[James | Go-Ride]

Scott is going to kill me for posting this while he's out of town, but I feel like it's time to start getting the word out. PLEASE REMEMBER while reading the page linked here that nothing is set in stone yet, we're still fleshing things out. Feedback appreciated.

'05 Go-Ride NORBA Bounty

 

[manhattanprjkt83]

I LIKE IT

 

[nixhexss]

Unbelievable, that's really commendable guys. I'm impressed.

 

[Internal14]

So is there a way we can donate to the Go-Ride Trust Fund without having to buy something?
Good idea guys. And awesoem follow through with getting the ball rolling. Maybe NoBra will be shamed into paying some sort of prize money if some bike shop/website can pay the pros why can't they?!
Thanks for keeping the dream alive.

 

[-BB-]

Good idea...

Are you going to have to "tax" them, as if this was wages?
Might be somethign to think about.

 

[James | Go-Ride]

We should have a Paypal donation button set up, or you can just call in and say you want to donate to the NORBA fund.

I hadn't thought about the tax thing. I wouldn't be too surprised to hear that some of the less affluent racers on the circuit might not get around to putting their race winnings on their W2 forms.

 

[Darryl]

And here us Southerners thought you guys were just the snobby Northerners.

Big ups to you guys, I hope it makes a difference in one way or another.

Has Scott or anyone talked to TBB or Brian Head about trails for this season?

 

[vitox]

that rules


id buy from you if i were a gringo, ill tell the boys here to drink the next couple of liters in your honor.

 

[Spunger]

That's a excellent idea!

It's gonna be hard though to get that $$$. Atleast it's a modest approach to it all. It's hundreds (which is reachable) and not thousands (which might be a few leaps ahead).

I don't even want to know what it's like to be a pro and you get nada when you win. It's like you're not really a pro.....(in a way)

 

[version_8]

Wow, thats really unexpected of a shop to do this. Thats so awesome of you guys to take initiative.

 

[OGRipper]

You guys rock, that is awesome.

As for taxes, the racers are not your employees so I don't think you'd need to do any withholding but not sure about the reporting requirements. I don't know but I think it would be treated like the racers are independent contractors.

You should talk to a CPA, I think there might be a bigger problem with the dollars coming to you guys in that it could be considered taxable income. Might need to get some kind of non-profit status or something, could be a hassle but worth it...anyway major props for your intentions. If nothing else your cpa might recommend keeping it on the lowdown....

 

[COmtbiker12]

That's a sweet idea!!!!

 

[AlberTop]

Very nice!

Congratulations.

 

[ChainWhip]

Good job guys!

I posted a link from our site.

 

[joelsman]

that is very nice. Good idea!

It will now be known as the Go-ride norba downhill.

 

[escapeartist]

great idea, its sad that a source outside the NORBA association had to come up with the prize money, while NORBA gets paid for liscenses ect. but great idea guys, and thanks a lot

 

[Smelly]

Go-Ride, proving once again why they're the best shop in the nation.
very commendable. I'll be donating whenever I can. it'd be good to plaster this all over every board to make sure as many people see it as possible. this a great idea, calling upon all the riders in the industry to help support racing. if NORBA won't help, we will.
if more than $5500 can be raised before the start of the season, will you guys be upping the amount given to the racers?

 

[auntesther]

absolutely brilliant!

 

[Zman]

awesome guys. i will be buying one of those shirts as soon as it is possible.. there should be some saying on the back though to make it clear that pros should be getting money (even though those who know about it will get it. i will sport that shirt for sure. let me know when i can order one.

 

[dhtahoe]

Right on you guys. Just when I thought the light was a train. We should all race the pro class with a go-ride stickers on our visors. In fact just to get it across to others that Go-Ride made it happen... Make it a rule of the bounty. I'd sport one: oh wait... I already do

 

[valve bouncer]

Good to see some people putting their money where their mouths are. Nice job fellas.

 

[Kornphlake]

You guys rock. I'm going to peel that old faded sticker off my bumper and replace it with the new shiny one I have. I'm going to have to eat some ramen so I can afford one of those $15 tee shirts now.

 

[ioscope]

Makes me wanna spend my money there over my ****tly LBS that takes two weeks to get me some fork oil I could have shipped twice from goride, and probably cheaper.

 

[Bacardi]

neato. I will make a purchase from go-ride shortly, and I will donate $1 or so with every order. I have always liked go-ride. They always tell you what is best for you, and don't try to move inventory.

 

[thaflyinfatman]

Wow... awesome!

