4, April 2008
Get the popcorn atmo...
Here's an eff-why-eye for whoever reads here:
http://www.richardsachs.com/dvd.html
and/or here:
http://www.belgiumkneewarmers.com/2008/04/imperfection-is-perfection.html
3, February 2008
Most of you know that this coming week is NAHBS 4.0 - the 4th Annual North
American Handmade Bicycle Show. Once again I'll have a couple of booths there,
and I'm looking forward to seeing all of my peers in the trade. For anyone interested
in handmade, one-of-a-kind, high-end bicycles, this is a must attend weekend.
I am excited to let you know that, in addition to displaying my bicycles, frame-
building parts, and softgoods, NAHBS will also be showing the premier of a
film on me and my business. The working title is Imperfection is Perfection -
A Film about Richard Sachs and his Bicycles. For a brief description, please
see this link from the NAHBS site: http://www.handmadebicycleshow.com/2008/
I shouldn't give away the farm, but I gots to tell ya', Des captured it all on celluloid,
or Hi-Def whatever it's called. This film covers about everything I wanted to show
and say, and it's professional from one end to the other atmo. I hope all who read
this can attend NAHBS and take advantage of the time there to catch the film.
e-RICHIE©™®
30, January 2008
Hey look - the season continues atmo (go mental) -
Now Playing:
Richard Sachs Cross Nationals 2007
25, January 2008
Greetings -
Yuck. This might be my last missive for a while atmo*. Well yeah I might send off an email or
three or four in the next couple of months regarding the Richard Sachs Cyclocross Team, but
this here one might be the final curtain call of the travails from the 2007 season. Right - I just
wanted to use travails in a sentence one last time. It's been well over a month since our last race
in Kansas City where, as a team-slash-family-slash-troupe, the RS 'Cross Team had its last road
trip of the season. I told you all about on mebbe the last weekend of December so I'm not going to
go all teary-eyed again now. All of these emails eventually live on the team blog, that is, once I find
and correct all the typeauxs. For the record, if you missed anything,or if you just want to re-live the
drama, here is the entire link-ee-poo: http://rscyclocross.blogspot.com/ (Note: you are there).
Since KC and that wonderful natz weekend, I have pasted in many thoughts sent to me, for you,
from the very folks who make this place a place. If you didn't save the emails and would like to read
it all again on the blog, you'll see (read?) comments by Justin, Jon, Pookums, Issimo, Alie, Dave,
and Moocher from the team side. And you can hear what folks from RGM Watches, Oval Concepts,
Crank Brothers, have to say, along with somenice comments from Rex Chiu and Sam Chun. It's
all here: http://rscyclocross.blogspot.com/ (Note: you are still there). Before I paste in tonight's last
entry (bwaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa), I am making these public notices:
1) The A-Team is on the loose on the west coast for a few months and will be documenting
all the training rides and broken hearts at this newblog: http://atmolicious.blogspot.com/
Bookmark it, and spam the link around so we can get that page counter vaporizing by next Monday.
2) I will be spending a week in Portland, Oregon beginning February 6th.The occasion is the
4th Annual North American Handmade Bicycle Show.I hope to see all of my pals, clients, fellow
'crossers, peer bloggers, and remaining alumni from The Peddie School class of 1971. I will be
packing my school blazer. Here's that show link: http://handmadebicycleshow.com/2008/
3) I guess I only had two announcements. Dang.
As I have mentioned all along, this organization would not exist without its support system, friends,
and especially the many sponsors who keep us in parts, accessories, and apparel. The two companies
that have been with us the longest are Vergesport and Cane Creek. As you know, I have asked the
sponsors to write a few words about what the liaison with our little group means to them.
From Tom Buttner of Vergesport -
While your bikes from Nationals sit in the bike room of our office, I find myself ogling them,
drooling over the paint. Running my fingers over the engraved RS logo. A sane person might
think it a bit excessive to fancy a bike so much. Alas, it’s not just a bike. It’s a two wheeled
instrument of the gods. It symbolizes everything that is great about cycling, and individuality.
There are very few teams in New England, nay, the World, that are as cohesive as the Richard
Sachs/RGM Watches Cyclocross Team. They are the nucleus of the regional cross scene.
