work and responsibility
RyBread said:
Ok, so here is what my idea of the sponsorship is. You have to do a ton of work to get in shape, eat right, train at the gym, and just ride all the freakin time. You have to be better than everyone else, and stay that way. It is very hard to scheldual your life around training, especailly if you are working and in school...
SO, in simple english; you ride more---more stuff breaks---sponsor good! This is why I hope to get a sponsor, because I'm broke!
This is a really good observation.
I'm on a team. We pay annual dues that help defray the costs associated with team management, pit space at races, etc. We get great deals from our sponsors. My responsibilities include (in no particular order):
1. represent the sponsor well
2. be an ambassador for the sponsor and the sport
3. provide feedback on their products
4. race often, race hard, do well, and have a good attitude
What I get out of it (in
order of importance to me):
A. camaraderie that comes with being on a team
B. race support (one hour before the Super D at Mammoth I get ready to take the chairlift and find I have no back brake.
I dash over to Hayes. Scott sees the terror in my eyes and says, "Breathe. I'll take care of it for you." In minutes, my brake is fixed and I make it to the race start with time to spare. I LOVE Hayes for this reason, and promote them - not just because I'm supposed to, but because I
want to - because of their fantastic support).
C. chance to give feedback on products I use
D. great deals on bike parts
With all that I pay in race entry fees, gas money to get to races, lodging and food, there's no way I break even. But I can certainly do more because of the suport I'm given. I race because I love it. I raced enough and did well enough last year that I'm in a good position on a great team. I'm not the best rider on the team by any stretch, but I do 1,2,3,and 4 the best that I can.
I don't list my sponsors here, because my opinions are not necessarily their opinions.
-sunny