Conference noted::bicycle

    
    Not much of a racer myself but it sounds like a good idea to me.
    
    Ben.

	Many racers at DEC are already settled into teams, so I think
	it would be difficult to attract them to a team.
	Sponsorship for such endeavors seems to be changing, so
	it would be wise to look into how DEC would handle the sponsorship
	now.
	There are many, many recreational riders at DEC, but I doubt
	that this is a pool from which to derive racers.
	There is a group here at HLO which rides seriously, but
	constructing a team from them might be difficult, simply because
	there are different goals for riding amongst all of the members
	of the group.
	If you start a team, there would have to be enough reasons
	for one to join it rather than Bicycle Alley, Wheelworks, BRC
	etc.

	/Charlie

    Thanks for your response.  I race for BRC (we are sponsored by
    Wheelworks), and do not feel that the sponsorship is all that
    impressive.  We get a jersey, a pair of ugly (and I mean UGLY) shorts
    and entry fees.  Personally, it doesn't amount to more than $200
    a year.  I would be suprised to know if anyone at Digital received
    more (let me know, I'll send a resume).
    
    As for your question "Why ride for Digital", I happen to think it
    is a great company which goes out of its way to look after its
    employee's.  Since most of our races are in places where people
    recognize Digital, we can do our part in increasing the goodwill
    of the company.  Besides, I know some people that would ride for
    us and I feel confident we could have one of the strongest teams
    in the Boston area (based on results of this seasons local races
    as well as USCF Cat. I & II races in New England, we may not have
    alot of depth, but we place well).
    
    Need any other reasons?
    
    Rick 

    
    RE:  .3
    
    I must take exception to some of the things said in .3.  The Boston
    Road Club is a volunteer organization.  Except for the person who
    runs the Sunday morning races, everyone puts in their time for free.
    (The Sunday morning race director gets a nominal amount.)  It is an 
    active club that has trained hundreds of people to be bike racers 
    (including some of the best in the area).
    
    If you are unhappy with what BRC is giving you, may I ask what you
    are giving back?  Have you volunteered your time to solict additional
    sponsorship, so that we can give out more than jerseys and shorts?
    Have you attended the monthly board meetings and offered to design
    better looking clothing?
    
    Chuck
    

    I know this sounds conceited, but, I race and I win.  I spend 2
    to 3 hours a day on the bike in help insure that "our" team gets 
    some recognition.
    
    The fact that BRC promotes bike races is great for all concerned,
    however, when somebody talks about how riders would be unwilling
    to leave a team such as BRC (which is really just a development
    club) because of sponsorship, I have to take exception. 
    
    TEAM DIGITAL is for those riders who aspire to something more than
    an occasional ride Sunday morning in the back of the B pack in
    Newton...
    

    
    RE: .5
    
    If good riders stayed with BRC and put something into developing
    its CAT II team (which they do have), instead of jumping ship, then
    you would get what you want (increased support).
    
    Partly SCHUETTE is getting some grief from me because what he says typifies
    things I have heard for years.  There is often an attitude among
    bike racers of "I want", without giving anything in return to the
    sport.  The problem with "I race to win, and do" is that it essentially
    says, "I want all the club dues from 100 fifteen year old kids to
    go in my pocket".  I think this is wrong.
    
    Chuck
     

    
    	Seems to me that there is a lot of room for a variety of different
    roles in any and every club, whether it be racing, touring, or
    predominantly social.  Some folks just don't do the "supporting
    roles" very well, and thats OK, their contribution may be "racing
    to win".  Others are better organizers than racers, their contribution
    is as valid as the "social types", who may appear to never ride
    or set anything up, but they contribute too by just helping the
    club to be the kind of group we like to spend our time with.
    
    	Reg
    

    Personally, I think a shirt with the DIGITAL logo on it would
    look great.  I'd certainly be willing to pay for one.  Maybe 
    the DEC bike club could organize a pool of people's money to
    contract with someone to make them.  It might push club 
    membership...
    
