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 - see rates page for details
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
More than a decade of neutral support experience at hundreds of events
15+ years in cycling industry
USA Cycling Mechanic
USA Cycling Official: Road, Track, Mountain Bike
SPECIFIC INFORMATION: Please see the
services and rates page
to understand the costs associated with my appearance which include the
service fee, transportation costs, meals, and lodging if required. You may
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.).
Payment is due upon completion of the event.
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 assure 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’" 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.
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 consider being compensated under these
circumstances, not charged; corporate programs have budgets specifically for
this purpose.
'Bicycle Support by Mark' is not a marketing campaign and is
respectful of your sponsors. They deserve their rightful publicity and I
support their efforts and dedication without infringing on their interests.
Aside from my car that is easily identified as a support vehicle due to the
logos and decals, 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.
Key manufacturers are involved in my program ensuring
a constant stream of high-quality equipment
(see list below,
view the partner list,
or the detailed equipment selection).
This excellent selection of equipment is
brought to each event as needed and 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 POLICY: You may cancel without
paying the service fee if done more than 48 hours in advance, however any incurred
and/or non-refundable expenditures (hotel, food, mileage charges, tolls, ferry charges,
etc.) will be your financial responsibility. Cancellations or stoppages for any reason
less than 48 hours in advance - weather, lack of officials, lost venue, unsafe road
conditions, etc. - require full payment of the service fee and any incurred and/or
non-refundable expenditures related to the event.
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 website
(781) 654-6318
E-mail contact