They’re the“cool kids”. They’re the riders that people look forward to warming up with, the people
that you know are riding home together, eating every meal together, and emailing funny photos
of themselves racing to one another. They’re all the things that we all imagine for ourselves,
come cross season. Being a part of that, no matter how indirectly, is a joy, and a pleasure.
Seeing the professionalism in Richard’s team, lets me know that he knows how to pick riders that
represent his brand appropriately. We feel that sponsoring the Richard Sachs team represents
OUR brand appropriately. Why is it such a good fit? If you were a bike racer, how much would it
mean to you to have the man who actually welded your frame, to your specifications, working in
the pit for you, waiting to hand you a clean bike. Is there a better way to support your own
brand/identity? Surely there is not. It’s the “put your money where your mouth is” mentality that
strikes a chord with me, and that is why you will find us, the Verge Test Pilots, out at the races,
talking to racers, getting the feedback, showing your our products, and supporting bike races. It's
what we do. It's who we are. As we now buckle down for spring racing, we will be quietly dreaming
of our few short months between Labor Day and Christmas, counting down the days, and fondly
remembering the searing pain, the shortness ofbreath, and the unadulterated beauty of our sport.
Tom Buttner
Verge Sport Custom Cyclewear
From Josh Reddoch of Cane Creek -
Richard,
First I would like to say "Thank You" for all you do for cycling and also for the opportunity to
be a part of your program. Many times in cycling success is measured by podium spots.
There's an old adage "You are only as good as your last result". If you really think about it,
the definition of success is much simpler than that. Cycling is about passion, striving to do
your best, and achieving your goals whatever they may be. At Cane Creek this passion for
cycling is what drives us to pursue innovative designs and provide products we truly believe
in. This is the same reason we are proud to be a part of the Richard Sachs family. Your
dedication to building the best frames and and having a team to test those designs as well
as get more and more people into cycling is tremendous. It has been a pleasure to help the
team achieve their goals for the past 6 years and we are looking forward to many more. It's not
just about the podium but doing what you love.Keep up the great work!
Josh Reddoch
Marketing Director
Thanks to Mike, Kurt, Tom, Don, Mariola, Ron, Mr. Mazur, Lorraine, and all of the folks at
Vergesport who keep us warm and so nattily attired all fall, and to Peter, Josh, and the crew
at Cane Creek for looking after our wheel, brake, and headset needs going back these past
six years.
To everyone I send these emails to, that's it for now. The RS 'Cross Team made some good
memories this past autumn, and I hope you've enjoyed reading about them. I'll leave all of you
with this wacky link to a song which mebbe best describes how I have felt since that last race
weekend in Kansas City. Sing along:
Take care, and thanks for reading.
e-RICHIE©™®
*according to my opinion
______________________________
Thank you for your interest and support.
The Richard Sachs Cyclocross Team is sponsored by RGM Watches, Rex Chiu,
Radix Group LLC, Ozell, Stankus Architects Associates, as well as by Cane Creek,
Crank Brothers, Rudy Project, Oval Concepts, Challenge, VergeSport, Wippermann,
Selle San Marco, JB Custom Paint, Nelly's Deli, and The Wheatmarket
TEAM WEBSITE
RESULTS/UPDATES
TEAM YOUTUBE
NATZ PICS (2006)
TEAM PICS (2006)
TEAM PICS (2005)
BLATANT TEAM BIKE PICS
AWESOME 'CROSS PORN
RICHARD SACHS 'CROSS BLOG
18, January 2008
Greetings -
Okay - I gave you roughly three days off from my emails and musings about the Richard Sachs
Cyclocross Team and that ends now atmo*. One could wonder why I carry on so when the Natz
were almost a month ago and many 'crossers have long since put away their bicycles, started
selling old clothes on ebay, gained at least 5-10 pounds, and are now just thinking about the road
season which begins in early March. I carry on because although the racing stops, the season
never ends. (You try coming out with clever segues week in and week out, huh). While all of my
teammates are back doing their off season stuff, be it school, overtime at work, or training in
warmer climates for road schedule, we still keep in touch, and I sense a letting go from all sides
so that the 2007 season closure can finally be complete. We each know that Summer will soon
arrive and we'll be shmoozing full time again as we ready for the 2008 'cross gig. I know I can't
wait atmo!
