Mark Babcock

Family and Friends,

Most of you know that I have always loved bicycles. I got a Schwinn BMX bike for my fifth birthday, and since then, I have always preferred two wheels to two feet. I used to tear through the neighborhood, jumping curbs and blazing down hills, until my mom would tell me to come in “or else!” I would eat dinner and do my homework, but I was just biding my time until I could get back on my bike.

As a teen, I got into mountain biking and did a few races. I always enjoyed them, but it never crossed my mind that I could ever go anywhere with bike racing. I went to college at the University of Georgia and gave up racing. I rode for fun and to and from class, but I was focused on college.

In 2006, I was managing a bar full time and going to college full time. I was out of shape and unhappy. I needed a change. I decided that it was time to get back on the bike. I bought a road bike and began to ride. I quickly readapted to spending hours in the saddle. I knew I had found what I was missing.

Fast forward to 2010. I am now a semiprofessional cyclist. That means that I race in the big leagues, but I do not have the financial backing of a professional team. I race against guys that have almost unlimited resources and no obligations outside of cycling. My goal is to get the attention of a professional team and sign a professional contract this year. After a successful 2009 in the elite amateur ranks, I have decided to go for my dream in 2010.

I split my time between training (20-25 hours per week) and working with my father at our publishing company, Deeds Publishing. I am happily married to Sarah, a special education teacher and my biggest supporter. I am very lucky to have such a flexible job and the support of my immediate family, but the expense of racing at the professional level adds up quickly.

I spend about $400 per month on race entry fees, and I spend about $200 per month on gas to get to races. This does not include lodging and food. Equipment wears out and breaks, so I spend at least another $100 per month on replacing chains, tires, and cassettes (cogs). If something bigger breaks, add another zero onto that figure. The list goes on and on: clothing, nutrition, and medical bills (cycling can be a dangerous sport).

I need some help. I know that all of you are feeling the strain of this economy, but I would like to ask for your patronage. Any amount would help and be greatly appreciated. You can donate via PayPal or mail a check to the address listed below. I will keep you updated with a weekly email newsletter with pictures and video of my racing and training. If you can’t donate at this time but would like to follow my progress, send me your email, and I will make sure you receive the newsletter as well.

How many of you look back and wish that you had followed your passion when you were 26? I'm not talking about the person you married - I'm talking about that deep seated love for something that is unique to you. I am very fortunate that Sarah is my biggest supporter as I follow my passion to become a professional cyclist. Who knows if I will be successful or not - but when I'm 50 years old, I'll be able to look back and say, successful or not, I pursued my passion. Maybe you're smiling a wistful smile now - thinking of something you wish you had done but instead got immediately wrapped up in corporate America, raising a family, or whatever you were doing at my age. This is my time to go for it, and I would love to have your help as I pursue this dream and this passion. Whether you can help me financially or not, I'd love to have you on my distribution list so you can experience the ups and downs, bumps and grinds, and successes that I plan to have over the next several years.

In addition to helping me, your donation will also help the fight against diabetes. Fifteen percent of all donations will go to the American Diabetes Association’s Tour de Cure (which I will be riding in). This is a very worthwhile charity that I’m sure many of you are familiar with.

Thank you for your help,