Opportunities are here….
One of my pet projects over the past few years has been to resurrect the norm of long-ago….back in the day….the old days…whatever…of having new race mechanics work events for experience under the guidance of experienced journeymen mechanics. Usually those events happened in CA where travel costs made it impossible for me to attend at that time…so I missed out on some excellent racing and training!
Anyway time moves on and that scenario is changing considerably with the current trend of USAC adding an East Coast Regional Mechanics Clinic to their mainstay Bill Woodul Mechanics Clinic. The Woodul Clinic (named for a former National Team Mechanic and Team and Equipment Manager) in Colorado Springs is augmented by the North East regional Mechanics Clinic (this year it’s 30 June-01 July in Providence, RI…go to www.usacycling.org , look for mechanics and find it!!) This regional clinic is hosted by Butch Balzano and Merlyn Townley who have between them 30+ years of racing support under their belts! Justin Koch, USAC Head Mechanic oversees.
So…last season, with a men’s team, I was able to find a mechanic who could arrange to be with us for almost 2 weeks on the road working 2 stage races. How did I find this guy? From Justin, the USAC head mechanic. I asked him to post a ‘mechanic wanted’ email to the licensed USAC mechanics and from that one guy emerged. He worked out quite well! Although by the end of the first stage race he was showing signs of fatigue which is to be expected when you first jump into life on the road.
This brings me to the 2009 season and my new gig with the SRAM NRS program.
For those mechanics who are currently licensed and for those who want to get a license (refer to the above RI clinic) let me offer an opportunity to work with me and the other SRAM NRS guys; Butch, Jose and Chad at events around the country throughout the season. You will get experience during the races but also experience with the preparations before and after events. Probably even get introduced to the other neutral programs and teams around the country for opportunities with them.
OK so what’s the point??! Simply put, there is a full calendar of events scheduled for the SRAM NRS service and plenty of opportunities for mechanics wanting to experience the thrill and satisfaction of supporting races and racers.
Look for a new website about SRAM NRS soon (www.semeventsllc.com) and new Facebook and Twitter pages! And please contact me for info and your ability to work events…bernard@cyclewise.us
Hope to see you soon!
Bernard
I had the fortunate opportunity to work with Bernard at the Sunny King Criterium in Anniston, AL. Bernard is a top notch mechanic. Best of all, he is willing to share his knowledge and introduce you to other mechanics that happen by. I highly recommend taking any opportunity to work events. I look forward to working with SRAM NRS more this year.