Today I am going to add texts forwarded to be by two of the RS 'Cross Team's financial sponsors.
Unlike our long list of industry suppliers, the sponsors who give us money do so for a myriad of
reasons, most of which would be marketing-related. The two names I am representing this evening
are cut from a different bolt of cloth atmo. Neither Rex Chiu and Sam Chun of Radix are with us to
market a product or sell a service. Their involvement is more along the lines of a magnanimous
nature. That is, they know us, are impressed with the team's ways, and choose to help us simply
because they can. For the record, they are two separate and unrelated-in-any-way individuals who
found our team's story compelling enough to want to be part of it. This coming season marks the
third for both men.
From Rex Chiu -
“The three Chinese characters on the Richard Sachs black, white, and red team kit is my father's
name. These three characters embody not only the generous support my father has given to his
family and the success that we have achieved in life, but these characters have also come to
symbolize what Richard Sachs has done for the racers, the team, and the sport of cyclocross.
Over the past two years of my involvement with the team, I have seen Richard Sachs demonstrates
his love for the team, his passion for the sport, and his true concern for cycling. He measures
success not only by the amazing number of victories, but also by the great experience and the
development of all those involved in the process.
Similarly, Richard Sachs dedicates to his life work with passion. His vision for his work and his
attention to his clients are legendary. As Richard has pointed out in many of his discussions
and blogs, he is inspired to improve on his work each and every day. My father taught me the
same philosophy as I was growing up, and I believe strongly in this, especially in my work as
physician in the field of medicine. After all, this is why they call it “Practice of Medicine.” Richard
Sachs has strived for excellence and continual improvement each and every day for the past
35 years of frame building; I aspire to be a Richard Sachs in my own career.
It has been a great privilege to be a part of this Richard Sachs family. Iam glad to see the success
of the Richard Sachs Race Team, and I look forward to continue my support for the team.”
(Ed. note - read more about Rex Chiu at this link).
From Sam Chun -
Why do I sponsor the Richard Sachs Cyclocross Team? I've never raced cross but I have good
friends who do. These gals and guys display some incredible characteristics worthy of note, not
least of which is their taste for punishment on various courses through all kinds of foul conditions.
So some of it has to do with admiration.
I've enjoyed bikes for as long as my memory goes back. In fact, I'm waiting for a bike from Richard...
one of these years (and no, there is no preferential "bump-up" for sponsors-in-waiting -- which is
as it should be). I get a kick out of supporting a sport I've enjoyed pretty much al lof my life. So
some of this has to do with being associated with an activity I love.
And there's also the superficial reason of wanting to be in cross races without having to do the
actual work of racing. It's fun seeing the company logo on mud-splattered apparel.
But, judging by how hard it's been for me to pen this note (Richard's idea,not mine), I think the
honest and most basic answer is that I like very much what Richard has put together, and loved
the idea of being a part of it. The team simply kicks ass, atmo.
Oh, and we're both Jersey boys, btw. Geographical loyalty runs deep.
Cool, huh?!! Our team has been in place since the 1970s and I kinda sorta became its steward
by the time Reagan started his first term. What we have in place now (team-wise) is the direct
descendant of a '90s iteration nurtured by pal Dave Genest. For a good long time, he ran it all.
Then by Y2K Ibegan to help him more. About five years ago I began to take a more active role in
shaping the team and its destiny. Through it all we have had many excellent racers, made many
great friendships, have amassed more fine memories that anyone should be allowed to have,
and - most importantly, we've been able to have all of this and endure because the RS 'Cross
Team has had a long history of well-intentioned sponsors, suppliers, and friends like Rex Chiu
and Sam Chun to help us along the way.
In my next missive I'll forward more thoughts sent to me from some of theother sponsors whose
involvement with us keeps rolling along and looking so good atmo.
Thanks for reading.
e-RICHIE©™®
*according to my opinion
______________________________
Thank you for your interest and support.
