2005 Sponsor Highlights

With the start of the new year, I wanted to take a few minutes to talk about some of the great people and companies that supported me in 2005. I won't get a change to talk up everybody, but here are a few of the very special folks that helped make '05 such a success.

2005 Sponsor Review

Mega-Sponsor: Becky Hulst

No married amateur endurance racer can be successful without the support of their spouse. I was fortunate to enjoy such support from my wife Becky. Not only did she make room in out budget for me to register for, travel to and compete in all my races last year, she was often in the pit pulling support for me. Without her, there is no Partridge Racing.

Lighting and Travel Sponsor: Rich Partridge

My dad. He put money on the table that allowed me to get the sweet Niterider Digital HID/LED light and two batteries that I used all season. He then put more cash on the table when I needed to get to Whistler for Worlds. I could have raced without his support last year, but I would have had to hold a flashlight in my mouth and take Greyhound to Whistler.

Not from the Industry Sponsor: Art of the Table

Art of the Table (AotT) is a great store that is owned by my friend Amy Ruis. They sell high-end beer and wine, as well as a bunch of other cool stuff like stemware, linens, cooking supplies and gourmet food items.

Amy and her husband Steve are not bike people. They do appreciate the cycling scene, and they saw some overlap between their target market and the folks that show up at MTB races. They picked up a portion of my entry fees at a bunch of local races.

Shop Sponsor: Alger Cycling and Fitness

I have been riding on the Alger team for the last three years. Alger is a great shop, with a friendly, knowledgeable staff. They have a wide selection of parts on hand, and are happy to order the stuff they don’t have. A special thanks goes out to Brad Bacon. I can always count on Brad to get me what I need in a pinch.

Team Sponsor: Founder’s Ales/Alger Racing

Founder’s has been a great sponsor! You can click over to the team website to see all the team sponsors, but Founder’s stands out in my mind. The beer is great, the bar is a hip place to hang out, and the rest of the guys on the team at top-notch. I look forward to riding for them again next season.