CX Racin'

Today was CX#5 at Livermore and weather could not have been better. I've had a crappy week of riding prior to the race, a super sore back muscle, and not much sleep, but it turned out ok. My typical strategy lately has been to start off slow and build momentum each lap. I'm not a podium finisher, but I like to do better each race, have negative splits, feel good and feel fast. After a pre-ride this morning, I decided to throw out my typical strategy and go for the "all-out" approach on lap one. There was a log obstacle on the course that was sure to bottle-neck some of the pack and I didn't want to be a part of that on the first lap. The whistle blew and I launched out into the front group... around 8 or 9th place. We made our way around and through the grass, jockeying around and trying to hold each other off. When we back on the dirt and headed towards the log, I knew I needed to back off a little to give my self some jump space. Sure enough, people started to slow and I had to adjust my jump technique a little to make it through. I was however able to pass a few guys who apparently struggle with technical skills. After that lap I had more room to completely bunny-hop the log at speed and widen the gap between myself and the guys behind me. Rob Stark ended up catching up and passing me in the 2nd to last lap, but I bridged that gap and almost caught him in the end. Rob's in the 45+ group, but it's alway fun to see if I can beat him. Not today.

Great race, ended up taking 9th in a field of 25, which feels good considering the crappy training week and a messed up back. Last night, I thought about bailing on the race and letting the back heal, but decided "what the hell" and went for it anyhow. Glad I did. Feel better now...

Mad Cat Gift Card - Mad Cat Bike Shop - Your bicycle shop in Sacramento featuring Giant, Kona, Felt, Niner, Ventana and more!

Mad Cat Gift Card - Mad Cat Bike Shop - Your bicycle shop in Sacramento featuring Giant, Felt, Santa Cruz, Niner, Ventana and more!

New WTB Silverado

New bling! You'll see this on my CX bike soon!



(Sent via iPhone: Apologies for my conciseness) :-) Mike Upchurch Owner Mad Cat Bicycles 2645 Marconi ave Sacramento, CA. 95821 (916) 488-8588 voice (916) 488-8595 fax www.madcatbikes.com

Mobile Post

Testing pic posting

Giant's new full face

Here's a pic of Giant's new dh full face helmet.



(Sent via iPhone: Apologies for my conciseness) :-) Mike Upchurch Owner Mad Cat Bicycles 2645 Marconi ave Sacramento, CA. 95821 (916) 488-8588 voice (916) 488-8595 fax www.madcatbikes.com

New carbon bars

Giants new carbon bars. Ergo and light!



(Sent via iPhone: Apologies for my conciseness) :-) Mike Upchurch Owner Mad Cat Bicycles 2645 Marconi ave Sacramento, CA. 95821 (916) 488-8588 voice (916) 488-8595 fax www.madcatbikes.com

New Giant Stem

This the new full carbon Contact SLR stem. 139g with top cap. Mountain or Road!



(Sent via iPhone: Apologies for my conciseness) :-) Mike Upchurch Owner Mad Cat Bicycles 2645 Marconi ave Sacramento, CA. 95821 (916) 488-8588 voice (916) 488-8595 fax www.madcatbikes.com

2010 Giant Product Release

We just returned from the 2010 product release in Keystone, CO and it was an eye-opening (and lung-busting) experience. Keystone sits at about 9200', so we got a workout just sitting still. At any rate, I'll briefly describe a few of the new things that I saw and impressed me.

Giant has released a few new models that have been in the making for quite some time. My favorite was the XTC 29 Alliance. This is a 29'er hardtail with a carbon-aluminum frame and will be released in 2 models and a seperate frameset. I'm already planning my move to sell my current hardtail frame and move over to the Giant. The frame will not only be light, but also boasts a super comfortable ride and in my opinion, the BEST geometry for a 29 hardtail that I've ever ridden. It's very stable at speed, yet extremely nimble and quick in the corners. I must say... I've found that hardtail that "just feels right" and it's super light at around 3 lbs. (frame).

Another model that caught the eye of many was the "Chixie", A women's single-speed/fixed road bike/urban lifestyle bike. It's sure to be a show-stopper for the ladies and I'm sure the guys will appreciate it as well. It comes with some super cool colors and 3 stars labeled on the bottom of the downtube. Pure style.

