[my58vw]

Hello all,

I have been in contact with the head of California Bicycle Racing in regards to helping out at their crit series in socal. Why: it is my way of staying in the action even though I can not race at least for a few years if not more. Plus, I love the action and would not trade it for anything (except actually racing).

Anyone here ever worked a race event?

Mandy

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[YMCA]

Heck, if you are that motivated to help out a promoter, why not become one yourself? Or maybe become an official. You'll get a bit of cash to go along with your weekend of hanging out at the races. We can always use mor officials. Especially ones with a real enthusiaism for the sport.

[Olebiker]

Used to do that a long time ago. I gave it up after getting cussed out by a racer who was upset that the guy driving the wheel truck couldn't fix his STI shifters in the middle of the race.

[EventServices]

+1 The racing world always needs more officials.

What kind of work do they want you to do?
Hauling hay bails to the far corners of the course?
Tracking down sponsors?
Running registration?

[my58vw]

I would love to be an official someday, I am just trying to get my foot in the door right now. I would not mind running registration but in that respect you are a bit far from the action.

I checked out the USCF site and they have information on becoming a race official. I threw out an email to the local regional coordinator so we will see what happens!

[mnutini]

I've volunteered as a marshall. Did the SF Grand Prix. The Tour of CA is looking for volunteers. It's one way to be around the people who manage the events (ie...contacts).

I was going to start learning to be an official this year but decided to do some racing instead (worked more towards my fitness goals). In Northern CA they have the Early Bird Crits. Along with training riders, they train officials at these races. Not sure what you have in So Ca.

[EventServices]

You can also volunteer to help go find sponsors. If you're a good communicator and can sell Florida swampland, then you'll have no trouble finding your niche in bike race promotions.

[Vinokurtov]

I've "promoted", helped out, and did motor support at a pro race. As long as you don't expect praise and realize there's always going to be one ungrateful ****** at every race, you'll do fine.

[EventServices]

Yeah, that's probably a topic that requires its own thread.

Not only is it a THANKLESS world, but to make it worse, some riders get a bad case of Race Head, and they take out their wrath on anyone who crosses their path.
It's pretty ugly.

[Mojo GoGo]

Hello all,

I have been in contact with the head of California Bicycle Racing in regards to helping out at their crit series in socal. Why: it is my way of staying in the action even though I can not race at least for a few years if not more. Plus, I love the action and would not trade it for anything (except actually racing).

Anyone here ever worked a race event?

Mandy

I worked the Rochester Twilight Criterium last year registering riders in the afternoon and then marshalled a corner during the Pro race. It's a blast although I missed out a bit on hanging with my friends during the race.

Depending on when you're available there are all kinds of help that's needed that ranges from helping out with meet-and-greets with riders, working the race, promotion, course setup/teardown, etc so no matter what your skills or abilities are there is always room to help out.

[puddin' legs]

Local USCF clubs are always required to sponsor a race. It's tough to get folks to work when they'd rather ride. Getting involved in race organization is really easy.

[TCR]

I once showed up to one of Chris' races last year early and helped him setup a few cones. It wasn't much fun. Dem cones are heavy when you have to carry a whole stack of 'em. I once volunteered to help with the Redlands Classic but the people running the show didn't contact me till a couple days before the event. I had already made other plans at that point and told them I couldn't do it. I think it would be cool to be an official with USCF and actually get paid for it.

[Ms. Tude]

I personnally help with our Twilight Criterium in Rochester, NY, plus our club volunteers as well by being street marshalls, set-up, dismantling (those crowd control gates are heavy!). I love it - it's fun and exciting - and it's an extremely long day. Last year, it was blisteringly hot! I also set up a tent for our Bicycle Club - to handout club materials - and I must say the shade was truelly welcomed!