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...

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