Giant upgraded the Defy Advanced series to a Dura-Ace level and is releasing a few more price-points in the women's road bike lineup. In addition to those, they also brought out the Trinity SL, claiming to be the "world's fastest bike". It propelled Denis Menchov from Team Rabobank to victory in the Giro d'Italia even after crashing in the last kilometer of the time trial. The Trinity is extremely pleasing to the eye, very light and innovative beyond control... $12,000 will get one going for you.

Women's Tri-Bikes! Yes, Giant released two Trinity bikes for women in addition to their already existing line-up of men's tri/time-trial bikes.

In the MTB line-up, Giant has pulled out the stops to provide us with a few new DH and Free-ride bikes. The ever-popular Glory has a new frame that is rediculously light for a DH bike, and they now have the Faith back in production with a completely re-designed platform that mimics the frame of the Reign and the new Glory. Now with 6", 6.7", 7", and 8" options (in addition to the already existing 4" and 5" travel models), we will be able to provide a customer with ton's of options for their gravity-fed addictions. These new frames are EXTREMELY awesome and have been putting Team Riders on the podium for the last 16 months.

Giant has also stepped up to provide a full line of stems, bars, seatposts and other fixed parts that will blow your mind. Their Contact SL series of carbon products (road and mtn) not only look cleaner than most other manufacturers, but they are lighter, less expensive and most likely stronger. I'm excited to get these products in the shop so that we can start outfitting customers with cool new stuff.

In the past, we've scratched our heads at a few color options or spec choices, but I have to admit... for 2010, Giant hit the nail on the head. Awesome colors, awesome specs, awesome prices and awesome designs. Some of the competitors have some cool stuff out as well, but I honestly feel that they've got a ways to go to keep us with what Giant is about to do. Their attention to detail, design and marketing is sure to take them to a new level for the next 12 months and beyond.

During the release, I was fortunate with share a beer and eat dinner with the people who design, orchestrate and implement the Giant brand. I chatted for an hour or so at dinner with the guy who built the XTC 29 we talked about every aspect of the bike. He even pulled the new drop-outs out of his backpack that were just overnighted from Taiwan to show me what they'll look like. The General Manager of Giant USA chatted with us around the campfire about our shop and just general bike shop stuff. She even talked about coming up to visit and go for a ride with our team. We even had a lengthy discussion, one on one, about the future of Giant with the CEO of Giant Global, Tony Lo... a super cool guy who "gets it".

Giant is the largest bicycle manufacturer in the world, but they are very real and dedicated to the consumer. It's not about the lightest, fastest, most eye-catching product for them (although they do have all that), it's about relationships with people and their cycling needs. I like their approach and I strongly feel that their not only on the right path, but they ARE the path. People belong on bikes and Giant produces the tools to help them do it.

Until next time...

Papa Cat

Posts

Sorry folks, for whatever reason, Blogger isn't letting me post pics remotely. If your a friend of mine on facebook, you'll catch a glimpse of a few new 2010 models. Otherwise I'll post a fee pics after our return.

Papa cat

World's fastest bike

Proven in the wind tunnel against the competitors. It can be yours for about $12,000. Rediculously light as well.



(Sent via iPhone: Apologies for my conciseness) :-) Mike Upchurch Owner Mad Cat Bicycles 2645 Marconi ave Sacramento, CA. 95821 (916) 488-8588 voice (916) 488-8595 fax www.madcatbikes.com

2010 Giant Trinity SL0

(Sent via iPhone: Apologies for my conciseness) :-) Mike Upchurch Owner Mad Cat Bicycles 2645 Marconi ave Sacramento, CA. 95821 (916) 488-8588 voice (916) 488-8595 fax www.madcatbikes.com

2010 Giant Product release

We are here in Keystone Colorado for the 2010 Giant line-up and so far we're quite impressed. The full line will be rolled out later today, but we've caught a glimpse of a few fun rides. Stay tuned for more thoughout the next 3 days.

2010 Giant product release

Next week, Erin and I fly out to Keystone, CO for the unveiling of the 2010 bikes from Giant. I'll be taking pics and posting as we go. Feel free to post comments and questions or requests along the way, and I'll do my best to respond. Giant is also rolling out a few new models that are sure to be talked about.

