, 2008, 09:25:15 PM »
Danny if you're interested in racing next year the Marysville relay maybe a good start. It's a team of 4 that does loops around a private land & it's a no pressure relay that is just meant to be fun. If you look at the MASS website you can see some of the photos from this past year's relay. People get dressed up for this event (I mean costumes!) & ride the course. Just something to keep in mind.
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Rico
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« Reply #18 on: July 10, 2008, 09:58:38 PM »
Bonkers, that sounds fun as hell.  I may be up for that.
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bonkers
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« Reply #19 on: July 11, 2008, 05:29:34 AM »
Rico I wanted to do the relay this year but it was waaay too close to my daughter's b-day. Next year I'm planning to do it. So if you & Danny want to try it we'd only need a 4th to enter.
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DannyC21
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« Reply #20 on: July 11, 2008, 12:18:40 PM »
I am definitely interested.  It does sound like a good way to get started in racing and sounds like fun. 

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Dmitri
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« Reply #21 on: July 14, 2008, 12:15:10 PM »
Quote from: chunter on July 04, 2008, 10:12:00 PM
We already have a hard enough time getting these race team guys to come out and do work. 

I know some teams require X number of hours of TMD from their members. We can establish the same program and approach locally sponsored teams to see if they would do the same. Teams that have strong MTB presence like Guys, Bike Line, Human Zoom, Keswick would be responsible to encourage TM by encouraging their members to come out to work, to protect and improve the very trails they train/race on!!!

dz
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Dmitri
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« Reply #22 on: July 15, 2008, 03:28:54 PM »
Here's what I found, this is from H2H race series, up north in NJ sponsored by Campmor.com


Pay Dirt
PAY DIRT POINTS ARE IN EFFECT for this SERIES.
Racers will get the fifth (5th) place points for their class for ten (10) hours of trail maintenance.
Juniors will get fifth (5th) place points for their class for five (5) hours of trail maintenance.
All Pay Dirt Hours must be turned in to the Pay Dirt Coordinator by October 20, 2008.
For more information on Pay Dirt and trail maintenance dates go to www.jorba.org


Awesome! Way to get ahead in points! And attract a large contingent of racers to the TMDs!!!

dz
« Last Edit: July 15, 2008, 03:32:32 PM by Dmitri » Logged
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DrSaw
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« Reply #23 on: July 16, 2008, 05:27:28 PM »
Idea: 2009, everyone who wants to race buy a PMBA jersey and get together and do some race pre-rides together. They could attend what races they could, and hang out under the current PMBA tent.

There, you have a "team". Try it out for a year, and see if it grows.  If only two people show up to race, so be it. It happens to all teams.

If you need any help, I started a MTB team from scratch, and eveyone is complicating this WAY too much!

If you need advice, I can help clarify items at the next meeting
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fishnchips
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« Reply #24 on: July 16, 2008, 07:35:22 PM »
sounds good to me.   

I talked with a couple of members who are currently on other teams and I know they'd like the opportunity to represent PMBA as well. Will there be a law against putting the PMBA logos on my team jerseys and forcing all my team members to be paid PMBA members or volunteers?   Basically we could have PMBA affiliate teams.
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