Cooper Ray Race Fund
Donation protected
TODAY, JULY 22ND we are launching the page, please disregard the original start date.
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Cooper Ray is a 21 year old Native New Yorker, urban cyclist, multi-disciplinary bike racer, and messenger by trade. He is a mix of the essential drive for speed, risk, and competition - coupled with an insatiable hunger for mental and physical challenge. He is a highly skillful cyclist and has a mind that won't quit until he fully understands whatever he's engaged in. He is self-taught, articulate, fierce and discerning and he's a good guy.
On the night of June 8th, 2013, Cooper took 5th place at the Brooklyn Navy Yard Criterium; The 2nd race in a series of 4 for the RED HOOK CRIT. Only 5 out of the 100 competitors finished that night, largely by being lapped and pulled, or crashing out. In Coopers words, "The RHC is the first of it's kind: A fast and technical closed circuit race on a street course with the only requirement being a track bicycle with no brakes. The races are unsanctioned, dangerous, and require immense fitness and fine tuned technical riding skill." Coopers 5th place finish put him 7th in the international overall standings for the RHC Championship Series. He is poised for the extraordinary opportunity to race in the final two races in Barcelona on August 24th and Milan on October 12th. We are committed to getting him there.
In the middle of his freshman year of high school, weary from the traditional educational system, Cooper made a move that changed his life: he got a part time job at a bike shop. The reward of working was invaluable to him. With a new sense of freedom and purpose, he began to navigate the city he loves with two wheels under him, determined to learn every inch. He became obsessed with the machines themselves too: The expert craftsmanship, intricacies, and design of these bicycles and components, modern and vintage, fascinated him. The bicycle filled his need for movement and technical knowledge. He rode in every spare minute he could find.
Cooper was introduced to road racing and the more underground scene of NYC street racing. On Halloween of 2007, at the age of 15, he raced his first alleycat: a messenger street race. There was no turning back. Soon he was simultaneously racing unsanctioned street races and competing as a category 3 in sanctioned road racing and cyclocross. Throughout his teenage years, he was a member of multiple Junior Development Teams. The road cycling community and messengers of NYC took notice of him due to the combination of his young age and tremendous natural talent. He was the youngest member of the scene by far and was given the nickname "boy wonder" by his messenger friends. Cooper had found a world where his internal and external needs were being met, there was a strong sense of community regardless of age, experience, or stature. He was winning.
Cooper is now a force to be reckoned with against his more seasoned professionally trained competitors as he most recently proved on June 8th by his 5th place finish in Brooklyn Navy Yard Crit. "A Criterium race is extremely intense due to it's nature. Set on a small closed circuit course, the race only lasts 45 minutes. Competitors complete multiple loops that push their physical limits and test their technical riding skill at each and every turn - all on a track bike with no brakes."The RHC is the brainchild of Coopers long time friend and former alleycat rival Dave Trimble. Going six years strong, The RHC is the premiere race for the discipline of the track bike criterium. It attracts the highest level of competition ranging from world class athletes to bicycle messengers, all racing in one open category.
24 Hours before the race on June 8th, while most cyclists were taking a rest day or recovery ride, Cooper worked in the torrential rain as a bike messenger on the city streets for 9 hours. The next night, he stood on the podium. While others were recovering after the crit, Cooper worked three more consecutive days on the city streets before a day of rest.
FUNDS RAISED WILL PROVIDE FOR immediate expense associated with Red Hook Crit Championship Series and the 2013 Cyclocross Season, as well as substantially improving the overall quality of Coopers life as a competitive cyclist.RED HOOK CRIT:
- All RHC race-related expenses for international travel, lodging, and food
- Supplementing a portion of Coopers income as a messenger while he is traveling abroad
TRAINING: To increase Coopers fitness and athletic health to compete on more even ground
- A coach and training program for RHC and the 2013 Cyclocross Season
- Nutritional / Supplemental guidance and related products
- Yoga for overall strength, stamina, fluidity and as PT for a previously shattered ankle
RACE RELATED EXPENSES:
- Race registration for RHC and the 2013 Cyclocross Season
- Supplementing a portion of general expenses for CX, (Travel, Lodging, Food)
- Replacement & backup of select race equipment and unexpected repairs
PHOTOGRAPHY:
- Partial offset of film and processing costs for RHC Championships and the CX season
In 2012, Cooper had a very successful season of racing cyclocross and has high expectations for what is possible for the 2013 season and beyond. Cyclocross is the other ideal racing discipline for Cooper, demanding a similar skill set to what he has developed over years of racing in the street. CX requires all-out intensity and exceptional technical handling skill, coupled with split-second decision making. Set in the Fall, the races are often in gruesome weather conditions, stretching riders mental and physical limits. Courses are short and technical circuits like a Criterium, but all off-road. Grass, Mud, and Dirt are all synonymous with with Belgian rooted sport. Cooper says "In my opinion, these races are more dependent on riding skill and tactful decisiveness over physical fitness, but i can only imagine what i could do with some real training." He raced last CX season with little to no training other than his job as a messenger. Cooper would be forced to register last minute for races and barely be able to afford travel, lodging, and food for each race weekend, sometimes missing them alltogether. Lets give Cooper the opportunity to compete without these concerns this coming season.
