The Mechanics Advisory Council is a group of current and past professional race mechanics intent on making the life of bicycle race mechanics just a little easier. It is really all about respect for mechanics and things mechanical. It is very dedicated to (not just dependent on) the continued health of bike riding and competition in all its forms. It is not just an owner’s club, or trade union where profit-minded manufacturers support enthusiastic practitioners. It is much more like amateur sports itself, where few ever see glory or money and many work hard for little or no pay, enjoying the satisfaction of bettering the human condition and being outdoors. A group that understands careers and profits in amateur sports are rare and small, that personal inspiration is the big payoff.
MAC created the basic structure by which USCF and later USA cycling categorizes licensed mechanics, assisted in the decision of Category One upgrades and created and sustained the Race Mechanics’ Clinic.
Past Mac Members included:
- David Arnauckas – currently with Shimano
- Butch Balzano – currently runs SRAM road neutral program
- Chris Clinton – owner of ProMechanics
- TJ Grove – recently retired, works with misc mountain and road programs
- Ric Hjertberg – currently with FSA
- Colin ‘Chip’ Howat – Professor at the University of Kansas
- Jim Ingram – currently residing in Florida
- Karl Jackson – Keeping it real in Texas
- Craig ‘Calvin’ Jones – currently with Park Tool
- Stephen Kent IV – recently Indy Cart race mechanic
- Bernard Kocis – currently working for Team RACE Pro in Canada
- John Lands – keping a watchful eye on Texas
- Steve Richardson – currently a designer at Oakley
- Ian Sherbourne – currently head mechanic for BMC
- Andy Stone – currently with Shimano
- Bill Woodul – Preparing the way for us all in Mechanics’ Heaven
Popularity: 5% [?]