    The DEC Bike Club also sounds like the place to start for TEAM
    DIGITAL.  It's a little late for this season, but I see a lot
    of potential for such an arrangement next year. Advantages 
    include:
    
      o Excellent information sharing capabilities (DTN and ENET)
        to organize training, announce events, and "bench race."
    
      o A common culture and range of interests.  (Outside clubs
        and teams have a greater diversity of ages, interests,
        and employment, which can be good or bad.)
    
      o Some (possibly very limited) corporate support.    

      o Freedom from most sponsorship hassles.
    
    I have to admit that I'm not even a member of DEC Bike Club
    yet myself, but that these opportunities might induce me to 
    join.  I started racing this year, and have no affiliation.
    I'd just as soon make it here.
    
     
    MATT
    

    Great, if I could get ten others with the same interest, I'll start
    a team now for racing in 1987.  I will have to look into the USCF
    rulebook regarding formation of teams, but it shouldn't be to difficult
    (probably just putting on one race a year).  As far as jerseys go,
    if ten people contact me at witnes::schuette, I'll look into designing/
    ordering a set.  I would like some assurance that you would purchase
    it once it was ordered.  It would probably cost at least $35.00
    if we only ordered limited quantities.
    
    Rick

    
    To start a team you need only write your district rep, describing
    the jersey you plan to wear. Colors must not conflict with any area
    teams. Then pay your club dues and insurance to the USCF.
    
    CdH
    
    

    If you start a Digital Racing team, I would look into the experience
    of the Digital Running Club.  The club sends a team to the corporate
    relays in Calf once a year, and Digital picks up half the expences
    of the trip and half the cost of uniforms (also half the cost of
    entry fees to any race with a Corporate division).  
    
                                                     
    Dick Joseph is the President of the Running Club.
    
    neil

    An important point was raised in 116.11 concerning the relationship
    between the Digital Running Club (DRC) and the Corporate Cup team,
    which represents US admirably against the likes of Big Blue, GE,
    and others (some of which have world-class runners---REALLY!). The
    point I mean is that there IS a relationship---the Corporate Cup
    team is a subset of the DRC, garnered from those that try out and
    run at the Regionals.
    
    I think that TEAM DIGITAL, if there is to be such an animal, should
    NOT be a splinter faction of the Digital Bike Club (DBC) but rather
    a subset which maintains full communication with the DBC. They should
    (and can) be mutually supportive. And a group of competitive
    representives of a club (who represent THAT club) can actually provide
    a focus which unifies sectors of the club. I think a TEAM DIGITAL
    is a good idea.
    
    There are no Corporate Cups for bike racing (at least I don't THINK
    there are!), so TEAM Digital would find competition at the local
    or perhaps national level against other conventional teams. What
    has to be decided is the intended QUALITY of this team. Should it
    suck in Cat. I and II riders who end their association with existing
    teams, to create a Cat. I/II team to put DEC in the spotlight? Should
    it be made up of quality riders who share their association between
    TEAM DIGITAL and other clubs? Personally, I think it would be pretty
    COOL to see a DIGITAL jersey in the Coors Classic!!
    
    Or should it be for those that want to get into racing, the learning
    ground being an extension of the club. Or maybe there should be
    a group of learners called DIGITAL B.
    
    I don't know too much about those heavy-duty racing teams out there;
    maybe some (or ALL) don't allow multiple team membership. Maybe
    it's physically impossible. But I think that for every heavy-duty
    Cat I/II rider that is willing to found a hi-powered TEAM DIGITAL,
    you'll find 1.75 DBC members of lesser racing ability who are willing
    to get something like a DIGITAL B team going; these same folks would
    remain in the closet (or told to!) if the only TEAM is a high-powered
    racing crew.
    
    Well, I've said my piece, and some! What do ya'll think?
    
    Have a GREAT one, 
    
    John E.

    Thanks for the support, I hope your interest in a TEAM DIGITAL is
    mirrored by others within Digital.  I think that a racing team,
    riding as a subset as you say of the DBC would be great (DBC down
    the side panels of the jerseys, TEAM DIGITAL, DIGITAL RACING TEAM
    or what ever across the front and back.  I am not so worried about
    the distinction between and A and a B team, however, I think the
    people on the racing team should be USCF licensed riders who are
    serious about biking.
    
