The Service Course | WBR Cyclocross Team
It is hard to beat the quality of bicycle repair and maintenance provided by The Service Course in Boulder, Colorado. Started by two former ProTour race mechanics, Daimeon Shanks and Nick Legan, The Service Course has long supported World Bicycle Relief. Out of this support came a new idea--The Service Course | World Bicycle Relief Cyclocross Team. Wanting to avoid the pitfalls of overly competitive riders and failed sponsorships, Shanks decided that the perfect way to ensure a good-hearted, joyful team was to direct all sponsorship dollars and team fee proceeds to The Service Course’s official charity of choice: World Bicycle Relief!
Each team sponsor was asked to donate one WBR bike ($134) in exchange for a spot on the gingham team jersey and recognition as a team supporter. Additionally, each member contributed a $150 team fee to benefit World Bicycle Relief. This strategy allowed these fun-loving cyclocrossers the chance to race with the knowledge that their efforts helped provide 15 bicycles to students in rural Africa. The team also flew the WBR flag and handed out literature and stickers throughout the season, helping to raise awareness for the organization.
Team members Kate Powlison and Doug Gillespie led the way with side projects to further unify the team. Powlison created handmade matching gingham team handkerchiefs (well sported on the team dogs!) and Powlison and Gillespie made custom WBR cowbells which they sold at the official team race – The Boulder Cup – for a $5 donation to WBR.
What motivated Shanks to create this team? He noted, “When Nick and I started The Service Course we knew two things to be true. First, we stood to provide the same level of bicycle service that riders such as Christian Vande Velde, Lance Armstrong, Tyler Farrar, and Tom Danielson rely on. Second, we made the commitment to give back, and what better way to achieve that than by forming a cyclocross team which would give riders a sense of goodwill, joy, and the satisfaction of having made the difference in the life of a young student.”
A big thanks to The Service Course and the team for their creativity, initiative, and support all season long!
