bike Magazine time warp

Perusing the July issue of bike Magazine and I came across an article titled, "Pro Riders Race Into Cyberspace."  Initially I was excited, thinking I would find out about some pros that have started blogging.  But to my surprise the article mentioned just regular old websites. 

Haven't websites been around for years now?  Don't get me wrong, there's nothing wrong with them; they're a great way to present brands and information.  It's just that blogs are much better for connecting with fans and I think they can do much more for the ROI of sponsors than traditional websites...that is, unless all sponsors want is a place to read a bio and look at pretty pictures of their athletes.

This quote could have been uttered 5 years ago:

"...if they (the fans) can't make it to the races, then they can e-mail us on our websites and talk to us...if you think about that and you consider the value you're supposed to offer your sponsor, then being on the web and reaching out to the public with your own site makes 100% sense."

What would really make sense is if more pro riders actually started blogging.  And I don't mean occassional "diary entries".  I mean frequent updates, open comments, outbound links...you know, actually participating in the conversation, instead of handing out electronic brochures.

To see a good example check out  Giant-sponsored rider Jeff Kerkove's blog.  He is creating amazing value for his sponsors by frequently updating his blog, providing photos and reports of events, and giving reviews/plugs of his sponsor's products.

The online habits and expectations of cycling fans have matured and changed and it's time riders and the industry change with them.  E-mail addresses posted on websites and anonymous contact forms are no longer enough.

Comments

[Michael Browne]

Nick Martin emailed me a couple weeks ago, informing me of his new blog that documents his first race season.

He's the first I've heard of to do so: http://www.ridewithnickmartin.blogspot.com/

[Richard Masoner]

One blog I used to follow was that of local mountain biker Tonya">http://www.mtbchick.com/tonya.html">Tonya Laffey. She never understood the medium or took full advantage of it and has recently gone back to an online journal *yawn* because of problems with spam. Like you, I wish more professional cyclists would "get it."

[Nick Martin]

Hey Jon,
Check out my site... I think this is what your talking about in your article... I just started it's develpement but have been calling in with voice updates etc... I think you will find it entertaining, but it is a documentary of a first year pro, quiting my job and chasing the dream. Let me know what you think and maybe a link on your site?!? Best of Rides
Nick

[Jonathan Maus]

Hey Nick:
You're doing a great job so far. My only bit of advice would be include more outbound links in your posts. This provides value to your readers, gives you a way to connect and get noticed by other bloggers (they'll see you as a referring URL in their logs) and it will help your site's search engine ranking.

I was glad to notice you getting in touch with Jeff Kerkove.

Keep up the good work and good luck this season.

[Jeff Kerkove]

Hey guys!
Thanks for the mention on the blog. I am glad you took notice. The blog is a great tool for me: good for exposure, good for something to do other than riding, helps out other riders.

Like most of the people that swing by the blog, I was always looking for information on how to perform better. People coming to my blog can get real life info from just a regular guy. That's all I look at myself as. Nothing special here. I like to ride. Share my info. And hope to influence others to do the same.

It's also great for the sponsors. I am lucky and have sponsors whom I take great pride in their products. If it works great I'll praise it. If it is not up to my expectations you will hear about it on the blog. I am not going to lie about product. This all goes back to the Blue Collar Blog and their views on product reviews.

Thanks for sending traffic my way!!

Thanks guys!!! Feel free to contact me if needed.

[marc vettori]

Really nice peice. I think the blog part of cycling digs even deeper. Cycling is such a passion, has so much culture. I think Blogs help folks connect to that even more. It's not even always about pros, although pro blogs are great, Todd Well's had the first one that I got hooked on, but also allows "just some dude from where ever..." to share his passion, experiences, with the world. Through cycling blogs I have a whole web of folks I have met, and who I follow. Static web site are really taking a hit to a frequently updated cycling blog.

respect
marc

[Dona]

great site!!go on

[Bennie]

Great job you are in the right way !