Papa cat.

Giant 29'ers in Stock!

Giant finally came through with one of the most talked about bikes for the last few years. They knew that they were late to come around, but at the same time, wanted to release a 29'er that would put all the other mass-produced big-wheeled rigs to shame. They pretty much nailed it. Awesome graphics, octagonally shaped downtube, super light proprietary frame, custom wheels, and their own high-end line of bars, stem, post to match that compares with FSA, Raceface, Easton, but at a much better price.

The paint scheme looks good in the pictures, but when you get up close, you notice the little touches that are extremely pleasing. I thought it already looked good in the pictures we were receiving a few months ago, but was blown away with what came out of the box. They did it right and I think we've found a bike that is going to be our main-stay for the next few years. If anyone from the R&D dept happens to come across my post.... I'd like to say thank you!

There's always room for upgrades for the person who has to have the lightest bike on the trail, but there's really not too much on this bike that has to be upgraded immediately. I'll be riding one soon, and I'll probably go a littel gucci on brakes and cranks. I'm curious to see how the wheels do. They look good, could be a little heavy, but we'll stan's them up and go from there. I personally am in love with the frame and thinking about moving parts over from the Ventana.

Stop by and take a look... I doubt you'll be disappointed.


-Papa Cat

Racin' Racin' Racin' - Time for a nap.

For the last 4 months, it seems like everything has been about racing. I love to race MTB, but because of all the training and races, I haven't had a day AT ALL to just go for a ride. Last weekend after the conclusion of the Cool24hr MTB race (my team took 3rd place), I decided it was time to temporarily retire from the sport of competitive MTB. Temporarily for me, means putting away my race mentality for a few months and focusing on purely fun rides. I need to de-tune the edges of my racing mindset for a while and get back to my roots. I love competitive cycling, but now and then you gotta take a break and just go for a ride. In August, I suit up for some intense CX training and then I'll hit the course on the skinny tires and try to give it my all. In the meantime, my rides will be long, fun, no pressure, with friends, road trips, day hikes, photography and fun fun fun!

peace out and power down!

M Papa Cat.

Best Bike Shop 3 years running!

This morning I got word that we had won "Best Bike Shop" for the 3rd
year in a row! I must admit, I didn't think we could pull it off three
years in a row, but our customers must have thought otherwise. Thanks
for all your support! I look forward to many more years of serving our
loyal and local clientele.

Papa cat

(Sent via iPhone: Apologies for my conciseness) :-)

Mike Upchurch
Owner
Mad Cat Bicycles
2645 Marconi ave
Sacramento, CA. 95821

(916) 488-8588 voice
(916) 488-8595 fax

www.madcatbikes.com

Racin' and Racin'!

April is a busy month for those that like to race MTB. Here in Norcal we have a plethora of events to choose from. We start our local Weds night series in April (www.racemtbikes.com) each year that runs through June and gives us the mid-week training ride to keep us in shape for the weekend events. This coming weekend is the Napa Valley Dirt Classic, a race in Angwin, CA. that has been happening for many years. It's a great classic course with fun single-track and big rolly fire roads, ending on a nasty hot climb. It's a must-do for any MTB rider/racer! I'll post a re-cap upon my return.

Boggs IV aftermath

This weekend was AWESOME with a capital MAD CAT. Our team had a blast and kicked butt to boot. 4 podium finishes and 28 MAd Cats entered in the race.... 28! This has to be the largest showing of our "pride" at any given event.

Most of us met up early on Friday morning at the shop and caravanned over to Boggs. We got set up and did a pre-ride get a feel for the wonderful trail conditions. The course could not have been in better shape. Super tacky, no dust, no mud. PERFECT! The weather was even better, hitting the upper 60's/low 70's and very little breeze. We partied a little that night and got up early to post our pits near the course.

Let me preface this next part with the fact that I wanted to complete 9 laps. I did 7 last year and was in much better shape this time around.

