10 Questions With... Craig Dodson

by David Kirkpatrick, Features Editor

Craig Dodson founded Richmond Pro Cycling to develop citizens of the world first, elite bicycle racers second. The more you learn about the team's mission, the more you'll want them to win (which you can help them do here).

(photo by Mark Blacknell)

10 Questions With... Craig Dodson

(GamJams) 1. A lot of cyclists dream of jettisoning their jobs to be able to spend more time on the road, yet Richmond Pro Cycling required riders to undertake educational and community service commitments.  How tough a sell is that to the riders?

(Craig Dodson) It's tough: I got about 30 resumes at the end of last season, and we only picked 4 guys to participate in the program.  We convey to guys that we are more focused with "life after RPC," and that RPC is a Leadership Corps- not a cycling team.  Yeah, we race bikes pretty well, but the impact you can make on others will inevitably eclipse victories on the bike.  

(GJ) 2.  How did you come to the decision to start and run your own team, and how did you decide on the unique character of the team's charter?
 
(CD) I started running my own 'team' at age 25 when I started Grad School.  I founded and began running the non-profit Richmond Pro Cycling at age 28.  I made the decision to shift the paradigm because I saw so many great character-drivers that a cyclist inherently possess, but no key to unlock those drivers to benefit others.  RPC is designed to help each member unlock their ability as elite-cyclists to become elite-community leaders. 


(GJ) 3.  You worked extensively with the Faison School last year.  What did that entail and will you be working with them again this year? 

(CD) That was a great experience.  We taught 4 autistic youth how to ride bikes, and worked with a total of 9 youth.  We saw these students who are often closed up and somewhat lacking confidence completely open up and charged with emotion.  I saw members of RPC mature as they recognized week to week bounds in progress were due from their involvement towards the students.  Parents of the students were amazed at how our weekly involvement transferred to positive traits and development at home.  We are still working on the partnership for 2010, but our primary community program for this year and beyond will be with the Boys and Girls Club of Metro Richmond.


(GJ) 4.  Richmond Pro Cycling has found success with the benefactor model as opposed to the more traditional sponsorship system.  Do you think that benefactors are a better fit for your team's non-profit setup and unique focus, or did it just work out that way?

(CD) Great question- a lot of people don't catch on to this.  Yes absolutely- benefactors are key.  It amazes me when every year "teams" dissolve and people are surprised.  Honestly, I'm surprised 1/2 of them last as long as they do.  In cycling, in the U.S., at the small pro team/elite team junction, you have to be more than just a cyclist.  Programs have to tout more than just being a cycling team.  As cyclists at this level, we're never going to pay a mortgage racing bikes.  However, the positive impact we can have on others, be it underprivileged or special needs, is priceless.
 

(GJ) 5.  The team has always been pretty small.  What are the advantages and disadvantages of keeping the number of riders low? 

(CD) We tried to go bigger, but it just doesn't work.  Guys in this program are not here to be managed- they're here to be developed.  Part of that process is having them learn to work together in every aspect of the program: Community. Continuing education. Goal orientation. Cycling.  When you try and go with 9, 10, 12 guys, you end up having to manage, and that just stifles our mission.


(GJ) 6.  In your role as team director, how much logistical support are you providing for your riders?  Do you provide all the small and replacement equipment like bar tape and tubes or how does that work?

(CD) This is a common misconception.  I am not a team director.  I am the Director of Development for RPC- and I'm not a member of the program, I run the program.  In the past, I've assumed the role of captain, but not anymore.  We have Jon Wirsing who writes the training programs, and I assign a different guy as captain for each race, and I actually walk away from the 'team meeting.'  Again, if I'm directing them, I'm really just managing them, and we want to evoke leadership skills.


(GJ) 7.  You wear a lot of hats between running the team, acting as DS and riding.  How much are you able to delegate and to whom?

(CD) Somewhat of a tie-in to the last question, but yes, I do wear a lot of hats.  I'm not naturally good at delegating- horrible actually.  I've had to learn that delegating is synonymous with trust.  And so, we work to build integrity amongst our members, and you don't have integrity without trust.  I'm 90% hands-off with the members.  I layout an agenda, and it's up to them to complete it.  I equate RPC as a problem-solving-puzzle: From March 1st-Septmber 30th, you have to get from point A to point B.  Here are the rules of the puzzle, and the 4 of you need to figure out how you're going to reach point B effectively. 
 

(GJ) 8.  How are the training plans for the riders developed?  Do you have a coaching role as well, or do they work with outside resources? 

(CD) Sorry- should have read through all of these first.  The legend, and perfect role model for our program, Jon Wirsing handles all of the training programs for RPC's members.  We thought it best to have all the guys on the same program, to avoid any conflict of interest (i.e personal quests).  The 1st goal for each member, in every aspect of our program, is "how are my actions/decisions going to benefit the program that I've signed up for."


(GJ) 9.  How often does the team ride together in non-race situations, and what is the most productive use of those times together? 

(CD) The members all live together in housing provided through a partnership with French Consulting Company.  So, just like their community outreach, or continuing education workshops/classes, they do it collectively.  By the time they get on their bikes to ride, they've all communicated a plan for that day to ensure that they get their community hours in, they go to this function or that function, and allot time to get their training in that day.  The teamwork starts when they wake up.


(GJ) 10.  Finish the following thought: "In 12 months I'd like to... "

(CD) Be doing exactly what I'm doing now.  I wake up everyday at 6am and go to work on a revolutionary program that builds community leaders, helps kids, and involves bicycles.  Life is Great!

--

David Kirkpatrick is a Features Editor with GamJams. He is enjoying growing fame through his blog Flamenco Chuckwagon, and as promoter of the lauded Lost River Classic.

Comments

[Bill]

Impressive! Most of the time my team rides together, we discuss everything from community service, politics, and beyond. It takes so much more to actually carry it out! Our future team rides will certainly have more focus, ala RPC. Interview questions were quality and multi-directional. Well done. The total package.

[Chuck Hutch]

Every time I read about what these guys do, I wonder how they can juggle so much like school and community involvement and still do well racing. Good job RPC.

[Barbara Wetzel]

Way to go, Craig. We're not surprised that you have turned your love of cycling into such a dynamic movement to help children. We are thrilled you are doing exactly what you want and doing it very well. Hats off, Coach & Barb of Boonsboro.

[Kirk Dodson]

Craig you always amaze me. What most people don't know is that Craig was born with natural leadership and is very humble. Keep up the great work. Your Big Bro- Kirk

[Margaret Frischkorn]

Craig gave a presentation to lower school students from St. Christopher’s School last spring primarily on the importance of wearing a helmet, and the boys were thrilled to see members of the team in their kits with their bikes. Recently one of the nine year-olds who saw this presentation last year lost his father unexpectedly. Phil Jones gave this boy a RPC jersey, and the smile that returned to this child’s face was priceless. Needless to say the jersey did not come off for the rest of the school day, and being connected to the RPC team helped this one child during a very difficult time. Thank you.

[Tony A.]

Incredible. Just want to say congrats on the success of the program. Certainly something to aspire to.