- 01
Lead with the outcome
Your headline should name the result, not the struggle. Say what you will finish and when. A strong headline fits on one line and makes a stranger curious enough to open the story.
- 02
Tell it in three short parts
Who you are, what you are making and why now. A few plain sentences each. Never promise what you cannot prove later; Backers give to a person, so let your own voice come through.
- 03
Show, then ask
Add real photos of you and your work. Link each milestone to the proof you will post. End with a clear ask: what the first milestone needs and what Backers will see when it is done.
Risks to plan for
- R1
Mechanical problems recur
A repaired bike may still develop faults during longer rides. Put a race-length equipment test after servicing and include essential spares in the parts budget before travel is finalised.
- R2
Bike transport damage
Transport can damage a race-ready setup or delay its arrival. Budget for suitable packing and show a transport plan during preparation, leaving time to inspect the bike before the event.
- R3
Course demands differ
The course may demand gearing or handling skills not covered by routine rides. Review the route early and link training proof and final component choices to the actual event conditions.
Example milestone plan
An example plan for a cycling race dream with a goal of $9,000. Backers pay you directly, funding the goal all at once or milestone by milestone as you post proof for each step.
Milestone 1
$1,800 · 20%
Confirm event and setup
Post entry confirmation, a bike condition checklist and a course-specific preparation outline with private details hidden.
Milestone 2
$3,150 · 35%
Service and equip bike
Share workshop invoices, replacement-part receipts and photos of the completed setup, with frame serial numbers concealed.
Milestone 3
$2,250 · 25%
Test race preparation
Post dated training ride summaries, a loaded transport check and travel confirmations with personal booking details removed.
Milestone 4
$1,800 · 20%
Report race participation
Share start-area evidence, a race activity file or published result where available, plus a report on the bike’s performance.
How Backers are protected
14-day review per milestone
When proof is posted, each Backer has 14 days to review the proof, ask for more info, and decide whether to keep supporting your next milestone.
0% commission — direct gifts, nothing taken
Backers pay exactly what they choose directly through your payment methods. cohero takes 0% commission on backings, so you keep what is sent. Any refunds or disputes are handled directly between you, the Backer and your payment provider.
Gifts, not shares
Backings are gifts. No shares, equity, interest or repayment, and Dreamers keep full ownership. Nothing on cohero is an investment or a loan.
Budget example
A typical cost split for a cycling race dream in Boston, shown in USD. Backers pay you directly using your accepted payment methods.
Example goal
$9,000
- Bicycle parts and servicing$3,600 · 40%
- Race travel and bike transport$2,700 · 30%
- Training and preparation support$1,800 · 20%
- Entry and race consumables$900 · 10%
What you receive
- Backers give
- $9,000
- 0% platform commission
- −$1,350
- You receive
- $7,650
Questions and answers
Can I include a replacement bike in the goal?
Explain why the existing bike does not suit the event and show how the proposed replacement fits the race plan. Keep the equipment scope explicit, with purchase records and a tested setup before travel and participation proof.
What if I start the race but do not finish?
Post a factual race report with participation evidence and explain why the ride ended. Set the final milestone around documented event participation rather than a guaranteed finish, placing completed preparation in earlier stages.
What makes a cycling race pitch convincing?
Specific numbers, real photos and a first milestone small enough to reach soon. Backers trust Dreamers who show where every amount goes and who have already started on their own.
Ready when you are
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