The start came fast, so fast I almost missed it. I guess next time, I'll listen to which group leaves first.. :-) I jumped in right at the start and headed out. I held back on my energy, knowing fully what the day had in store, but somehow still pulled out about a 48 minute lap, followed my another, then started to taper. On lap 3, I couldn't stop thinking about pop tarts and food in general, then made the mistake of eating a whole salami sandwich and pop tart before lap 4. My lap time slowed and I started to develop a headache, which I believe was from the nitrates in the salami (common trigger occurance for me, but I didn't think about it in my depleted state of hunger).

By lap 5, I had a fully developed tension headache that was not going to disappear. I stopped, rested, ate, and re-hydrated to no avail. I ended up pulling out and taking some vicodin to ease the pain. A few hours later, I was good... but the race complete.

I'm pretty disappointed in myself for not thinking about the salami trigger, but oh well... it tasted good in the moment. I had a great race despite the early finish and am looking forward to next year already. I think I'll opt for quiche next time around. :-)

That evening we witnessed the awards, won a few things in the raffle, partied and hung out by the fire. Chad facilitated a "chubby bunny" contest to see who could fit the most marshmellows in their mouth. Yvette won with something like 14 I think? Crazy!

This morning (Sunday) we packed up and headed out around 10 to get home and clean up. Awesome, Awesome weekend, that could not have been better (maybe a little minus the salami)! There's nothing better than a good camping weekend with bikes, friends and good weather!

Now we look forward to many fun Wednesday eves at Prairie City.

Peace.. Papa.

Boggs Blog

Here we go, another round of Boggs mountain, an 8hr mountain bike race near Cobb, CA. It's an awesome event, with awesome people and good times. The course is sweet and makes me feel like I'm on a carousel ride, coming around each time for that big brass ring..."thank you sir, may I have another!"
This year, I'm feeling much stronger, but who knows how my butt, hands, feet and neck will do. Being on a bike for 8+ hours can literally be a pain in the butt, but somehow we find a way to enjoy it.
For me, the weekend is all about having fun and being with cool people in a cool place. I'll try my hardest to get 9 laps in this year, but I really just want to have fun. The bike is dialed, my legs are pumped, the heart is strong... so bring it on!

I'll recap in a few days, or post from the campsite.

peace.

-M - Papa Cat

Me? a Roadie?

I've finally done it. I got to add a knotch into my dirty MTB belt today by competing in my first road race. I've been racing MTB since 1997 and am a mountain biker at heart. I've been hounded for over a year now by a friend/team manager/"roadie pusher" to do a road race, and today was the day of christening. I chose the Bariani Road Race near Zamora and it's a 10 mile course in the foothills north of Woodland. It's a great course, fast, scenic with a couple little short hills. I raced the Cat 5 Elite men's group and we had about 50 riders in our wave. We did 3 laps.

Lap 1. We started just after 2pm and headed out. The pace was mild, averaging about 21mph (or should I put that in Km?) :-). I stayed in the main pack, pretty comfortable throughout the whole first lap, and it seemed pretty easy.

Lap 2. The pace picked up as well as the wind, followed by slight sprinkles and a little hail. The wind blew the main group all over and we spread out to avoid each other. About 1/2 way around #2, the course turned south and the group gathered back up in front, leaving a few stragglers to try and catch on. That's when we got the hail. Once a bunch of us fell off the back, it was hard to regain the speed needed to catch up to the main field. We fought it for a bit, but the KOM towards the end slowed me and a few others down.

Lap 3. I chased and then caught up to one of the stragglers and passed him, giving him my wheel for a few miles, then got a blast of energy and started hammering my top gear out of the saddle for the last 3 miles. I passed 3 other riders and one latched on for the finish. I turned the final corner and knew that this guy was going to sit my wheel long enough to regain some energy and try to pass, so I unleashed what I could and pulled the whole way through the finish. He didn't try anything, and it felt good.

All in all, I had fun. I do like MTB and CX much better, but I'd do another road race. The feeling of sprinting down a country road at 30+ mph attempting to catch a few riders has it's own little bit of serenity that I can find value in. Maybe someday I can lead a breakaway to a win...

papa cat.

Mad Cat Needs Your Vote!