The Richard Sachs Cyclocross Team is sponsored by RGM Watches, Rex Chiu,
Radix Group LLC, Ozell, Stankus Architects Associates, as well as by Cane Creek,
Crank Brothers, Rudy Project, Oval Concepts, Challenge, VergeSport, Wippermann,
Selle San Marco, JB Custom Paint, Nelly's Deli, and The Wheatmarket
TEAM WEBSITE
RESULTS/UPDATES
TEAM YOUTUBE
NATZ PICS (2006)
TEAM PICS (2006)
TEAM PICS (2005)
BLATANT TEAM BIKE PICS
AWESOME 'CROSS PORN
RICHARD SACHS 'CROSS BLOG
15, January 2008
Greetings -
Thanks for bearing with me as I attempt to draw the curtain on the 2007season for the
Richard Sachs Cyclocross Team. In my last several emails I let the voice(s) of others be
heard. I want all of our friends, supporters, and sponsors to know us intimately atmo*. We
represent not only ourselves, but you too. The team is a family and a troupe and then some.
While we spend nearly 5 months on the road and at race venues together, it would hardly be
possible without the sponsors and folks who cheer us on. We've heard from Dave, Justin,
Pookums, Alie, and Mooch from the team, and from Roland Murphy of RGM Watches, Jason
First from Crank Brothers, and Morgan Nicol from Oval Concepts. Today I'll let you know what
Amy Wallace and Jon Hamblen have to say.
From the Issimo -
I guess you could say I'm easily distractable. For example, just a week into cross season this
year, I'm out on this training ride with Alie. We're cruising home from Concord and go by this
big empty swamp area. empty, except for.... wha?! there's a bike in that swamp, who puts a
*CRASHHH*pavement oooops - this is what you get for forgetting to pay attention while riding
alongside a buddy.
Unfortunately, I also fell victim to forgettingtopayattentionitis during a race or two this season.
This would happen for one of two reasons, the first being those awful sections of a course that
send you way out into the far reaches of a grassy venue where all you can hear are the crickets
chirping... chirping... chirping... are they crickets? or maybe cicadas? is that how you spell cicada?
The mind wanders, if you get me.The other cause of my frequent distraction in a race would be
the times where I see a friend cheering on the sidelines and I somehow try to acknowledge them,
which most often set me off track or into some course tape. Perhaps you can see my conflict
here... both trouble with focusing when I'm racing in nowhere land, and trouble focusing when I
see somebody watching.
Stay with me while I digress for a minute... let's go to the New Jersey stop of the USGP race
series in November. In the fashion of my recent races, I was having a nothing spectacular but
still a good time sort of race. After a second-lap crash and quick mechanical set me back 10
places further than I had been sitting, I would say my okay race had turned into a crummy race.
Keep in mind that when you're riding in the back of the pack, you only get we-love-you-anyway
sort of cheers from your teammates (thanks guys), you-can-stop-now-and-save-energy-for-
tomorrow's-race from the pit crew (thanks Richard), and of course the ever-encouraging pity
cheers from strangers. At the Verge of taking Richard's advice and calling it a day, wondering
what sort of food I had in the car, and thinking about how funny Richard's shrunken wool hat
looked, I stumbled upon the cure for forgettingtopayattentionitis. I can't call it a simple cure,
because it was hard earned on this particular day - but I found what I needed to get my head in
the game and keep wanting more. The solution is to race to the intoxicating sound of a steady
roar... In perhaps the longest section of sand pit you've ever seen in a cross race, a huge crowd
had gathered at this New Jersey sand pit to see if anyone could ride the whole length of it.
Nobody had done it. Keep in mind that by lap 4 they weren't there to watch me, but the crowd
was paying attention because they were perhaps waiting for the leader to follow up soon after me!
I made a quick decision just before diving into the sandpit for the last time that I was going to
give this sandpit everything I had. I sprinted in, coasted to the corner, and started mashing...
people were cheering, and I eked out a few more pedal strokes... more people started cheering,
and the end of sand pit was still so far away... the cheering got louder, and the screaming turned
to a roar in my ears and don't stop now as I realized I was going to make it through this sand pit.
I made it to the other end. I rode the whole sandpit, and rode out still hearing people cheering
behind me. Had I had thoughts of quitting this race?... did I say that?... screw that, I wanna go
back around and ride this sand pit again atmo.
Long story short, I guess I love to race because of those miraculous occasions where you prove
to yourself that you're capable of more than you thought possible, and you get a little public
acknowledgment for it along with your personal satisfaction. Isn't that part of the reason we all
race? We just wanna look good. Of course riding for this team helps each of us out a lot, because
believe me, We Look Good.