 

[1soulrider]

Well done guys!

 

[beaverbiker]

F yeah. I'm so excited that someone figured out something to do. It's not so much the money aspect, but the fact that you guys are stepping up and putting this in NORBA's face. What about a t-shirt that just has norba logo with a go-ride logo printed over it?

 

[dhtahoe]

F yeah. What about a t-shirt that just has norba logo with a go-ride logo printed over it?

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA... I would wear it (see custom title)

 

[buildyourown]

Nice work. It's not that much money, but just think what the pot would be if every shop your size chipped in. We would have a respectable pro purse again.

I'll definitly contribute on my next order

 

[Kornphlake]

Monday morning bump. Let's keep this at the top until everyone get's a chance to see it. Sticky maybe???

 

[DRB]

Only American riders get the cash?

NORBA was okay with that?

 

[Zman]

Only American riders get the cash?

NORBA was okay with that?

i think that go-ride should have the call on who the money goes to since they are ponying up for the cash anyways. and i dont think they are asking norba's permission, the whole thing is the fact that norba is screwing the riders. so who really cares what they think at this point

 

[dante]

is this just another way to pay VD instead of just giving him cash?? :devil:

 

[stiksandstones]

 

[OGRipper]

Stik, you're entitled to your opinion and so am I.

My opinion is that your post is pretty lame and not nearly as clever as you think. This horse is not dead yet. Save it for the next thread about 888 crowns.

 

[stiksandstones]

Clever? no thought was involved-I saw a post about someone trying to help a train wreck. Point is sherlock, that helping the current production (norba, blue wolf, etc) is like beating a dead horse. Even if they scored 2 million dollars tommorrow they still could not put on a proper national caliber series.
5 stars

 

[neversummersnow]

Stik,

I know you're as passionate about racing as anyone but seriously, if you've ever heard the expression "if you don't have anything nice to say don't say anything at all"? I think it applies here. This is a positive thing that Go-Ride is trying to do. A step in the right direction. You're looking for more than a step, you're looking for a huge ginormous leap...it's just not going to happen. Anybody can point out a great number problems, but only a select few can figure out great solutions...

Don't forget there are still people out there like myself who work all winter long to hopefully get to travel around the country and race bikes...I wouldn't want it any other way...even if I am chasing a train-wreck.

 

[OGRipper]

no thought was involved

That pretty much says it all doesn't it?

It's clowns like you that help make the current racing scene a train wreck. These guys are trying to help make the existing situation a little better. At least they're doing something that could have an immediate impact and not just having theoretical discussions. Maybe it is a band-aid for a train wreck, but you can bet there are some pros out there that will be psyched to get a few extra bucks this year if it works out.

You've got a lot of experience and insight stik (a lot more than me that's for sure) and it's surprising that you wouldn't get psyched to see something like this. Maybe you're just bitter because go-ride isn't talking about prize money for mechanics too? Not much of a gravy train for you to catch is it?

 

[bizutch]

umm, actually if you run Michelin tires you get PAID.

AWARDS
• RACE PERFORMANCE
• EXPOSURE
• EXTRA CREDIT

AWARD ELIGIBILITY
To be eligible for any awards under the 2005 Team Michelin program, a licensed cyclist must already be enrolled in the program before any event or exposure for which they claim an award. You are not considered enrolled until you receive your confirmation packet (which will be mailed within 4 weeks of verification of your enrollment application). This packet will include your award claim forms.

All member riders must be using Michelin tires on both wheels and display a Michelin decal (supplied by Michelin upon enrollment) clearly visible on their bike and/or an approved Michelin logo at least 3" wide on their clothing during any event for which they claim a Race Award. Logo art is also available for download here.

Cash awards (excluding merchandise, coupons or pro deals) are limited to a maximum of $2000 per member rider per year.

RACE AWARDS
Team Michelin Race Awards will be offered for top placings in sanctioned races that are listed in the Calendar sections of either VeloNews, Dirt Rag or Inside Triathlon from the time the member rider receives his/her membership confirmation until December 31, 2005.

In stage races or multi-day events, general classification will be the only determination of Race Awards (no awards for individual stages or sections). Only member riders in categories with a minimum starting field of 20 riders in any given race are eligible for race awards. Due to NCCA rules, we are not allowed to offer race awards for collegiate races.

