Hear from insiders, promoters, team and race directors and past attendees who found success through the experience and reward in life from the outcome.  Ready to learn more about what happens and register?  Click here

Colin "Chip" Howat - class of 1991
Clinic Director / Tubular Tire Expert / Bike Rider
The Race Mechanics Clinic was one of the most rewarding educational opportunities for me because attending the Clinic opened doors to work with fantastic mechanics and athletes at races and workshops at home and overseas leading on to so many more professional and cultural experiences."

Michael Kubancsek - class of 2015
Director of Cycling Operations - Marian University
"I consider myself super fortunate to have attended the USAC Woodul Clinic.  While I had some previous race experience, the clinic helped me really understand what it means to be a race mechanic and the intricacies and details of supporting athletes(both team and neutral). The connections made at the clinic also widened my scope in the industry and led me to some new opportunities and relationships  I learned things I didn't even know that I would need to know, but I am far better at what I do because of it.  The content of the clinic takes you beyond adjusting derailleurs and inflating tires and shapes you into a prepared and safe staff member for any team or riders you may ever work for.  There is no  in-depth, complete training for race mechanics like what the Woodul Clinic offers... there is no substitute!"

Ed Beamon - veteran team director
Team Director - Team Tibco-SVB
"As a team director being able to count on my mechanic is critical. Mechanics who've come through the USA Cycling program have been given the preparation, honed the skills and have had practical exposure to the environment that is so critical to perform in a team culture."

William McPherson - class of 1996
Lead Technician - Shimano Multi-Service
"At Shimano Multi-Service we only use licensed race mechanics.  Knowing that someone has had the training and understands the process of race support is important to us and the riders we support."

Craig "Calvin" Jones - clinic instructor since day-1
Education, Training, Development - Park Tool
"It has been both a pleasure and honor to teach at these Race Mechanic Clinics.  I've been an instructor since the beginning, it's ironic, I have never attended as a mechanic... I want to!  This clinic is at the heart of the professionalism and passion for this kind of work.  Seeing mechanics from a wide range of backgrounds and regions ask us questions, argue their points, network with one another, and gain confidence to do this, give me the knowledge that our racing athletes will have the service they need to achieve greatness.  After all, this is what we are here for."

Brandon Hale - Race Director
Race Director - North Star Grand Prix
"We know that the safety of the riders depends on having the most qualified mechanics working in the caravan.  USA Cycling's training helps to ensure riders receive the highest quality service in the fastest manner possible without sacrificing safety.  The mechanics are an important component of providing riders an exceptional experience at our race."

Gal Alon - class of 2015
Service Associate - Penn Cycle
"The best experience I recall from 2015 os the people I met and got to know, instructors and students alike.  These are the people that are shaping the industry now and in the future.  Many of them are the people who started the PBMA!  People that share the deep passion to become a bike mechanic in a shop or in supporting races and events are what the Race Mechanics Clinic is all about.  Being part of the Race Mechanic group is something special that unites us as individuals to help and support each other.  I am proud to be part of that group."

Julian DaSilva - class of 2013
South Florida Territory Manager - Orbea, Santa Cruz Bicycle, Atomik Carbon, Ride 100%
"My experience at the Race Mechanics Clinic was that opening ones mind, I was set on my own way of thought and once I did the class and learned from some of the best in the industry, I changed my perception of the industry.  One of the things that the clinic helped me do was build a network of likeminded people that I could tap into, learn from one another and bounce around ideas.  Because of these ideas I was able to work along side industry people and network with them, eventually leading to a career at a higher level within the industry.  Being a race mechanic has led me to starting my own Neutral Support Business in the state of Florida which is desperately needed.  The clinic brought me to a higher level."