I forget if I digressed, or if I came back from that, or if I'm still talking about being distractable.
Forget all that. All you need to take away from this is that We on this Team love this sh*t - we
friggin love it atmo - and maybe we need a dull roar from the crowd to help us through the crummy
races sometimes, but everyone on this Team has got the passion and the drive and the crazy
love for cyclocross that can earn that wonderful memorable roar of the crowd.
(Ed. note 1: distractable??)
(Ed. note 2: see that famous issimo high style and grace here.)
From MC Jonny (to the tune of NUTHIN BUT A G THANG) -
NUTHIN BUT A CX THANG
One, two, three and to the fo'
E-Richie Rich and Dave are at the do'
Ready to make an entrance, so back on up
(cause you know we 'bout to rip the course up)
Gimme the bike first, so I can bust like a bubble
New England and the Carolinas together, now you know you in trouble
Ain't nothin but a cross thang, baaaaabay!
Eight loced out crossers so they're craaaaazay!
RGM Watches is the label that paaaaays me!
Indefatigable, so please don't try to fatigue this (hell yeah)
But, uh, back to the lecture at hand
Perfection is imperfect, so I'm a let em understand
1/8th the number one affiliation
And before me number up my skinsuit i have to find registration
You never know it could be rainin there man,
And freezin there man, and at the same time breezin there man
Now you know we love that crap, chap
Aint no course can stop us when we snap
(yeah) now thats realer than real-deal holyfield
And now all you bro's and betty's know how I feel
Well if its good enough to break that carbon chunk
We'll take a small piece of some of that steel funk
Its like this and like that and like this and uh
Its like that and like this and like that and uh
Its like this and like that and like this and uh
Richie, creep to the bike like a phantom
At this point there should be no wonder as to why I love these cats so much, and why autumn
matters most around here. As we've been heard to say: 'Cross Fukignc Rules Atmo!
See you with more of the same in a day or three.
Thanks for reading.
e-RICHIE©™®
*according to my opinion
______________________________
Thank you for your interest and support.
The Richard Sachs Cyclocross Team is sponsored by RGM Watches, Rex Chiu,
Radix Group LLC, Ozell, Stankus Architects Associates, as well as by Cane Creek,
Crank Brothers, Rudy Project, Oval Concepts, Challenge, VergeSport, Wippermann,
Selle San Marco, JB Custom Paint, Nelly's Deli, and The Wheatmarket
TEAM WEBSITE
RESULTS/UPDATES
TEAM YOUTUBE
NATZ PICS (2006)
TEAM PICS (2006)
TEAM PICS (2005)
BLATANT TEAM BIKE PICS
AWESOME 'CROSS PORN
RICHARD SACHS 'CROSS BLOG
10, January 2008
Greetings once again -
Tired of this? Of me? Well I have alot of 'cross left in me and more emails and updates are
forthcoming. If you can't deal, go to WalMart or HomeDepot and get some Richie B Gone©.
It's your only hope. Meanwhile, I want to share more stories about the folks who are an integral
part of the Richard Sachs Cyclocross Team. We wouldn't get to the finish line, or maybe even
to the race, without our industry suppliers. Ours are the best. I have one rule when it comes to
parts and sponsors: Would I pay retail for it? Deals be damned, we are fortunate to have liaisons
with the best parts makers in the industry, and if they all ended tonight, I would still willingly buy
them over the counter. We're a lucky team atmo*. Note to sponsors reading this: We love you -
now don't get any ideas!!
Today I will pass on the words from two of the RS 'Cross Team's longest continuous sponsors:
Oval Concepts and Crank Brothers. I believe we are all going into our fifth year together.
Regarding Oval Concepts, one of my favorite anecdotes-turned-press releases still lives here.
Yeah - I had a major league Howard Beale moment and Morgan was at the window right there
with me.
