CARBON NEUTRAL
While we are anticipating solid racing results, the team is primarily focused on evangelizing the notion of a socially responsible approach to cycling. Bicycle racing, unlike transportation cycling, can create a pretty hefty carbon footprint and it is our intention to be the first fully carbon neutral cycling organization in the midwest. (There is currently only one fully carbon neutral team in the U.S. and it achieves this by simply buying massive offsets).

ROLLERS & ESPRESSO
Leveraging our partnerships with Metropolic Coffee and their organic, fair trade beans, Kreitler rollers, and FrancisFrancis! espresso machines, Team TATI will be building the first bicycle rollers-powered mobile espresso service.

ADVOCACY
Team TATI members are required to participate in our cycling-related advocacy programs. This includes BIKE-IN safety days at local schools, volunteering at the Blackstone Bicycle Works co-op, leading group rides for local schoolchildren, staffing events such as the South Shore Triathlon and Bike the Drive, and providing support during Bike to Work Week and Earth Week.

TRANSPORTATION
We will accomplish neutrality through a number of innovative partnerships, policies, and transportation methods. Our race schedule is very focused on events within 100km of Hyde Park, and in most cases, we will simply ride to races... even if that means riding for 2-3 hours!

HANDMADE BICYCLES
Our bicycles are not mass produced, factory made machines. Instead, we will be using almost entirely handmade, locally fabricated racing bicycles (I am a framebuilder and bicycle designer). We will eliminate as many petroleum-based products as possible from the bicycles themselves: for example, cork or organic cotton cloth will replace synthetic handlebar tape. Real leather saddles will replace plastic and kevlar. Every bicycle will receive its own custom paint job in the team hues of RAL 2011 Orange, 50% grey, and white. As a group, our fleet will absolutely be the most visually arresting in Chicagoland.

GREEN CHEMICALS
To keep our bicycles running smoothly, we will use 100% biodegradable chemicals, including chain lube made from canola oil, and citrus-based polishes and degreasers.

ORGANIC FUEL
To keep our bodies running smoothly, we will rely on organic snacks, beverages, foodstuffs, and fresh produce. Rather than mass produced "energy bars" we will rely on fresh, locally grown fruits and grains. Clif will provide 100% organic energy drinks.

GREEN FASHION
Team TATI members will wear adopt as many natural fibers as possible, eschewing synthetics. Our team jerseys will be custom fabricated from IBEX, using 17.5 micron New Zealand wool. The design is a reproduction of a late 1940s Italian Fausto Coppi jersey: orange base with simple grey accents. The entire team will also train and race in wool socks and wool knickers, also by IBEX. At the risk of being dubbed the "Team Zissou/Life Aquatic" of midwestern cycling teams, the squad will also don handmade orange organic cotton summer caps as well as custom orange wool cool weather caps when appropriate. Our gloves are handmade, full finger white kidskin track mitts with white organic cotton crochet backs. Arm and leg warmers will be custom wool as well.

For raingear, podium wear and apres velo/evening wear, Nau will provide a range of sleek garments made from recycled and sustainable fabrics. This look has been described as "postwar Euro-cool meets Gattaca".