    In that there appears to be enough interest to form a team, I am
    soliciting your input as to team colors and appropriate logo's.
    I for one like TEAM DIGITAL, in that teamwork is essential to winning
    almost any bike race, this says it all.  Grey and black are a little
    boring, but they are the company colors.  Any ideas on how to jazz
    it up?
    
    Rick

    I think the company has returned to blue (latest business cards).

           _____       _____   
          /     \_____/     \  
         /                   \ 
        |    _ _ _ _ _ _ _    |
        |/| |d|i|g|i|t|a|l| |\|
          |  - - - - - - -  |  
          |   RACING TEAM   |  
          |                 |  
          |D               D|  
          |B               B|  
          |C               C|  
          |_________________|  


In blue and white...

MATT

I know it's cutesy and all that but how about the DBC's dec logo on the
sleeves.  The one with the spoked d & c handlebars on the d and the sort of
saddle over the c.  (It's on the club membership cards and the t-shirt.) 

If you got digital's sponsorship, I would guess that it would be 50/50 on
lots of things that some racers get "paid in full."  I don't think you 
could have other sponsors, either.

I wonder if anyone in the paper mill would get upset about cash prizes?
(don't tell them?)

I believe the USCF gets 10% of sponsorship moneys as well as the 
affilliation fee.

    
    Yea, I'm pretty sure it's 10%.
    
    Insofar as TEAM DIGITAL riding the Coors, let's get back to earth
    here. The Coors is an invitational, just because you hold a Cat
    II license doesn't mean you'll get registered. The only way TEAM
    DIGITAL could attract that calibre of rider is to pay BIG BUCKS,
    CASH. And no lone rider will do this, it will have to be a team
    that he could fit into, who can supplement his abilities. All in
    all a pretty tall order. Now, TEAM DIGITAL in the Tour of Somerville,
    however, is well within reach.
    
    I think we should aim for local Cat II and maybe Cat III riders,
    that live near enough to train together. That is the most important
    point....train together. A local/regional team probably is more
    attractive to the company as well. You won't need to ask for big
    sponsorship money either.
    
    As for logo's and other sponsorship, the closer you tie it to DEC
    the better, at least that's how I'd see it if I was KO. It would
    be a four figure sum of money if DEC was the only sponsor, so that's
    a point to be worked on.
    
    CdH
    
    

    For colors how about either the VMS doc set color (some type or
    orange?) or the ELN doc set colors (gray and some type or blue?).
    

    By the way, as a definitly not very serious rider I hope if we form
    a racing team it does follow the running team in that everyone is
    encouraged to compete.  

    re .18,	If it's VMS orange, make sure contents are incomprehensible.
		
    		J

    I bought a nice jersey a few weeks ago that has CHEMICAL BANK written
    across the chest and upper back, just as we would have DIGITAL written
    there.  The best features of this jersey, however, are the 15" square
    panels on the stomach and lower back that are filled with dozens of
    interlocking triangles in rainbow colors.  These make the jersey ten
    times more visible than a plain one would be. 
    
    The DEC jersey could have the blue logo on a white background,
    and a colorful motif on stomach and lower back.  What could this
    be?  Two years ago, I would have suggested a rainbow, but that
    trademark's becoming defunct.  Do we have any other colorful
    symbols or patterns we could use in such a design?
    
    MATT

formalities:

the "VMS orange" is Chinese Red.  Probably the best match is the "red"
on the "digital software engineering" sculpture in front of ZK01.  If I had to
guess, I'd say the plasticizing of Chinese Red for the doc set got screwed up
and came out closer to orange and by the time it was noticed we had 100000
binders.

If we do do it in DOC set colors, we should follow thorugh and make sure that
it does not fit on a standard shelf ... (biker?)

The "grey" is champagne beige.

Yes, no matter what, do something colorful.  Something wild will set off the
logos nicely.

And, the Jerseys should be available to all members (or all DECies).  The USCF
folks are the only ones who need the formalities but it wouldn't hurt to have
others wearing it -- especially if we can get a better price that way.

    RE: .1
    
    Maybe the racing team members' jerseys should be the only ones that
    say "RACING TEAM."  The place that makes them would probably make
    the chang for free if we got a big enough order.
    
