Team Membership

Unlike other teams that are set up as non-profits, Mercedes-Benz of Bellevue Cycling Team is owned by my company, Kryki Sports, LLC. This model is similar to how many professional race teams are owned and managed, and I believe this approach results in a better overall experience for both riders and sponsors. 

In joining this team. the below information explains the commitments expected of you as a member of the team,  and the work and commitments you can expect me to make on behalf of the team and all of its members. 

To support ongoing team activities and local bike racing, I ask that members participate in volunteer activities such as race support, event planning, and team ride organization. I highly encourage every member to find an opportunity to volunteer, as it helps the sport, builds community, and strengthens our team image, which in turn benefits all members of the Mercedes-Benz of Bellevue Cycling Team. 

The details of the team’s operations, sponsor arrangements and other information described  below are to be kept in strict confidence. This is essential to maintain the integrity of the offers provided by our sponsors, many of which are not available outside of this team. 

Team Dues

Each rider will pay $150 annually to Kryki Sports, LLC. Dues are typically collected in November with the purchase of new team kits, prior to the beginning of the next calendar year racing season. Dues pay for team operations, including management of communications, product design and development, store infrastructure, product testing, and team events. Dues also allow us to provide limited support for young racers (University students or recent graduates) and the top Cat 1/2 riders on the team with various product allocations. Any riders receiving support must exemplify the team’s etiquette and standards, and participate in team activities and races, either as a rider or volunteer. All riders are expected to pay for their own race entry fees unless otherwise stated. 

Team Uniform
Team members are expected to race in Mercedes-Benz of Bellevue Cycling Team branded kit in the color red. I encourage team members to also wear Mercedes-Benz of Bellevue Cycling Team branded kit in color red or any of the other  colors available on the team store for training rides, commuting and non-sanctioned events (fondos, charity rides, etc). 

I request that team members purchase at least 1 pair of bib shorts and 1 short-sleeve and/or long-sleeve jersey to properly represent the team with the latest kit design and  sponsors. Two bibs/jerseys are optimal, as accidents and mishaps on the road and in the laundry happen. 

Ideally, team members will be able to purchase the full set of complimenting team kit, including helmet, gloves, arm and leg warmers, socks, shoe covers, and water bottles. I recognize, however, that purchasing all components of the kit requires a significant financial commitment, and this may not be feasible for all members.

USA Cycling and WSBA Membership
Team members are strongly encouraged to become members of USA Cycling and the  Washington State Bicycle Association. WSBA annual dues support many aspects of bike  racing in the region (from race day equipment for improved rider safety to travel grants for juniors selected for talent ID camps). Annual membership dues of $25 includes two numbers for your jersey and two plastic numbers for your frame, which can be used at nearly all WSBA road races in the region each season. 

To get both memberships in one stop, log into the USA Cycling website at
www.usacycling.org.

Click My Account (or start a new account).

Click Purchase New License.

Select the Washington State Bicycle Association (WSBA) Membership to add this to your shopping cart.  (At any time you can purchase your WSBA membership separately or with your USA Cycling License.).

Make sure you select “Kryki Sports” for your “Club”.

Make sure you select “Mercedes-Benz of Bellevue” for the “Team”.

Follow the check out instructions to complete your purchase.

Volunteering
Supporting racing in Washington is important to keeping the calendar full of quality racing events. Mercedes-Benz of Bellevue Cycling Team runs the annual Tour de Dung (usually the first race in March)  which has been going on for more than 25 years. Team members are expected to volunteer in support of the event, either in pre-planning or race day execution. Each year, a team lead will be named to organize the volunteer effort for the race. 

We expect to also add other volunteering opportunities so that Mercedes-Benz of Bellevue Cycling Team is giving back to the cycling community. Stay tuned for more details as the year unfolds, and please contact me directly if you’d like to propose any opportunities.

Etiquette and Standards
Cycling is a sport of hard individual effort and smart team racing dynamics. We expect our riders to respect the sport and its participants. Nothing hurts the sport and enjoyment of cycling more than cyclists who are inconsiderate, careless and hazardous. As a member of Mercedes-Benz of Bellevue Cycling Team, we ask that all of our riders conduct themselves as follows: 

Ride safely. Always obey traffic laws. Work cooperatively with vehicles. Ride with front/rear safety lights when not racing, even in daylight. 

Helmets are to be worn at all times when riding in the Mercedes-Benz of Bellevue Cycling Team colors, and should be worn at all times regardless.

Be a member in good standing of the USA Cycling and the Washington State Bicycle Association.

Race as a team and always support your teammates. Everyone loves the  acknowledgement of the hard work that goes into racing, no matter at what level of the sport they are competing.

Be welcoming towards all team members. With 1500+ members, there are likely many individuals you haven’t met. Extend invitations for weekday rides, introduce yourself on team rides, wave to flybys, etc.

Acknowledge great racing from other teams and individuals.

Social Media
Social media is a great tool to acknowledge our teammates, share our love of the sport, and acknowledge our sponsors. We encourage team members to post rides on strava,  instagram, facebook, twitter and other social networks. When posting, please consider  adding photos that include you in your team kit, with only sponsored products, and add the following hashtags: 

#krykisports #mercedes-benz  #amg #firstendurance #iamspecialized #rovalwheels #giordana #edgeandspoke #miir #rideshimano #shimano

If you have personal sponsors that are not part of our team, please do not tag them as part of your team posts as this creates a conflict of interest to the partners we work with.