RACE AWARD PRIZE LIST
ELITE PERFORMANCE CASH AWARDS
(paid by company check):


LEVEL 1: USPro, NORBA Pro/Semi-Pro, USCF Cat. 1, USCF Pro Cyclo-cross, USAT Pro triathlon/duathlon Overall (must have at least 20 starters/category to be eligible).

1st Place: $100 2nd: $75 3rd: $50

LEVEL 2: NORBA Expert, USCF Cat. 2, USCF Cyclo-cross Race A & Women Open, USAT triathlon/duathlon Amateur (non-Pro) Overall (must have at least 20 starters/category).

1st Place: $50 2nd: $30 3rd: $20

NON-ELITE RACE MERCHANDISE AWARDS:

LEVEL 3: NORBA Sport, USCF Cat. 3, USCF Cyclo-cross Race B, USCF Cyclo-cross master & junior categories, age graded NORBA Expert, age graded USCF classes, USAT triathlon/duathlon Age Groups (must have at least 20 starters/category).

1st Place: $40 Coupon for Michelin bicycle products or promotional merchandise
2nd Place: $30 Coupon for Michelin bicycle products or promotional merchandise
3rd Place: $20 Coupon for Michelin bicycle products or promotional merchandise
4th Place: $10 Coupon for Michelin bicycle products or promotional merchandise

Coupons can be combined and used like cash when ordering Michelin promotional merchandise and bicycle tires from this website (www.TeamMichelin.com).


LEVEL 4: FREQUENT RACER Awards
NORBA Beginner, USCF Cat. 4 or 5, USAT competitors or equivalent levels of other viable licensing bodies.

• Finish 5 races during 2005, get a free pair of Michelin bicycle racing socks.
• Finish 10 races during 2005, get a free Michelin t-shirt in addition to the socks you get for finishing five races (only one pair of free socks per rider).

NOTE: Stage races and multi-day events are treated as single events, so only General Classification placings count toward race awards - sorry, no race awards for individual stage placings.

24-HOUR MOUNTAIN BIKE RACE AWARDS
Team Michelin members who race in 24-hour mountain bike races are eligible for race awards commensurate with the category they are racing in (Pro/Open: Level 1, Expert: Level 2, Sport: Level 3). The following restrictions apply:

If on a team, ALL TEAM MEMBERS must be members of Team Michelin and must be using Michelin tires.
Any race awards will be shared among the team members For example, a 2-person Expert team winning its category qualifies for $50 ($25 each), while a 4-person Expert team winning its category qualifies for $100 (also $25 each).
There must be a minimum of 10 starting teams per category to qualify.
Only one race award per team per event.
CLAIMING RACE AWARDS
1) If a member rider places in any eligible race, he/she must submit the following to Team Michelin within 60 days of race finish:

Completed Team Michelin Performance Award Claim Form (sent with membership confirmation packet), and
Copy of the OFFICIAL race results (no handwritten notes), showing the proper number of starters for level 1-3 awards.
Awards will be given out beginning March 1, 2005, and the latest a member rider can apply for awards is December 31, 2005. All awards and responses will be sent to qualified members within 4 weeks of receipt of claim. We reserve the right to discontinue the program at any time, for any reason.

2) Determination of eligibility for awards is at the sole discretion of Team Michelin.

EXPOSURE AWARDS

1) If any member rider’s image appears during 2005 in a non-negative light in any locally or regionally recognized media (magazines, newspapers, TV appearances, etc. – sorry, no websites) with a CLEARLY distinguishable approved Michelin logo on the member rider’s clothing or bike (with Michelin tires also on the bike), Team Michelin will award the rider his/her choice of $25 cash or a coupon for $25 in Michelin products or promotional merchandise.

2) If a member rider’s photograph appears during 2005 in a non-negative light in any nationally recognized media with a CLEARLY distinguishable approved Michelin logo on the member rider’s clothing or bike (with Michelin tires also on the bike), Team Michelin will award the rider his/her choice of $100 cash or a coupon for $100 in Michelin products or promotional merchandise.

CLAIMING EXPOSURE AWARDS
1) To claim an exposure award, send the entire ACTUAL publication (no photocopies) to Team Michelin with a note directing us to the proper page, story, etc. For a TV claim, send videotape (VHS) or CD of appearance, along with an explanation. Multiple media appearances or coverage arising out of a stage race or other multi-day event are treated as one appearance. Ongoing appearances, such as commercials running many times, multiple broadcasts of the same event, multiple printings of one image in more than one publication, and others will be considered one as well. The determination of what is considered a single exposure will be entirely at the discretion of Team Michelin. Only one award can be given per exposure.