The KCRA A-List competition is underway again and we're hoping to get
the support of all our loyal customers and friends. Go to www.madcatbikes.com
and click on the A-List link to vote. I appreciate your support. -
mike

New Gear for the Year

It's that time of year where we assess our product line and determine our best course of action with regards to what we carry. Today, we received a bunch of new product that will hopefully help stimulate the senses of our customers. Easton wheelsets, Carbon road bikes, Stan's rims and ton's of other fun bike eye-candy. We also just received the new Bell Volt helmet, which is a road/MTB convertible helmet that has nice lines. It's hard to tell what customers are going to need for the season, so we guess and try to bring in the product to keep them happy. It's nice having the product in stock that people want. If you like new "blingy" things, come and check out the new Pro pump by Giant. Pretty sweet!

Lance is Back

The prologue was cool. I was able to work at the Giant booth and show off the new Team Rabobank bike for a few hours and still get to watch the riders for a few more. The venue was packed with attendees wanting to catch a glimpse of "the dude in yellow" now that's he's back in the game. Me, I just like the buzz about cycling. Being a bike shop owner, you have to embrace anything that has to do with bringing awareness about the sport and getting people excited about spinning 2 wheels.

Tour of Cali Prologue

One of the team Rabobank riders heading out...

The Re-Birth of Team

Yesterday was the 4th year anniversary of Mad Cat Bicycles, and essentially the same for Team Mad Cat. We've been racing and sponsoring races for 4 years, so it seemed appropriate to redesign our kit for a change. For 2009, Team Mad Cat gets a makeover and we've brought on a few new riders to help represent Mad Cat in a positive, fun-loving fashion.
People have asked "what is it that you do to have such a strong team"... my answer is; seek out and find the family members out there that believe strongly in what you do and stand for, then put them in a jersey and spend time getting to know them better. Our team is family, and our family is team. We ride, we laugh, we play, we race and we win together. The tools that we use to implement all of that are a secret.
The one core philosophy that we all embrace is that cycling is fun, and that every aspect of it should be fun as well. I jokingly tell them that "we take the FU out of fun".
Keep your eyes peeled for the "NEW and IMPROVED" Team Mad Cat. We also have "Club Mad Cat" which is still racing and sporting our current jersey. These folks race and embrace, but don't have the strict rules and requirements of the Team. They all share the common bond of being cool and friendly... and that's what counts.

Weather or Not..

This time of year I'm typically hitting the gym quite a bit more, but these past few weeks had been awesome for riding.
This weekend our team participated in the crits at William Land Park and at least one of our riders took 2nd place (women's Cat4). The weather could not have been better! That afternoon, I took my boy over to our friend Asa'a house for another awesome pump track party. I brought my trials bike and played on some logs for a few hours, then took my tired body home and went to bed. I got up this morning feeling like a manhole cover on a busy street, popped some Ibu and went out for some hill training with about 20 team members. We did about 50 at some pretty good paces. Tonight, I'm feeling super crunchy, but I know it's all for the good.

Next weekend we start the TBF MTB series and I'm hoping to do good again. I took 2nd in single-speed open 2 weeks ago and have "upped" the training a bit since. We'll see what happens. At the very least, I'll be riding my bike and that's what really matters to the mind.

peace!

M

Gotta Feel Fast!

It's that time of year where races start kickin in. Do what you can to
be fast and feel fast. I like smooth legs when I'm pushing good speeds
on the bike.
:-)
To each, his own...

Some say I'm in charge

Hank Mini calls me "big cheese", so I couldn't resist grabbing a pic
of this at Disneyland last weekend.

Trialsin'

The first frame has arrived for our 2009 Trials attempt. I ordered myself a 2009 Gu Typhoon 26" stock bike and some parts. I'm running a disc brake up front, hydraulic rear rim brake, Echo cranks and bashguard with some super-beefy wheels. It pops up really easy and feels like it wants to stay up on the back tire all day. It makes a huge difference in my abilities over a standard MTB trials setup. Two of my employees have bikes in the making as well. The Adamant A1 frames will be in this week and we'll have 3 26" stock bikes built up. It should be a fun year! If you're thinking of getting into trials or are intersted in learning more, come by and chat with us. We've been ordering most of our parts through www.midwestbiketrials.com.

peace.