From Morgan at Oval Concepts -
Hi Richard,
For the past three years I have not had time to write the smallest note to you because I am
just too busy trying to tame this young wild horse of a company of mine - Oval Concepts. Ever
since you wrote me that note begging me to make a classic, round bend road bar, a design
every other company has dropped as "old fashioned" and a bar that I knew deep in my heart
I could not afford to make - and yet I had to make, I have regretted ever knowing you. Your
passion for what is right and what works, your passion for cross, a niche for the craziest of
cyclists and their even more crazy families and fans, makes me want to run away but instead
keeps me coming back for more - just because I need that passion. I don't want to stay, but
I must.
Now we make those stupid classic bend road bars in 38 to 46cm widths, 26.0 and 31.8mm bar
clamps, and 135 and 144mm drops - wayyyyyyytoo many SKUs - and it is all your fault. We make
them because other customers are demanding and selling each of those items all over the
U.S. and Europe because they are in demand by their customers. They go to Team SlipStream
and Silence-Lotto riders who demand to place their hands exactly where they want them, not
where the bar design tells them - four to six hours per day, every day. They go to cross riders
for who knows what reason - with the gloves, cold, wet, and mud who knows if they can even feel
the bars, much less appreciate the "comfort".
Oval Concepts means "get Fit to Fly" and your passion and your push to add these classic,
round bend road bars have helped reinforce our position with the cyclists who ride, the cyclist
who care, who sweat the details. I don't have time to write about this, I am sorry. I don't have time
to tell you how much your passion and focus mean to me, again I am sorry. I do have time to
listen and read what you write - usually late a night in bed - because what you say speaks volumes.
Sorry I met you. Sorry I can't run away. Thanks for being there and again, sorry I have no time
to write.
Kind regards,
Morgan Nicol
From Jason at Crank Brothers -
Cyclocross is not only a unique sport, but also a unique culture – and Crank Brothers is
very proud to be synonymous with its beauty, simplicity, and passion. It’s a reflection of who
we are and what wemake; and even more so with Richard Sachs handcrafted frames. Our
relationship with the Richard Sachs team goes beyond simple product representation and
results, it’s a deep association with the cross culture and values we share towards individuality
and artistic design. From a sponsorship perspective – the team has been an important part
in creating a special place for our candy pedals and to this we are forever grateful. These are
inspired athletes and people that welcomed a newcomer to their sport and continually share
their enthusiasm with everyone. Of course we plan to stick with the Richard Sachs team as
long as possible and grow with the wonderful world of ‘cross. In conclusion of this recent ‘cross
season, we wanted to express our appreciation for what this inspirational sport and people have
done forus. When you have a moment, please visit our slide show shot by Sven Martin at
www.crankbrothers.com It’s a reminder for us what makes cyclocross so special as we
move on to another year, cheers and thank you Richard Sachs!
And a big RS 'Cross Team atmo hug and thanks to Morgan from Oval Concepts and Jason,
Andrew, and Christina from Crank Brothers.
Thanks for reading.
e-RICHIE©™®
*according to my opinion
______________________________
Thank you for your interest and support.
The Richard Sachs Cyclocross Team is sponsored by RGM Watches,
Rex Chiu, Radix Group LLC, Ozell, Stankus Architects Associates, as
well as by Cane Creek, Crank Brothers, Rudy Project, Oval Concepts,
Challenge, VergeSport, Wippermann, Selle San Marco, JB Custom Paint,
Nelly's Deli, and The Wheatmarket
TEAM WEBSITE
RESULTS/UPDATES
TEAM YOUTUBE NATZ PICS (2006)
TEAM PICS (2006)
TEAM PICS (2005)
BLATANT TEAM BIKE PICS
AWESOME 'CROSS PORN
RICHARD SACHS 'CROSS BLOG
9, January 2008
Greetings -
I'll say right up front: thanks for bearing with me and the volume of emails I am sending out
these day, especially since there are no more 'cross races. The season never ends, huh.
The Richard Sachs Cyclocross Team newz 'n notz continues this evening with more closing
thoughts from the riders. This evening I'll paste in some words from Alie and Moocher. This
was Alie's first full year of 'cross and it was my pleasure that it was with us. Rebecca wasn't
formally a card carrying member of the team, but we spent most of the season on the road
together. Alie and Mooch formed an even tighter bond at the Natz in Kansas City, as you'll
read here. WhenI re-read some of the stuff that I'm passing on to you, I cringe that there's
still another 8 months before the racing resumes. Thankfully, one of the RS 'Cross Team's
specialties is making memories, and they'll certainly make the waiting easier atmo*.
