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