Cooper is a product of the city he loves. He realizes the life of a bike messenger isn't sustainable, it's a demanding job and risky on many levels. For now though, the benefits far outweigh the risks. In it he has found the perfect scenario: To further understand New York City like the back of his hand: knowing every street name, intersection, and grid transition. The job allows him to photograph his experience as a messenger and document his rapidly changing city. A typical work day gives access inside the buildings and architecture he grew up enamored by. For the first time he can have a "complete experience of the city" as he describes it. It offers a new perspective of New York- from the street, and from the sky. Being a messenger requires an insane set of skills, mentally, physically, and emotionally to make it through each day. Working as a courier allows Cooper a unique edge in his racing with street-tuned handling skill and undivided attention.
Over time, this young New Yorker has found place for himself, not only in the world of bike messengers but with the cycling community as a whole. There is a long career ahead of him with Cyclocross and he lives for the new kind of racing that has been created with the Red Hook Crit, which stretches to the limit, everything he's got. For now, he is home.
Cooper Lee Ray has earned every inch of the opportunity that lies before him. He has done so with hard work, determination, and sheer stamina; steadily evolving as a racer with little or no time to train, while simultaneously managing the demands of his young life. Cooper deserves to be able to take full advantage of what he has made for himself.
Please join us in building the bridge to what is next for him.
support in person: GOLDSPRINTS FOR COOPER RAY RACE FUND / RHC CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES
SAVE THE DATE: Tuesday, July 30th @ SANTOS PARTY HOUSE | 96 LAFAYETTE ST, NYC | 7PM-Midnight
EVENT INFO: https://www.facebook.com/events/536097066439149
Watch a Video about the Red Hook Crit Here
Watch another Video about the RHC on Hypebeast
For more information check out the RHC website and photoblog
photos above by Eloy Anzola, JP Bevins, Chris Lee, and Julian Darwall
Please feel free to contact us at: [email redacted]
Ivy Ray | Fundraising Director | [phone redacted]
Krystal Tusaneza | Fundraising Coordinator | [phone redacted]
___
Cooper Ray is a 21 year old Native New Yorker, urban cyclist, multi-disciplinary bike racer, and messenger by trade. He is a mix of the essential drive for speed, risk, and competition - coupled with an insatiable hunger for mental and physical challenge. He is a highly skillful cyclist and has a mind that won't quit until he fully understands whatever he's engaged in. He is self-taught, articulate, fierce and discerning and he's a good guy.
On the night of June 8th, 2013, Cooper took 5th place at the Brooklyn Navy Yard Criterium; The 2nd race in a series of 4 for the RED HOOK CRIT. Only 5 out of the 100 competitors finished that night, largely by being lapped and pulled, or crashing out. In Coopers words, "The RHC is the first of it's kind: A fast and technical closed circuit race on a street course with the only requirement being a track bicycle with no brakes. The races are unsanctioned, dangerous, and require immense fitness and fine tuned technical riding skill." Coopers 5th place finish put him 7th in the international overall standings for the RHC Championship Series. He is poised for the extraordinary opportunity to race in the final two races in Barcelona on August 24th and Milan on October 12th. We are committed to getting him there.
In the middle of his freshman year of high school, weary from the traditional educational system, Cooper made a move that changed his life: he got a part time job at a bike shop. The reward of working was invaluable to him. With a new sense of freedom and purpose, he began to navigate the city he loves with two wheels under him, determined to learn every inch. He became obsessed with the machines themselves too: The expert craftsmanship, intricacies, and design of these bicycles and components, modern and vintage, fascinated him. The bicycle filled his need for movement and technical knowledge. He rode in every spare minute he could find.
Cooper was introduced to road racing and the more underground scene of NYC street racing. On Halloween of 2007, at the age of 15, he raced his first alleycat: a messenger street race. There was no turning back. Soon he was simultaneously racing unsanctioned street races and competing as a category 3 in sanctioned road racing and cyclocross. Throughout his teenage years, he was a member of multiple Junior Development Teams. The road cycling community and messengers of NYC took notice of him due to the combination of his young age and tremendous natural talent. He was the youngest member of the scene by far and was given the nickname "boy wonder" by his messenger friends. Cooper had found a world where his internal and external needs were being met, there was a strong sense of community regardless of age, experience, or stature. He was winning.