From Alie -
It’s hard to believe that my first season racing for RGM Watches/RichardSachs has already
come to an end. This was my first time racing ‘cross with teammates and representing an
entity far greater than just myself. Cyclocross racing is much different than racing on the road.
The venues are smaller and more spectator friendly than long distance road races.They are
more conducive to friendly conversations and opportunities to answer questions or explain
certain details of the sport. Although I’m no expert, it was always fun to know that the kit I wore
and the bike I rode made me more apt to be approached. I have lost track of the number of
times I was told that my bike was the most beautiful bike out there. I was also struck by the
number of times a stranger gave me a “good luck,” “good effort,” “nice bike” or loud cheers
from the sidelines. Riding for this team is both an honor and a privilege. There are many people,
young and old, who look to us for inspiration and support. As a team, we represent the attributes
that make it possible to succeed at this type of external encouragement. We learn from our
teammates, and we extend these valuable qualities to our cycling community. We are by far the
loudest cheerers, the best huggers, the friendliest competitors (most of the time)and the highest
skilled sponsor promoters out there, imho.
So, as sad as it is to say good-bye to this season of racing, I feel comforted by the fact that the
familial nature of the team doesn’t have aseason’s end. Though the racing is over for 2007, we
are all still a close-knit unit, supporting each other in the many ways a family will. I can’t wait to
see what 2008 has in store for us!
From Rebecca (With apologies to Mr. Schmittgens) -
I'm not a Richard Sachs racer but I was lucky enough to tag along with the crew for the National
Championships weekend and pretend to be apart of the notorious Richard Sachs family. Its
really a family, ya know.Before the trip I got a stellar care package with all sorts of tight RS gear
so I could look the part of the pit crew of the black and red. After the epic drive from the east
coast to Kansas City, KS which actually on theway there wasn't really all that epic we arrived
and the festivities began.The day before the first day of racing (the Thursday before the Friday
that RS and Matty-K raced in blizzard conditions) I toured the Kansas City area via Alie's bike
and got a nice taste in my mouth for the sweetness of a beautiful steel hand crafted bike as well
as the riding that KS had to offer. I checked out Kansas City from both the Kansas and Missouri
points of view and also found the home town of Melisa Ethridge some where along the way. I
can't tell you a single song Melisa sings, let alone what kind of music she sings, but I know I've
heard the name - probably from my mom - so I took note.
Friday: I got prepped to be the race crew by dawning my pit crew outfit which included a fleece
body suit to be sure I would be warm in the 14degree weather that Weather.com told me I was
waking up to. At the race I attempted to be the Team Mechanic and cleaned bikes and tried to
build a bike stand out of some old pallets I found near our parking spot but in the end I was really
glad when I didn't have to be Mechanic for the Sunday races because honestly if anything would
have actually gone wrong with the bikes the only help I would have been was to confirm the fact
that the bike was indeed not working.
Anyways, the races are whats really important and each respective RS rider will share their race
in detail but here are my notes on the National Championship weekend...
1. Richard and Matt literally raced in the shistiest weather of all time on Friday
and it was freezing cold. I don't think it stopped snowing all day. Kudos.
2. Alie and Amy rode to the course on that very same shistiy Friday and I was
amazed that they made it and in awe that they would even try to make it.
3. Side note: I had red rain boots and I got a pair of RayBan Wayfarers
(courtesy of the box of Wayfarers that Richard keeps in this shop) out of
the weekend. (Ed note: here they are).
4. Even though the actual weather was the worst on Friday, the course
conditions on Sunday for Amy, Alie, Matt, Hamblen, and Spin-doggy
were the worst.
5. Alie crashed hard because of some retard and instead of her racing
and me helping out we got to hang out in the Medic area and get to know
each other better. I don't mind because I can now say the Alie Kenzer and
I are legitament friends due to the experience although I thing the experience
was a bit more pleasant for me as I did not have a hole in my elbow or road
rash down the side of my hip and leg.
6. Amy killed it during her race.
7. The boys didn't kill it quite as much but I think if Jonny wouldn't have been
busy taking out camera men and everyone else would have been able to actually
pedal their bike instead of sliding around in the mud and laughing about the
comical situation that they were in a bike race and nota mud fight, then they
would have killed it just as much as Amy.
