Rider Responsibilities and Code of Conduct

PURPOSE: A great deal of time, effort and expense has been put into the formation of the Cisco Cycling Team. Promises have been made to sponsors as to the way the team will perform and the riders will conduct themselves. In return for the opportunity to ride with the Cisco Cycling Team and also in return for the clothing and equipment furnished to team members, certain responsibilities are incumbent on all team members:

CONDUCT: At all times when in uniform, riders will conduct themselves in an adult, responsible and courteous manner. When riding in team formation on training rides, team members will be as courteous to motorists as possible and ride in the least disruptive manner to the flow of traffic. Remember we are representatives for our sponsors. They invest in us to create a positive public image. All it takes is one irate motorist calling to complain about us to our sponsors and we likely will lose that sponsor next year.

PARTICIPATION: Obviously, the concept of "team" involves many members functioning together. In order to accomplish this and also in order to foster team unity and camaraderie, members need to spend time together and train together. To the extent possible, given everyone's work and family responsibilities, team members should make an attempt to attend team training sessions, training rides and training camps as frequently as possible. Our presence on the roads in team uniform is one of the things our sponsors pay for. Our failure to train as a group and be visible to the public diminishes our value to our sponsors.

Riders are expected to participate in racing events throughout the racing season. It is expected that riders will ride in as many Grattan races as possible and will additionally ride in at least 5 other Michigan races including all of the state championship events and other events that are designated as "team events". Racing is one of the primary purposes of this team and therefore if is expected that riders will commit to racing frequently during the summer as a condition of membership on the team. Furthermore, team activities, Le. bike safety days for kids, are part of team participation.

PERFORMANCE: Team members have an obligation to perform at the highest level possible and in the best traditions of the sport of cycling. Riders should commit there selves to getting into the best physical condition possible and to giving maximum effort in every race. "Dropping out" of races is discouraged. Teamwork during races is expected. If one teammate wins, we all win.

SUPPORT: Without financial support, there would be no Cisco Cycling Team. To the extent possible, all members should make an effort to help in the recruitment of sponsors and in the financial support of the team. The development of sponsorships is a very difficult job and everyone's participation in this regard eases the burden on the few who have been responsible for this in the past.