…since I’ve once again taken to the internet in search of funding for the next 12 months of training and racing.
Unfortunately, the #1, most awesome team that I was aiming for is not currently hiring. Though, it was incredibly nice to get a phone call and quick chat from said team about the lack of a spot for a new rider. It beats the hell out of the companies who won’t even send a “hell no” email.
Unlike seasons past, I’ve basically got the equipment side of things nailed- working at a shop, I can get stuff for about the same cost as what is generally offered to people who aren’t getting stuff for free. What I need now is what people are least likely to want to part with- cash money. Gas, hotel, entry fees, coaching, food, equipment maintenance, etc. If you race, you know it adds up fast. In my current situation, Outdoors has provided me with what they can (and I’m incredibly grateful, of course), but Ryan has generally been my biggest “sponsor” on the financial side of things.
It makes me feel like the family money pit.
So, now I’m challenged to come up with creative ways to fund this operation. If I could scare up somewhere in the neighborhood of $10,000 for the year, I’d be less of a money pit and more of just a shallow grave. Ridiculous, I know, but I’ve got to set a goal somewhere. The current brainstorm/hustle I’m working on is trying to think of local companies that might be willing to throw some cash into the pot in exchange for blog advertising or anything else promotional.
Open to comments from the Peanut Gallery…
I’m gonna just walk around Interbike with a hat.
How about modeling?
With all that great ink you have surely some bike clothing manufacture could use you to show off their stuff.
Believe me we feel your pain! If it weren’t for taxes and racing I would be quite a wealthy person! :)
Andrea, firstly great blog, have enjoyed reading your thoughts and deeds for quite a while. Have you thought about going around local companies promising for a $50 or $100 dollar donation they will get not only sponsorship naming rights in your well read blog and on your shop window and car, they will go into a lottery to win sole major sponsor rights with one of the awesomemest racers in the universe?
Work out a deal with a local newspaper of magazine for some advertising space you can raffle off to sponsors?
Tattoo space for sale? One on one private coaching rides for folks who want to learn how to get fit and healthy?
Hope it all goes well. KS ex-RBR.
How much money would you save if you dirt-bagged it more? No more hotels, only camping, not alway using the highest end gear, etc? Seeems like it could add up to quite a bit in the end.
Mike, that’s a very valid point.
I do camp occasionally, but, tent sleep always sucks for me. To the point of where I feel that the lack of a good night’s sleep (noisy campground/being uncomfortable) combined with the sore back and shoulders (it irritates the hell out of the TOS in my right shoulder, which makes my hand numb for a good part of the morning) negatively impacts my race.
As for my expensive taste in equipment, well, that’s not going anywhere. If I lose a race, it’s my fault- not my bike’s fault. High end stuff tends to last longer, is lighter, and just works better.
I try to eliminate anything that could be a disadvantage.