Good weather makes me happy.  In a business that is primarily driven by sunshine and nice temps, it's hard to not get depressed and down when it rains.  Don't get me wrong, I personally like the rain and love to listen to it outside as it hit's the patio, and I even enjoy a pouring rain bike ride on occasion, but the business owner in me hears only dollars signs going down the storm drain if I choose to listen.  The key there is choice.  Today, I choose to LOVE the weather outside because it's nice and perfect for cycling. So, why am I sitting and the computer?  not sure..  I think I'll finish my plate of eggs, shut down the box of light in front of me and go log some miles before the sunshine fades to the west and the mosquitos come looking for me.  out.

Wow...

An amazing 2011 so far. We've had unbelievable luck with weather (although now it's raining as I type) and there's been a ton of great riding opportunities. Our Team has been getting in some good training rides and the races have mostly been sunny and warm. I'm anticipating a wonderful year of cycling ahead with some good Team results and a busy shop atmosphere. The Shop has been overwhelmingly busy. Typically January and February are fairly slow in the cycling world with regards to business, but we have been non-stop since the New Year rang in. It's very exciting to think that maybe the economy is making a comeback, but I'm still skeptical... only time will tell. In the meantime, I personally am taking advantage of every sunny day to either ride or sail (yes sailing is a hobby of mine now). Get out there and play before another rainy day is my motto. It just so happens that today is one of those rainy days, which is why I'm sitting at the computer and not on a bike.

-papa cat

CX Begins!

Fall has fallen and the CX bikes have come out of the closet for one of the most fun seasons of the year... cyclocross season! We had a teaser last month with Folsom Cyclebration, but now the local series is beginning and we (the local CX crowds) are getting stoked. Sac CX is offering 8 races this year, more than we've seen in quite sometime. The Bay Area Super Prestige races begin the weekend after in Oakland, so collectively, we've got a lot to keep us busy for the next few months.

Mad Cat is hosting the first race of the Sac Series and it will be held at Renfree Field on Auburn Blvd this Saturday, 10/9, from 9:30-3pm. come on out and take a gander if you're unsure as to what this CX stuff is all about. Mad Cat and Team Mad Cat have become increasingly passionate about cross over the past few years and this season should be amazing.

I'll try to post up on our blog a little more frequently as time allows. If you get a minute, check in at our FB page and you'll get more frequent content. :-)

Power to the pedal!

Last Chance to VOTE for Mad Cat!!!

I apologize in advance for the bulk email, (especially if you've already
voted) but the KCRA A-List Poll is closing this Friday. We'd like to
thank your for your support as we try to win "Best Bike Shop" for 2010.
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE vote if you haven't already done so, and encourage
your friends and family to do the same. I/we appreciate your vote!
Click here to vote now:
http://kcra.cityvoter.com/mad-cat-bicycles/biz/23553
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A word from the Mad Cat Himself...
Mad Cat Bicycles is well into it's 6th year of business and I'd like to
thank all of our loyal customers for your business that has lead to our
success. In this economy, I understand the need for competitive prices
and great service, which is why we continually try to adapt and stay
competitive and unique, offering services that can't be found in every
shop. Stay tuned with our offerings over the next few months and we'll
hopefully continue to dazzle your cycling senses with some fun and
entertaining offerings. As someone who was born and raised in
Sacramento, I appreciate your willingness to shop with us and support
locally owned businesses. Your choice to "shop local" makes a
difference and I thank you for choosing Mad Cat.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Here's a teaser of what's Coming up:
-Team Mad Cat Bicycle Swap (June 13th) www.sacbikeswap.com
-Giant Bicycles Women's Night (June 10th)
-Giant Bicycles Women's Ride (Road and Mountain - June 12th)
-Wheelbuilding Class (Date TBD)
-Summer Cyclocross Clinics

Forward to your friends and encourage their support. We need your vote
to win!!!

-Mike "Papa Cat" Upchurch

**************************
Mike Upchurch
Owner
Mad Cat Bicycles
916.488.8588 v
916.488.8595 f
2645 Marconi Ave.
Sacramento, CA 95821

www.madcatbikes.com
http://madcatbikes.blogspot.com/
Twitter: madcatmike

Ask us about our 12-month, no interest financing!

Annadel Goodness

There's a hidden jewel in the MTB jewelry box that is called Annadel State Park. Most riders who are "riders" in the passionate sense, have ridden in this Norcal pleasure palace, but I dare to say that it's still one of the lesser known hotspots on the map.

I personally became introduced to the park in 1992, shortly after the purchase of my first mountain bike. We rolled out of The Bike Peddler in Santa Rosa and immediately hit the trails up the street. At the time, I wasn't aware of how awesome Annadel was because I nothing to compare it to from a mountain biker's perspective. Now, some 18 years later, it's become one of my favorite riding destinations.

Yesterday, a "Pride" of Cats made the pilgrimage over to ride. 22 Mad Cats and 6 hours of singletrack goodness. Awesome climbs, awesome views, redwoods, mud, sweat and tears. Very few mechanicals, very little blood drawn, and many good memories and smiles to go around. The day didn't end at the parking lot... Russian River Brewing had a table with our name on it.

IF you haven't yet witnessed this Norcal goodness, I recommend going with someone who knows the trails. If you want to put together a day of good flow and less pain, travel with someone who can help. Some trails are better run in one direction and one direction only... You'll see...

Oh, and if you are a single-speeder, you'll be in super-heaven if there is such a place, but you might gear-down a little.

Scale 1-10: 9+

Papa Mad Cat

wow, what a winter it's been.. CX Nationals, Xmas, New Year and now it's almost Feb. WHERE HAS THE TIME GONE?? As a small business owner in these economic times, all I can say is THANK YOU to those who still frequent our shop and help us stay chuggin' along. Bike shops are not money makers and we are always squeaking by, but it's fun and I continue to push forward despite the economy. I'm personally excited about the season to come and I think the cycling community is going to thrive this year. I'm optimistic...
If you're taking time to read my blog, then hopefully you are coming in this weekend to snatch up some good deals. We moving inventory to pay bills.. our loss/your gain.

papa.

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...