Cooper is now a force to be reckoned with against his more seasoned professionally trained competitors as he most recently proved on June 8th by his 5th place finish in Brooklyn Navy Yard Crit. "A Criterium race is extremely intense due to it's nature. Set on a small closed circuit course, the race only lasts 45 minutes. Competitors complete multiple loops that push their physical limits and test their technical riding skill at each and every turn - all on a track bike with no brakes."The RHC is the brainchild of Coopers long time friend and former alleycat rival Dave Trimble. Going six years strong, The RHC is the premiere race for the discipline of the track bike criterium. It attracts the highest level of competition ranging from world class athletes to bicycle messengers, all racing in one open category.
24 Hours before the race on June 8th, while most cyclists were taking a rest day or recovery ride, Cooper worked in the torrential rain as a bike messenger on the city streets for 9 hours. The next night, he stood on the podium. While others were recovering after the crit, Cooper worked three more consecutive days on the city streets before a day of rest.
FUNDS RAISED WILL PROVIDE FOR immediate expense associated with Red Hook Crit Championship Series and the 2013 Cyclocross Season, as well as substantially improving the overall quality of Coopers life as a competitive cyclist.RED HOOK CRIT:
- All RHC race-related expenses for international travel, lodging, and food
- Supplementing a portion of Coopers income as a messenger while he is traveling abroad
TRAINING: To increase Coopers fitness and athletic health to compete on more even ground
- A coach and training program for RHC and the 2013 Cyclocross Season
- Nutritional / Supplemental guidance and related products
- Yoga for overall strength, stamina, fluidity and as PT for a previously shattered ankle
RACE RELATED EXPENSES:
- Race registration for RHC and the 2013 Cyclocross Season
- Supplementing a portion of general expenses for CX, (Travel, Lodging, Food)
- Replacement & backup of select race equipment and unexpected repairs
PHOTOGRAPHY:
- Partial offset of film and processing costs for RHC Championships and the CX season
In 2012, Cooper had a very successful season of racing cyclocross and has high expectations for what is possible for the 2013 season and beyond. Cyclocross is the other ideal racing discipline for Cooper, demanding a similar skill set to what he has developed over years of racing in the street. CX requires all-out intensity and exceptional technical handling skill, coupled with split-second decision making. Set in the Fall, the races are often in gruesome weather conditions, stretching riders mental and physical limits. Courses are short and technical circuits like a Criterium, but all off-road. Grass, Mud, and Dirt are all synonymous with with Belgian rooted sport. Cooper says "In my opinion, these races are more dependent on riding skill and tactful decisiveness over physical fitness, but i can only imagine what i could do with some real training." He raced last CX season with little to no training other than his job as a messenger. Cooper would be forced to register last minute for races and barely be able to afford travel, lodging, and food for each race weekend, sometimes missing them alltogether. Lets give Cooper the opportunity to compete without these concerns this coming season.
Cooper is a product of the city he loves. He realizes the life of a bike messenger isn't sustainable, it's a demanding job and risky on many levels. For now though, the benefits far outweigh the risks. In it he has found the perfect scenario: To further understand New York City like the back of his hand: knowing every street name, intersection, and grid transition. The job allows him to photograph his experience as a messenger and document his rapidly changing city. A typical work day gives access inside the buildings and architecture he grew up enamored by. For the first time he can have a "complete experience of the city" as he describes it. It offers a new perspective of New York- from the street, and from the sky. Being a messenger requires an insane set of skills, mentally, physically, and emotionally to make it through each day. Working as a courier allows Cooper a unique edge in his racing with street-tuned handling skill and undivided attention.
Over time, this young New Yorker has found place for himself, not only in the world of bike messengers but with the cycling community as a whole. There is a long career ahead of him with Cyclocross and he lives for the new kind of racing that has been created with the Red Hook Crit, which stretches to the limit, everything he's got. For now, he is home.
Cooper Lee Ray has earned every inch of the opportunity that lies before him. He has done so with hard work, determination, and sheer stamina; steadily evolving as a racer with little or no time to train, while simultaneously managing the demands of his young life. Cooper deserves to be able to take full advantage of what he has made for himself.
Please join us in building the bridge to what is next for him.
support in person: GOLDSPRINTS FOR COOPER RAY RACE FUND / RHC CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES
SAVE THE DATE: Tuesday, July 30th @ SANTOS PARTY HOUSE | 96 LAFAYETTE ST, NYC | 7PM-Midnight
EVENT INFO: https://www.facebook.com/events/536097066439149
Watch a Video about the Red Hook Crit Here
Watch another Video about the RHC on Hypebeast
For more information check out the RHC website and photoblog
photos above by Eloy Anzola, JP Bevins, Chris Lee, and Julian Darwall
Please feel free to contact us at: [email redacted]
Ivy Ray | Fundraising Director | [phone redacted]
Krystal Tusaneza | Fundraising Coordinator | [phone redacted]
Organizer
Cooper Ray
Organizer
New York, NY