A lot of people ask me, "Hef, how do I become a member of Velo Valero?" To help answer this question, I've put together the following checklist.
Step 1 - Understand our Mission Statement
Review our Mission Statement. Velo Valero is open to riders of all skill levels, and we are not limited to Valero employees only - we welcome friends, family, business partners, and any one else that wants to ride with a great team for great causes. We merely ask you to buy and wear our jersey (which you get to keep) and raise at least the minimum in the fundraising events we participate in.
Step 2 - Obtain a Bike and Safety Equipment
You'll need a bike - after all, we are a cycling team. A lightweight road bike is best for what we do. You also must wear a helmet during our rides, and something to carry fluids in, either one or more water bottles or a camelback. In Texas, we do a lot of riding in 100 degree heat, and we don't want you getting dehydrated.
Step 3 - Make the Lawyers Happy
Everyone who rides with Velo Valero must fill out our Rider profile and Waiver of Liability. This can be done conveniently clicking here. You must fill this out before doing your first training ride or organized event with us! Also, team members are required to fill this out once per year.
Step 4 - Get on Our E-Mail List and Download Our Membership Card
Our team is so big and distributed, that e-mail has become the most convenient way to communicate. To get on our e-mail list, go to our web site and click on the Join link in the upper right hand corner. Use your e-mail address as your Sign In name. (NOTE: If you decide to leave Velo Valero for whatever reason, there are simple instructions for being removed from this list.) Once you register and login, download our Membership Card, which you can then use to obtain discounts at area bike shops. To see the list of shops offering discounts, click here.
Step 5 - Order Team Apparel
Everyone riding as a representative of Velo Valero in an organized event needs to wear a current team Jersey. Ordering team apparel is quite easy using our convenient on-line store. You can pay using credit card, PayPal, or even a personal check. Click here to access the team store. The team store is currently open until August 22, 2008. Jerseys ordered will arrive mid-September, prior to the Bike to the Beach. If you have any questions regarding the order process, send an e-mail to cycling@valero.com.
Step 6 - Determine Your Personal Goals, and Get Involved!
If you are a brand new cyclist, then join the New V Crew, the group in Velo Valero just for you! Click here to learn more about the crew!
If your goal is improve your physical fitness, then start joining us for training rides. To see the rules of the road for doing a Velo training ride, click here.
If your want to ride with the mighty Velo Valero juggernaut as we particiapte in organized charity rides such as the Tour de Cure and the Bike MS: Valero Bike to the Beach, then check our calendar of events. Find an event that fits your schedule and a cause that fits your moral compass, and go to the event web site and sign up as a member of Velo Valero.
Our next big event is the Bike to the Beach on October 4-5 - click here to read all about it and sign on the dotted line!
NOTE: If you sign up for an event that involves fundraising, we require you to raise the minimum, but will encourage you to raise more. If you have questions or concerns about how to be an effective fundraiser, please contact our Board Member in charge of Fundraising, David Sloan (david.sloan@valero.com).
Step 7 - Have Fun!
Joining Velo is the best decision you've ever made! You'll have a great time, plus you'll get in shape, meet good people, and give back to the community.
Glad to have you on board - please don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns!
Team members at the finish line at the 2007 Bike to the Beach!