Promoter Information

FEE NOTES: Listed rates are for each mechanic and vehicle, subject to Other Charges listed below including transportation and mileage, food, housing, tolls, etc. Championships, international races, stage races, junior-specific events, and other high-profile or unusual event types/durations may be adjusted accordingly. Prices effective 1/1/2012.

General Overview

Neutral Support, Mechanical, and Other Services

Road racing: criteriums, circuit races, road races

Multi-sport events: triathlons, duathlons, aqua-bike, etc.

Cyclocross and mountain bike

Charity, fund-raising, and non-profit events

Group and club rides, individual and team support

Full service mobile bicycle repair, assembly, and maintenance

Workshops, private instruction, professional fittings

Points of Interest

Full selection of equipment: bikes, wheels, tools, and small repair parts

Mechanical support for all participants

Independent and self-financed, "neutral" in every aspect

Services complement those offered by (paying) event sponsors

Personalized and high-quality program

Benefits to Your Venue

Professional appearance, organization, and service

Economical way to increase attendance, visual appeal, and boost event profile

Potential sponsorship and merchandise giveaways for your event

Fee Structure and Payment Information

Rates based on type of event

Mileage and transportation charges

Lodging and meals as necessary

NOTE: reduced fees for certain non-profit causes

My Qualifications

18 years in cycling industry in all capacities

15 years of neutral support experience at hundreds of events

USA Cycling Mechanic

USA Cycling Official: Road, Track, Mountain Bike, MotoRef

Certified Bicycle Fitting Specialist with several organizations

SPECIFIC INFORMATION: Please carefully read the brief overview and general description of the services I can provide for your bicycle-related event. Services can be customized for specific needs and situations. Special emphasis is placed on professional, courteous, and timely responses to the unique requirements of your venue.

This proposal serves as the sole legal written, verbal, and/or cyberspace contract for our good-faith working relationship. A "yes" response to this proposal in any media format or manner accepts all provisions and the policies listed in the Cancellation and Legal Policy section unless agreed to in writing by both parties. Email me to get a more detailed cost analysis and proposal but please include event location, date, type (road, cyclocross, charity, triathlon, etc.), and desired function (set-up at the pit, following the race/ride, etc.).

I arrive approximately one hour prior to the start of the event to assist participants as needed and leave upon completion of the activities. A car may accompany riders along their route or remain on location to setup a "pit" area. The pit area might include pop-up tents, bicycle repair stands and workstations, a cleaning area, spare bikes and wheels, tools, and an assortment of other equipment.

Since people commit a substantial part of their day to these events, my presence will virtually ensure that every participant will have the opportunity to finish their ride. They won’t be saying, "I'll never go to that event again, my bicycle broke and there was no one to fix it!" Alternately, riders may face disqualification due to a myriad of equipment or other violations unless someone has the means, knowledge, and ability to identify and remedy them.

Promoters must do all they can to attract and retain participants and this is a powerful, turnkey marketing tool. The event flyers, literature, and websites should prominently display "Neutral support services provided by ‘BICYCLE SUPPORT BY MARK, LLC’" along with my logo. Since riders have certain expectations regarding neutral support, avoid any confusion by clarifying that professional neutral support will be utilized. If there are several race fields, specify which ones will have dedicated neutral support. It boosts event profiles and the participants would know you are concerned about providing a positive experience.

My neutral support program is a professional service that meets or exceeds the quality of any similar program. It will enhance, not detract from the spirit of the event. The local bike shop often sponsors an event by sending a mechanic or few but rarely has the logistical ability to support an event like a professional neutral support service. Their presence is appreciated, welcomed, and encouraged as more technicians can help more people.

Unless requested otherwise, I will sell repair parts to people. Repair parts are defined as components or parts that replace broken ones. They include tubes, tires, chains, cables, housings, derailleurs, hangers, shifters, or anything else. The respectful rider has the option of either using it for the race and returning it or purchasing it outright. These repair parts will only be sold to fix or replace a broken part, I’m not a traveling bicycle store, I’m a neutral support technician. The rider must bring their broken equipment to me and I will install the repair part and the rider pays me for the part, no labor fees. The promoter or organizer already pays me to be there, no double-dipping unless it’s an extremely unusual situation. I won't insult you by putting out a tip jar if I'm on the clock, either.

