So far we've covered loyalty, we've covered leaving your ego at the door and being self motivated, but there is still more. Today we're going to discuss the fourth trait sponsors are looking for: Dedication.

                It's not as simple as you think.

                Yesterday we talked about the first trait that sponsors are looking for in a young rider: Loyalty. Today we're going to talk about the second trait that sponsors are looking for.

                Ego - we all have them, but leave yours at the door when you're talking to your sponsors. It seems over entitled lazy rock stars and princesses are a dime a dozen, and rarely worth the time and effort invested in them, so sponsors tend to look poorly on these traits.

                It's an age old battle: getting sponsors. Sometimes getting them is the easy part, it's the keeping that becomes difficult. I've talked to a few of my good friends, some team managers, some brand representatives, all experienced in dealing with the sponsorship issue, most from both sides of the story, and I've got some great answers.

Montreal, March 2, 2012.- Newly-formed Team Eight – O - One will field three riders in the Canadian Enduro Championship and in eastern Enduro events in Canada and the Northern US with the official support of Husqvarna. The return to Canadian off-road racing by Husqvarna is an exciting piece of news for the sport.

            In 2010 a little known young rider with little exposure outside of his home province of Quebec burst onto the national series, competing in the E1 class aboard his #66 bike. Philippe Chaine is a fast, determined 21 year old rider out of Quebec, and under the tutelage of the most famous Quebec off roader, none other than the top pimp Guy Giroux, he's hoping to go just about as far as he possibly can.

“Influential” can mean so many different things. In this case, I’m going for riders who: have made a lasting impression on the sport, other riders and fans; riders who are exceptional in skill; have had long, notable careers (between 2001 and 2011); and/or continue to inspire the next generation of riders in their disciplines.