Doug Martin - friend of Bill
Cycling Industry Professional
"My work with Bill predates the Race Mechanics Clinic - we came out of the same shop together in Coconut Grove, Florida... Dade Cycle Shop.  Bill was already the stuff of local lore and was doing a lot of National Team trips to South America, Europe, etc. Each time he came back we'd huddle around eager to hear of some new tech tip or trick.  A better way to tie and solder wheels, linseed oil as spoke prep, a bulletproof tubular tire glue combo... you name it.  Each trip and experience benefited us all.  From there Bill went on to build and run the Campagnolo Neutral Support program, then onto USA Cycling (then USCF).  He was an early pioneer and true champion of the bicycle mechanic as a legitimate profession, and the Race Mechanics Clinic sought to build on this.  They were successful from the start and have gotten only better over time.  There is no doubt that the curriculum, shared information and overall networking are highly beneficial to not just the race mechanics, but shop and industry members alike."

Zane Freebairn - class of 2014
Team Mechanic - Rally Pro Cycling
"There was some really cool tips and tricks learned from the instructors but the best thing that I came out with was the connections.  I see guys and gals at races that were in the clinic in 2015 and have leaned on them for help.  A great example is Gary Bavolar; he has helped out a few times while working for Shimano and SRAM.  Already having a relationship with these mechanics made the race situations go smoother."

James Stanfill - class of 2000
President of the PBMA, Race Mechanic Clinic Organizer 
"I attended the clinic in 2000... since then I haven't looked back.  The opportunities created from the network of people in attendance is insane.  Since 2000 I've worked for men's and women's World Tour Teams, worked with Olympic Champions, National Champions, World Champions and met many great friends out on the road.  The skills gained at the clinic allowed me working as a mechanic to visit more than twenty countries.  I come back every year to make sure that others have the same opportunities as those in the past.  Now through the PBMA we are working to expand the level of learning to reach more mechanics and further build that network of people we can each rely on."

Tristan Brandt - class of 2015
Demo Coordinator - Pivot Cycles
"It was an amazing networking opportunity that has allowed me to further my career in the industry and I am now proud to working for Pivot Cycles.  I think the clinic really helped us grasp the scope of what being a race mechanic really entails (late nights, early mornings, long days), through the experience of current techs and those who have been in the field for decades.  I think the clinic can teach you a few new skills, but more importantly, give you opportunities to branch out to other fields in the industry besides wrenching at a shop."

The above is something we hear this daily... likely a few times a day depending on where we are.  People want to say thank you and shake our hands and chat about the challenges of the cycling industry.  Those things are amazing and we feel great about them.  They however don't pay the bills and don't allow the PBMA to grow to it's fullest potential. 

Organizationally the PBMA isn't difficult to work with and we don't make insane demands on our partners.  We like to be as inclusive as possible keeping our member needs in mind.  We like to deliver for our partners with exposure and reach into a community of people interested in mechanical things. 

We've established a basic structure of membership: individuals, shops, and corporations.  Within each level there are options with specific deliverables and specific benefits.  More often than not when asking a corporation for $500 to become a member they reply matter of factly that they can't afford it.  If this is true then our industry is in MAJOR trouble.  It seems to us a small ask and one that carries tremendous weight when looking at the future and sustainability for the PBMA.

As an organization we are focused on mechanics and service.  Imagine your company without one of those two things and what does your bottom line look like then?  

Organizationally we are looking to grow certification and applying resources towards training and the elevation of what most outside our culture consider a hobby, we look to the industry to help us build these programs and provide stable financial support.  We can't simply rely on mechanics (often earning the least) to carry the burden here.

Is membership worth it?  Our feeling is that at all levels we are showing immediate value for your dollars.  As we grow our voice grows.  We are calling on all those companies building their budgets and looking at where growth in the industry is going to occur.  We are calling on all those companies who couldn't spare a few hundred dollars in 2017.  We are calling on EVERYONE who has said: "This is a great idea, the industry has needed this for a long time".  

​Now is the time to step up and show your support.  

​Service is the future.  PBMA is a major piece of the puzzle, we can't do it without you and we don't want to do it without you.  Cycling is a community and we all need to participate for future success.