Regarding corporate-sponsored and -funded neutral support programs, will the paying sponsors of your event be upset or upstaged by their presence and free advertising opportunities? In today’s tight economy, paying for neutral support services while giving them free exposure doubly compounds the effective financial losses. Promoters should be compensated under these circumstances, not charged; corporate programs have budgets specifically for this purpose. If you are a marketing tool for your sponsors who are indirectly paying you to attend an event and then you collect another paycheck from the promoter, how does that benefit the venue, promoter, or its paying sponsors?

'Bicycle Support by Mark, LLC' is not a marketing campaign and is respectful of your paying sponsors. They deserve their rightful publicity and I support their efforts and dedication without infringing on their interests. Aside from a few small stickers on my car, there's not a whole lot of flash unless requested otherwise.

I am a service-oriented independent contractor. I own, select, and pay for all equipment so there is no obligation to any company, my allegiance is to quality. This allows the freedom to be as "neutral" as possible, complementing the venue, its sponsors, and those involved with the event. You will get a more consistent service without sacrificing quality, professionalism, or shortchanging your needs. If you are a marketing tool for your sponsors who are indirectly paying you to attend an event and then you collect another paycheck from the promoter, what happened to the "neutral" part?

Key manufacturers are involved in my program ensuring a constant stream of high-quality equipment (view my partner list, the equipment brought to each race, or a detailed list of all equipment). This excellent selection of equipment is available for temporary use only by respectful and responsible participants without additional charge. However, the costs of repair parts and any damage to my equipment are NOT included in the service fee. These would ultimately be the financial responsibility of the promoter though every effort will be made to hold the rider accountable.

CANCELLATION AND LEGAL POLICY

1. Payment is due upon completion of the event unless other arrangements are made.
2. You are obliged to notify me of any cancellations or date changes.
3. You may cancel without paying the service fee if done more than 72 hours in advance, however any incurred and/or non-refundable expenditures (including but not limited to hotels, cancellation fees, food, mileage, tolls, ferries, air travel, train, etc.) will be your financial responsibility.
4. Cancellations or stoppages for any reason less than 72 hours in advance (including but not limited to weather, lack of officials, lost venue, unsafe road conditions, lack of communication) may require full payment of the service fee and any incurred and/or non-refundable expenditures.
5. Past due invoices are charged a $25 processing fee plus 1.5% interest per month or part thereof and any fees associated with recovery as provided by law.
6. Returned checks are subject to a $25 processing fee and any fees associated with recovery as provided by law.

NON-PROFIT CAUSES: Promoters using their events as fundraisers, particularly for IRS-certified non-profit organizations, may benefit from the generosity of my program. Each year I secure thousands of dollars in products, services, and other revenue or funding sources for various organizations with assistance from my partners. If you feel your event qualifies, please inquire.

Bicycle Support by Mark, LLC website

(781) 654-6318

E-mail contact

With a heavy focus on USA-based companies, I am able to provide the best selection from a who’s who of manufacturers:

CHRIS KING PRECISION COMPONENTS: headsets, bottom brackets, hubs, tools

DT SWISS: hubs, spokes, nipples

KENDA: tires of all kinds

LH THOMSON COMPANY: stems, seatposts, seatpost clamps

LOKI: outerwear and clothing

PARK TOOL COMPANY: tools, tools, and more tools

PAUL COMPONENTS: cyclocross brakes

SRAM: selction of loaner parts to fix broken components

VELOCITY: rims, quick release skewers, water bottle cages, "Veloplugs"

WATERFORD / GUNNAR: custom frames, seven each for road and cyclocross

WHEELS MANUFACTURING: derailleur hangers, tools, supplies

WILDERNESS TRAIL BIKES: saddles and cyclocross tires