2) All exposure award claims must be made within 60 days of initial exposure, and the exposure’s eligibility is entirely at the discretion of Team Michelin.

3) No awards will be given for exposures that occurred BEFORE the rider was enrolled in the program.

EXTRA CREDIT-HOW TO GET FREE MICHELIN STUFF, EVEN WHEN YOU’RE NOT RACING!

1. REFERRAL AWARD
Get 6 people to sign up as new, first-time Team Michelin grassroots members for ‘05 and get a free pair tires from the following list:

Pro2 Race 700x23c (sky blue)
Ironman 700x23c or 650x23c
XCR AT (choose tube-type or tubeless)
All Mountain (choose tube-type ot tubeless)
Riders who you refer cannot be previous members in the Team Michelin grassroots program.

When your referred riders enroll, they must specify you on their enrollment form next to "Referred by." You will be notified when you qualify for a referral award, and we will ask you for your tire preference then. Only one referral award per member per year.

2. “GOOD GUY” AWARDS
Team Michelin wants to recognize members who devote their time and energy to making cycling a better sport, and the world a better place. With that in mind, members are eligible for awards based on the following:

Trail Work, cycling advocacy or similar.
Volunteer work at races, bike rodeos or clinics, mountain bike festivals, charity rides or other events.
Officiating or working as a bike mechanic at a race or event.
To claim a Team Michelin “Good Guy” award, write us a letter explaining why you deserve “Michelin Good Guy” status, then have it signed by an official from the organizing group or the manager of your local bike chop & send it in to Team Michelin. Must be claimed by December 31, 2005.
Each month, everyone who qualifies as a “Michelin Good Guy” will receive a pair of Michelin cycling socks. Only one Good Guy Award per year per member rider.

3. BEST RACE STORY (BI-MONTHLY)
Tell us your favorite Michelin-related race story. Send it in via e-mail and we’ll pick one every other month through December 2005 to feature on the Team Michelin web site. If we select yours, we’ll send you a pair of the Michelin bicycle tires of your choice.

4. BEST TEAM MICHELIN-RELATED PHOTO (BI-MONTHLY)
Send in your favorite photo featuring Michelin or having some Team Michelin connection. Every other month through December 2005, we’ll pick one as the winner. If it’s yours, we’ll send you a pair of the Michelin bicycle tires of your choice. Finalists will have their photos posted on the Team Michelin web site.

 

[stiksandstones]

That pretty much says it all doesn't it?

It's clowns like you that help make the current racing scene a train wreck. These guys are trying to help make the existing situation a little better. At least they're doing something that could have an immediate impact and not just having theoretical discussions. Maybe it is a band-aid for a train wreck, but you can bet there are some pros out there that will be psyched to get a few extra bucks this year if it works out.

You've got a lot of experience and insight stik (a lot more than me that's for sure) and it's surprising that you wouldn't get psyched to see something like this. Maybe you're just bitter because go-ride isn't talking about prize money for mechanics too? Not much of a gravy train for you to catch is it?

So I contribute to the NCS race scene sucking? ok, thats your opinion, but for what its worth I have spent a lot of years trying to help out. I gave out cash last year a few times, out of my own pocket and while it made me feel good in the end, I wondered wtf it did to help the series...kind of hard to explain until you have been there, ya know? I gave from my own pocket in hopes people would bandwagon on, or that someone would say "wow, I didnt know they dont get paid" or "Yeah, I wanna help too" etc...nothing resulted at the 3 races I gave.

You sound very young and naive, but if you only knew what I have done to help over the years...it hasnt all been my disgruntled messages on a internet forum. The NCS series needs to get away from the current organizing body and the current promoters. This is unfolding into another tired norba rant, so I will stop.

If you think I am trying to diss GORIDE.com, I am not-much props to them for trying to help AND much props for them putting the money into the pros-I really hope this time people will jump on the bandwagon and give more.

I can say this, everyone better take note of the big changes for the world cup series in the future. With Gestev and Martin W. taking over in 2006 it is going to put MTB racing back on the map...not speculation this will be the facts. This will be the mold to emulate by all race promoters. When those guys are done with their vision, I do predict riders making six figures and being on TV on the weekends-there is the light at the end of the tunnel.

Prize money for mechanics? I do not work for any race teams anymore so money or not for them it does not affect me. But if you think I have not also helped the mechanics, you are wrong again, I was the first one to ever have rider win bonuses and photo contingency for a mechanic in a team contract.

Anyway
GORIDE.COM