    As for increasing the size of the order, I think it's a great idea.
    We could make up flyers and post them in each facility, designating
    one contact in each who'd collect orders.  
    
    
    MATT

I'd love a DIGITAL jersey.  I'm not a racer, but that's fine; I still enjoy
riding and would like to ride DIGITAL.

						-- Tom

    Back from vacation...I am really pleased with all the interest with
    a Digital racing team.  From all the responses, it appears that
    we should model the team after the running club and its "team".
    I believe that everyone is in agreement that the Digital Bike Club
    should be the focal point for any communications with Digital regarding
    funding etc.  However, lets not get bogged down with sponsorship
    lets get affiliated with USCF and get some jersey/shorts printed
    up.  I will volunteer to source the "goods", however, any insight
    as to where's, how's and how much would be appreciated.
    
    Additionally, we must approach the DBC with a formal proposal to
    make sure they want to "buy in".  By the way, could someone please
    forward an application and a recent newsletter.   Thanks...
    
    I was suprised to hear Digital is going back to blue, can anyone
    confirm that or put me in touch with someone who can?
    
    Rick

    The notes in here provided some interesting reading for this ancient
    bike rider, next year I will be slipping into the Masters Category.
    I would be happy to change my affiliation to the Digital Team.
    
    I do feel a need to put something back into the sport as well, even
    if it's merely correcting errent public behaviour on the part of
    some participants in the sport. (Anyone who rode the Mount Washington
    hill climb last week will know what I mean.)
    
    Best regards to all
    

    	RE: .26
    
    	Having not been at the Mt. Washington doings, what was the
    	errant public behavior that needing correcting.
    
    	Scott

>    I do feel a need to put something back into the sport as well, even
>    if it's merely correcting errent public behaviour on the part of
>    some participants in the sport. (Anyone who rode the Mount Washington
>    hill climb last week will know what I mean.)



Reg, did you ride the thing with your Digital digit pointing high in the
air, for God's sake? I swear, you can't let that guy out without a chaperone
*EVER*! You embarrass the daylights out of us couth folks. Behave yourself,
or next time wear a motocross helmet so you'll be harder to recognize.

    
    Just a guess, but I'd say it was racers riding back down the mountain
    at ridiculous speeds, against the grain, with their colors on.
    
    CdH
    

    NO it wasn't Reg! We're from the same origin and really very couth!
    Yes I was objecting to the irresponsible behaviour on the way down
    when there were pedestrians, and other competitors riding up (and
    down). We have lost a number of good road races in Mass because
    of bad behaviour, Harvard is one, Greenfield and Charlamont two
    others.
    
    the real point of my note was to be supportive of the idea of a
    Digital Team but also to support those who are NOT CAT 1 or 2 racers
    (at my age thats impossible!) but participate and "have the courage
    to compete". I think a jersey available to all is an excellent idea.
    There is also a fringe racing scene outside of USCF where I have
    enjoyed many an excellent race! Try entering Putney or Stowe, check
    out the citizen times for Putney, they are on my wall (Oh yes CAT
    4 times were faster than Cat 1,2 this year). A racing arm of the
    club can introduce people to the sport and encourage participation.
    Advertising it as CAT 1 & 2 only will immediately exclude Vets,
    Masters, Grand Masters and all our lady (I'm English) riders.
    
    Keep up the good work! Best regards (stop ragging on Reg he beat
    me by 30 secs on that hill in NH!) - ted
    

    re .26	I agree, there is far too much "errant public behavior"
    thats giving us all a bad name in all kinds of riding.  The worst
    example I witnessed on "The Hill" was a guy who would NOT move over
    for the stage bus.  Despite the bell ringing and a lot of shouts
    from other riders, this guy insisted on holding the middle of the
    road until he was done with it, he finally dropped into a gap between
    riders and gave the stage driver a large ration of finger.  I don't
    like the busses being on the road while the race is in progress
    either, and I don't like the way they race up and down the hill,
    but they are run by the people who "own" and operate the auto road,
    so its part of the prevailing conditions that we have to ride under.
    The most satisfying part was that he burned up soon after the incident
    and got a lot of quiet, cynical advice from the rest of us about
    energy saving strategies, such as keeping his finger down.  I wish I'd
    taken his number so I could have written an apology to the auto road
    owners saying, in effect, "sorry about that, we want to disown him."
    I heard on saturday (20th) that the Tiverton century had horrible,
    "errant public behavior" problems this year too, to the point of
    unlikely to get a permit for next year.  I know four or five people
    who have sworn not to ride it again.

