Your chance to support youth cycling!

This is a Red Peloton fundraiser to support a select group of under 23 years old cyclists. Red Peloton, is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization, focusing on the next generation of cyclists and community leaders. This fundraiser seeks to raise money to fund a very unique U23 (Under 23 years old) Cycling Program that promotes cycling, encourages young athletes to continue bike racing and provides a platform for earning national recognition. Donations are tax deductible.

 

The program currently has 8 North Bay riders ages 19 to 22 who have just graduated (aged out) of the Junior Cycling teams or high school MTB programs. These riders are very talented and motivated to continue their racing career but need our full support to move to the next level of training and competition.

 

Meet Red Peloton:

The Red Peloton (a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization, EIN: 11-3822168) seeks to be the premier racing and cycling club in Sonoma County. We strive to be an enthusiastic, talented, safe, and inclusive group of cyclists, maintaining our core values of giving back to the community, volunteerism, and positive bike advocacy.

 

Meet the riders

Blake Macheras:

This is my third season on the team, and I have been able to move from Cat 4 all the way to Cat 1, guest ride for Domestic pro Teams, travel internationally, and earned the title of U23 District (Nor Cal State) Champion! I really couldn't have managed all of this without the help and support of the Red Peloton!

 

Meet some of the mentors and coaches:

Mike Charleton (Mentor)

 

This program has a lot of support from many of the local pros and experienced riders which help not only with creating training plans, but also with race tactics. This type of support is essential to the success of the riders as demonstrated by one of the Red Peloton master racers. Here is his story:

Team support was essential- Starting in 1984, thanks to many mentors, I was guided through the training and entire competitive process from registering for races to getting to the line on race day. After a year of experience and local results under my belt, I was ready to compete at a national level. My cycling teams approved funds for me to get to national championships and other nationally recognized races. When I graduated from the junior ranks to the elite Cat 2 category, I continued to receive support of clothing, entry fees, accommodations and travel monies to compete at 1 and 2 week long events throughout California and beyond. I am forever grateful to my teams and team members that enabled me to continue following my dream of becoming the best competitor and ambassador for the sport that I could be.

My commitment- I am excited to support our U23 team with my time and experience. It is an honor to pay it forward by mentoring this next generation of motivated athletes. You can be a part of this team by helping bridge the financial gap that exists. Your support will ensure these kids and young adults set in stone healthy habits for a lifetime while learning skills that will benefit our communities far into the future. Thank you.

Mike Charleton, Red Peloton Race Team Captain

 

Coaches:

Larry Nolan

 

USA Cycling level 1 coach

Certified Skills Instructor

2011 US Olympic Committee Developmental Coach of the Year

2018 USA Cycling Junior Team Director Tour DMZ

Early Bird Training Series Director (1993-Present)

San Jose Velodrome Supervisor (1993-Present)

Team Specialized Racing junior director (2007-2017)

USA Cycling West Coast Camp Director and head coach (2008-2013)

 

Amber Smolik

 

Certifications

• USA Cycling Coach

• USA Master Swim Coach

• CPR/First Aid & AED

• USAT Triathlon Certified

Awards

• 5 Time National AquaBike Champion

• 2021 ITU AquaBike World Champion

• Overall Winner Memorial Park Crit Series (Cycling)

• Texas State Champion (Cycling)

• TTT State Champion and Course record holder

 

About Amber

My coaching bio includes coaching world and national champions, professional mountain bikers, crit racers, road racers, gravel racers, triathletes, and weekend warriors. I am passionate and invested in all my athletes.

 

I’ve been coaching multi-sport and each discipline independently for many years and love being a part of athlete’s growth and transformation as we work toward goals. I’m thrilled to be a part of Red Peloton’s U23 program and see an amazing future for these athletes.

 

How is your contribution going to be used?

Any money raised will be used to fund the yearly expenses of each rider. Yearly cost breakdown per rider includes:

· Entry fees ($50 per race; 14 races/year) = $700

· Clothing (2 kits) = $220

· Personal coaching ($90/mo) = $1080

 

This amounts to about $2000 per year for each rider

 

Summary: Red Peloton is creating this GoFundMe account on behalf of a select group of high-potential athletes.

 

Your support matters – It funds a unique program that provides for critical support from expert coaches and mentors, and funds to enable the U23 Team program. This will greatly improve these athletes’ opportunities to excel in the sport of bike racing

 

If we exceed our goal - We hope to exceed our goal as funding will be an on-going need year over year. Red Peloton’s objective is to grow this program to provide opportunities for generations of young athletes.

Please donate today (Tax deductible, Red Peloton EIN: 11-3822168) and be sure to share this page with family and friends.