Smoketown Criterium & Race Avenue Criterium Host Housing
Smoketown Criterium – Saturday, June 15
Race Avenue Criterium – Sunday, June 16
Local Volunteers are needed to host top cyclists from around the country and around the world who will be competing in the Smoketown Criterium & Race Avenue Criterium. This unique opportunity offers you the chance to get to know the country’s top riders and get a peek behind the scenes of the racing lifestyle. Lifelong friendships are often formed.
Many racing teams have a very small budget so providing housing relieves them of a big expense. Hosting riders in individual homes can be a huge factor in recruiting teams. Invite your neighbors too. They can help by providing housing so that entire teams can stay in the same geographical area (ideal situation). Please pass this information on to your friends, family and co-workers.
Host families are asked to provide:
- a comfortable sleeping space, bed or air bed
- the use of a bathroom and shower
- use of kitchen to prepare meals
counter and refrigerator space - use of your washer and dryer
- a secure place for the cyclist(s) to store their bicycle at night
- Note: You are NOT expected to provide food or transportation.
Host FAQ’s
No. They are looking for a place to sleep at night. If you’re willing to let them use your home during the day, that would be nice, but it isn’t required. However, due to the race schedules and some remote locations they will most likely arrive home past 10:00pm. They can let themselves in if you don’t want to wait up for them.
- How many riders you would be able to host
- If a male or female team is preferred, if applicable
- Any pets that live in the house
- How many nights your home will be available to the team
- Any other pertinent information
No. Riders stay in many different homes and they would like to be invited back. They know how to be good guests.
You will be notified when host assignments have been made by email and/or by phone. Your guest(s) will also contact you shortly after the assignments have been distributed.
No. Our host housing coordinator is an advocate for both the riders and hosts. You tell us your limits and we will pass it on to the riders. These riders are very flexible and gracious guests.
You bet. These are all sponsored riders and teams. They are very aware that they are representing those sponsors and teams for the entire time they are in town not just when they are racing. They want those sponsors and teams to hear good things about them. If any issues arise, contact our host housing coordinator.
No. Hosts often invite riders for a meal but it is not expected. They will need the use of the kitchen (they will clean up after themselves). They will need the use of your refrigerator and counter space. Some may ask permission to use your washer and dryer.
Rider FAQ’s
Absolutely! Some examples are: Signed Team Poster, Team T-shirt, anything cycling related is good.
Lastly, always leave your hosts home in the same or better condition than when you arrived.
Hosts expect riders to respect their home and furnishings. If something gets damaged or broken tell them immediately. They’ll find out eventually and it’s better from you than if they find it on their own.
Your host will have a shower for you to use. You may have a shower just for you or you may have to share it with the host family. If you are sharing with the host family always ask if they need it first. In any event always clean up after each use.
Yes, if your host has a washer and dryer you can use them with their permission. Please always ask to use their washer and dryer to make sure you don’t interfere with your host’s schedule. Also, NEVER co-mingle your laundry with your hosts. And always time your laundry so that you never leave it sitting in the washer or dryer.
- Co-mingle your food with hosts food.
- Leave any appliances on and unattended.
- Forget to clean up after yourselves
No. Hosts often invite riders for a meal but it is not expected. You are expected to plan ahead and bring your own food and seasonings. You will have the use of the kitchen, some space in a refrigerator (may be located elsewhere), stove, etc. and counter space.
Most likely, with the host’s permission. Remember, this is not a hotel. Hosts have gone out of their way for you to stay at their home. Please be respectful at all times and use the areas they have told you is okay and by all means clean up after yourself immediately.