    re .28	OK Gary, my turn next.  BTW, why didn't we see you there ?
    I thought you *LIKED* hills ?  (Mt Graylock, etc.)
    
    re .29	This probably belongs in the Mt. Washington note.  This
    year conditions were, "unsuitable" (euphamism for 4 degrees F, 60
    + MPH winds, hail/ice at the top) for a bike ride to the top, in
    fact they weren't even letting 4wd trucks go all the way.  So, we
    only went to the half way point, where there is very little room
    for vehicles.  It was announced before the race that we would all
    have to ride down as no cars would be allowed up to get us, *THEREFORE*
    keep to the right on the way up as well as on the way down.  I had
    genuine trouble coming down, riders were stopping everywhere to
    greet their companions who had walked up to meet them (probably
    the ones who would have driven them down if they could have), riders
    still going up were weaving *BADLY* the whole width of the road,
    others going down seemed determined to get their cateyes to register
    a three figure max speed, *CRAZZZEEEE* !   I admit its a hell of a
    down grade and a big thrill right after you've just riden up it, but
    there was a lot of straight out stupidity going on.  I guess the
    flyer for next year needs to spell out a whole bunch more rules of
    the road, such as what to do if we have to ride down, why weaving
    is dangerous, what the complaint/disqualification for succeeding
    years procedure is, etc.  Already bicycles are not allowed on this
    road as a result of last year's behavior, next year the race may
    not be permitted at all.

    re .30	I claim to have reached the finish line a lot more than 30
    secs before Ted did.  He may have been only that far from the line when
    he saw me coming down, but I had ridden on a bit to warm down,
    stretched, chatted with people, etc.  I don't think anyone "beats"
    anyone else on this ride, its a hill time trial and everyone who does
    it is a winner.  I'm a winner because I did a better half way time than
    last year and finished with the certain knowledge that if conditions
    had been comparable I would have finished within 5 minutes of the goal
    I had set before busting my shoulder, might even have gone for broke
    in the second half and made my goal.  Everyone there was a winner
    because they were there (Gary wasn't there though :-) ).
    
    re .26 again, and .30	Getting back to the subject, if we're
    going to form a team, I agree its important to develop a good protocol
    for riding on the road in training and real races.  I'm more of
    a "soloist", but not too old to learn the disciplin (sp ?) required
    to ride pace lines and work together.  I suspect that club rides
    are a lot safer when everyone knows what to expect of each other
    and maintains position etc.   
    (Of course, I could be wrong, Ted's accident rate is "impressive") :-), :-)
    
	Reg
    

>    re .28	OK Gary, my turn next.  BTW, why didn't we see you there ?
>    I thought you *LIKED* hills ?  (Mt Graylock, etc.)



AAAARRRRRGGGGGghhhhhhhhh he got me good!!!
Right in the seat of the pants!
Yes, you are right, for once. I was not there. Of course I love hills. But
you see, I thought there wouldn't be a race this year, and so had scheduled
my knee replacement surgery for that day. Good excuse?


As regards the Greylock ride...I don't remember you accepting THAT challenge.  
Were you there?

Anyhow, who ever said Mt Wash was a hill, (except those Coloradians)?

    Well, it's March 2nd, late enough in the year to get moving on
    this thing.  Has there been any progress?
    
    MATT

Look at the latest Performance catalog.  They sell jerseys with space for silk 
screening a logo, you do the screening.  There is a nice blue & grey one for 
$31.95 (3-10) or $29.95 (11-20).  Anyone out there want to organize this?

cbs

    I'm certainly willing to take orders.  I imagine the silk-screening
    will cost a couple of bucks more per shirt.  More to the point,
    though: I have my USCF application at home, and I'd like to state
    a DIGITAL affiliation.  Is the DEC bike club USCF-registered?

