Did you ever walk away from a conversation energized, with an added ferver for being, instilled in you by the person with whom you spoke? This is exactly what happens when you lay down the receiver after speaking with Teddy Allen. It's not that he talks fast or dispenses Confucian advice. It's that he (in his casual Californian demeanor) puts forth a positive energy and message. The National Sales Manager for GU Sports, he services roughly 3500 dealers, yet he also finds time to get in the saddle as an amateur road racer. As a long time cyclist, he pursued his passion in cycling, yet something was still missing for him.
In 2003 he found out what the missing element was. At Interbike that year, after perusing almost every booth in search of the answer, he came across Marilyn Price at the Trips For Kids booth. Her infectious energy drew him in to learn more. It was then that Teddy realized that he needed to give something back. Something that would make cycling better. Something that would allow others to capture the feeling that he remembered as a younger cyclist. It was that youthful, liberated, feeling of cycling that he wanted to share.
His initial idea was to create a Time Trial series with the entry fees being a donation to Trips For Kids. But then he started to think bigger. Having become somewhat disillusioned with the "Me" attitude of competitive cycling he decided that he wanted to harness his sporting energy into something very positive.
That's when a rather unique concept struck him... He would form a team. A team which would donate their winnings to Trips For Kids. They would not only be supporting the cause financially but, they would be spreading the word. Teddy felt that the team could act as ambassadors on the road, delivering their message and helping to inspire children in the process. Along with the dedication of their racing efforts and proceeds to Trips For Kids, the team members will also volunteer to lead group rides for the children of Trips for Kids, throughout the year.
It was also Teddy's thought that "This kind of selfless commitment will draw in those who are truly passionate about doing something good." At press time, that group included 17 members ranging in ages from 18-50, with some being students, professionals, cancer survivors. All unique in their ability to contribute something positive. It is that kind of commitment that Team Trips For Kids is built around. In that respect the team is styled to work as a joint effort of all of those involved. This dynamic makes best use of each teammate's talents both on and off the bike.
Some key contributors to look for on the road: James Clark: Official liason between the team and Trips for Kids in organizing and scheduling the volunteer rides.
James Bellenger: Tech guru and webmaster for the Team Trips For Kids website and Wednesday morning ride leader.
Mark Menning: Mark is the team's biggest secret weapon. An artful climber whose skills are nearly unmatched in the San Francisco area, he also founded and owns CaliActive, a key team sponsor. CaliActive's energy bars help feed the team and the company will reimburse rider expenses for races, if they finish top 10.
Mike Coppolino: An MD who races, he makes his medical training available to the team. This is a great asset in the case of emergencies.
Salvatore Zoida: The team VP, lawyer, and legal advisor, he is able to help decipher and offer advice on team legal agreements.
Teddy also mentioned that their mission calls upon great people to ride, but beyond that, it entices some great sponsors. Companies like GU Sports, CaliActive, Spiuk, The Bike Nook and 92.7 Energy FM have have freely offered to make individual arrangements that provide the team with matching donations, food, clothing and services to support their racing efforts. New potential sponsors are contacting the team daily...
To support the team or find out more, visit: www.teamtfk.org
Did you ever walk away from a conversation energized, with an added ferver for being, instilled in you by the person with whom you spoke? This is exactly what happens when you lay down the receiver after speaking with Teddy Allen. It's not that he talks fast or dispenses Confucian advice. It's that he (in his casual Californian demeanor) puts forth a positive energy and message. The National Sales Manager for GU Sports, he services roughly 3500 dealers, yet he also finds time to get in the saddle as an amateur road racer. As a long time cyclist, he pursued his passion in cycling, yet something was still missing for him.
In 2003 he found out what the missing element was. At Interbike that year, after perusing almost every booth in search of the answer, he came across Marilyn Price at the Trips For Kids booth. Her infectious energy drew him in to learn more. It was then that Teddy realized that he needed to give something back. Something that would make cycling better. Something that would allow others to capture the feeling that he remembered as a younger cyclist. It was that youthful, liberated, feeling of cycling that he wanted to share.
His initial idea was to create a Time Trial series with the entry fees being a donation to Trips For Kids. But then he started to think bigger. Having become somewhat disillusioned with the "Me" attitude of competitive cycling he decided that he wanted to harness his sporting energy into something very positive.
That's when a rather unique concept struck him... He would form a team. A team which would donate their winnings to Trips For Kids. They would not only be supporting the cause financially but, they would be spreading the word. Teddy felt that the team could act as ambassadors on the road, delivering their message and helping to inspire children in the process. Along with the dedication of their racing efforts and proceeds to Trips For Kids, the team members will also volunteer to lead group rides for the children of Trips for Kids, throughout the year.
It was also Teddy's thought that "This kind of selfless commitment will draw in those who are truly passionate about doing something good." At press time, that group included 17 members ranging in ages from 18-50, with some being students, professionals, cancer survivors. All unique in their ability to contribute something positive. It is that kind of commitment that Team Trips For Kids is built around. In that respect the team is styled to work as a joint effort of all of those involved. This dynamic makes best use of each teammate's talents both on and off the bike.
Some key contributors to look for on the road: James Clark: Official liason between the team and Trips for Kids in organizing and scheduling the volunteer rides.
James Bellenger: Tech guru and webmaster for the Team Trips For Kids website and Wednesday morning ride leader.
Mark Menning: Mark is the team's biggest secret weapon. An artful climber whose skills are nearly unmatched in the San Francisco area, he also founded and owns CaliActive, a key team sponsor. CaliActive's energy bars help feed the team and the company will reimburse rider expenses for races, if they finish top 10.
Mike Coppolino: An MD who races, he makes his medical training available to the team. This is a great asset in the case of emergencies.
Salvatore Zoida: The team VP, lawyer, and legal advisor, he is able to help decipher and offer advice on team legal agreements.
Teddy also mentioned that their mission calls upon great people to ride, but beyond that, it entices some great sponsors. Companies like GU Sports, CaliActive, Spiuk, The Bike Nook and 92.7 Energy FM have have freely offered to make individual arrangements that provide the team with matching donations, food, clothing and services to support their racing efforts. New potential sponsors are contacting the team daily...
To support the team or find out more, visit: www.teamtfk.org
