The Minnesota Cycling Federation is a member based organization of cycling clubs and teams within Minnesota who support bicycle racing. The MCF is run by volunteers from those member clubs. To become a member of the MCF, a club needs to fill out paperwork contained on the MCF website then submit the application to the MCF Secretary. The obligations of being a member club of the MCF is; to be a member in good standing of the USAC and to pay MCF surcharges for races promoted. Presently the MCF surcharge is $1/rider at each race promoted. At times promoters or riders may ask “what do I get for the surcharge?” In a nutshell the funds are used to develop a marketable product which attracts riders to the sport. The following is a more detailed list of benefits derived from the surcharge. MCF works to develop a product and visibility which attracts riders to the sport of bicycle racing Assure an adequate pool of officials to staff races Develop programs to ensure highly skilled officials Develop programs to ensure consistency of officiating at events Coordinate pool of officials Develop programs to educate race promoters Creation of seasonal competitions Coordination of seasonal competitions Support seasonal competitions Negotiate affordable access for promoters to chip timing, race scoring and race logistics services Solicitation of sponsorship Create and support Jr development programs Provide medals for Jr CX events Create and support State Championship jersey program Coordination of race schedules Protect race dates of established events Support and administer the MCF website Develop and promote educational initiatives for prospective racers through Startbikeracing.com Promote local races and clubs through MCF.net and startbikeracing.com. Promote local races and clubs through events, online advertising and print materials distributed to metro bike shops