    MATT

    If so, can I place my order NOW?!?!
    
    Dave
    DTN 441-4931

    
    So does this mean that TEAM DIGITAL lives?????? Last I heard it
    died an uninterested death....
    
    Stew
    

    
    Some important points:
    
    The club must be registered with the USCF District Representative
     (Charlie Smith is MA/RI rep)

    The jersey colors and style must be approved by the D.R.
    
    The club must be registered with the USCF in Colorado Springs.
    A year's dues must be paid in advance.
    
    You're allowed one grace year, but afterwards, a participating racing
    club must sponsor at least once race per season.
    
    There's a lot of details to be worked out, in all fairness it might
    be too late for this year.
    
    CdH
    
    

    Who says we have to join USCF anyway??? Wouldn't it be great to
    have a jersey that had "Team |d|i|g|i|t|a|l|" anyway. If a bunch
    of us, regardless of racing association or racing intent, showed
    up at a ride with T.D. jerseys, think how great it would be! We
    don't need USCF to have T.D.
    
    Here's to Team |d|i|g|i|t|a|l| !!!
    
    Gary

    I agree that the USCF registration may be too late for this year.
    However, considering that this idea has a lot of potential, taking
    the first step of making up jerseys and working up a strategy for
    getting official sounds like a great way to get psyched.  
    
    Send mail to me if you want a jersey, and are willing to pay up
    to $40 for it.  I'll report back on the status of the order two
    weeks from tonight.
    
    MATT

    Okay, here's a (tiny) nit.  Do you need anyone's approval to put
    a |d|i|g|i|t|a|l| onto something?  It seems like you ought to because
    the company must protect its copyrights but it also seems like many
    others have not.
    
    An "approved design" should be unique from all other clubs in the
    area and meet numerous other picayune guidelines.  Making up a juersey
    with an "unapproved" design could mean making up a new jersey next
    year.  Putting DEC's name on the jersey also means that you would
    have to get DEC's sponsorship each year, etc., etc, 
    glad you want to do the paperwork, good luck.
    
    ed

    I don't know if this has been mentioned before, but:
    
    The DEC running club has really sharp uniforms (Bill Rodgers, high
    quality stuff) that cost about 50% of retail.  Part of the cost
    is picked up by the company (employee activities?) probably because
    the club participates in nationwide Corporate competitions.  If
    there were any similar competitions T.D. could enter, you might
    be able to get similar sponsorship.  And would this be enough to
    satisfy the USCF sponsorship requirements?  Since bike racing seems
    to be increasing in popularity, it might not be too hard to get
    the company interested...
    
    Kevin
    

    Every year in Houston, there is a massive intra-corporation
    competition, with a multitude of sporting events, from running through
    tennis through almost anything else.  I am pushing to get bicyling
    on the list for next year.
    
    Would this qualify?
    
    Dave

    I'm in contact with Employee Activities - they're due to call
    me back soon.
    
    MATT

    RE .40
    
    o Over two weeks have passed, and I have only received five orders.
    
    o Employee Activities requires a pretty high level of participation
      before they'll put up bucks for anything, or will allow the DIGITAL
      logo on any item.  A seperate racing team wouldn't have a chance.
    
    o A meeting I was supposed to have with the president of the bike
      club didn't come off.  I'll try again when I get a free moment,
      but there seems to be very little momentum for the idea.
   

   
    MATT

    I'm a new reader of the notes files and an active rider and citizen
    racer.  This seems like a great idea to have DEC jerseys and I would
    love to have one and join a DEC team.  Since I just discovered this 
    conference it's been a year since the last entry.  Did the effort die 
    out? I think we should try and get this going!  Lets hear from
    interested parties!
    
    Dave
     

    
    There's plenty of people interested in riding team digital but 
    no one that wants to handle the hassles associated with it...
    
    Stew
    

    I would not be able to ride team digital with the rest of you....you
    are all Mass based riders. If you ever want to order t-shirts or
    something....I'm on the DTN.
    
                                         Doug Hood 
                                         435-5539