8. The drive home to the east was a bit more epic.
9. I am bored of writing, this always happens at number nine.
10. The Richard Sachs crew rules...ATMO?
I have only one thing to say about this team: 'Cross Fukignc Rules Atmo. In a day or so
I'll be back with some nice news from the various sponsors and suppliers who help make
the RS 'Cross Team the funhouse that it is.
By the way - if anyone of the 30,000 folks receiving these emails knows why the texts are
highlighted in yellow, you can have your next frame order filled in three weeks. Cripes - it's
driving me nuts!
Thanks for reading.
e-RICHIE©™®
*according to my opinion
______________________________
Thank you for your interest and support.
The Richard Sachs Cyclocross Team is sponsored by RGM Watches,
Rex Chiu, Radix Group LLC, Ozell, Stankus Architects Associates, as
well as by Cane Creek, Crank Brothers, Rudy Project, Oval Concepts,
Challenge, VergeSport, Wippermann, Selle San Marco, JB Custom Paint,
Nelly's Deli, and The Wheatmarket
TEAM WEBSITE
RESULTS/UPDATES
TEAM YOUTUBE
NATZ PICS (2006)
TEAM PICS (2006)
TEAM PICS (2005)
BLATANT TEAM BIKE PICS
AWESOME 'CROSS PORN
RICHARD SACHS 'CROSS BLOG
8, January 2008
Greetings -
The other day I emailed some end-of-season musings from myself and several members
of the Richard Sachs Cyclocross Team. While I wait for the other racers to chime in, I
thought it would be a good thing for some of the team sponsors to also add their thoughts.
I wrote to them and asked, essentially, "...so what is this liaison all about for you, and maybe
tell my distribution list why the sponsorship works for your firm and its products." Today I'll
introduce you to Roland Murphy, founder of the eponymous firm, RGM Watch Company
of Mt. Joy, Pennsylvania. I also must admit a fondness for the word eponymous, and use it
as much as I can - so there. RGM Watch Company will join us again in 2008 as the title
sponsor (that's referred to as above the fold in newspaper speak) for the fourth straight year.
All of us on the RS 'Cross Team, as well as the entire east coast racing community, thank
Roland Murphy and RGM for their support of cyclocross.
Here are Roland's words:
RGM Watch Company of Lancaster County Pennsylvania is proud of their association with
Richard Sachs cyclocross team. Many people have asked about what attracted these two very
different companies to form a partnership. The easy answer is that Roland Murphy has long
been a fan of cycling, but a sneak peek at each company's web site offers more insight. The
headline "Why buy a frame from a one-man shop still using traditional hand-building methods?"
found at www.richardsachs.com could just as easily be worded to ask about buying a fine, hand-
made timepiece from a small work shop in a country that is not often counted among the top
watch producers. Clearly Richard Sachs and Roland Murphy are traditionalists who believe in
providing customer service and building the right product for each individual. And each has
become an American leader in an industry long dominated by European companies and
afforded far more coverage by foreign press rather than domestic.
But publicity aside, each company is notable for having focused on creating some of the best
bicycles or timepieces available. And their success in all endeavors is assured by both their
dedication and their experience. Having witnessed each of their industries" move away from
hand-made products," Sachs and Murphy have carved their niche by providing hand-built
products, often customized for the individual. At RGM it is a source of pride that the company
is small enough to offer exclusivity yet experienced and knowledgeable enough to offer a wide
array of options to the discerning watch buyer. Richard Sachs' more than thirty-five years of
custom frame building, his respected position within the industry, and the independent nature
of his business suggest a natural partnership between the two firms.
In the recently-completed season of the Cyclocross series in which RGM/Richard Sachs
competed, the benefits of the partners' synergy were clearly demonstrated. Team riders scored
top honors at events throughout New England and in the Middle Atlantic states and earned
many other top-five finishes among their strong showings. RGM is proud to contribute to the
success of the team and its riders.
As Roland was once heard to say, "You're not likely to see the person next to you on an airplane
wearing an RGM." And you're not likely to see the fellow riding next to you on a Richard Sachs
bicycle frame but you know that they who prefer these products, in addition to their makers, are
able to appreciate fine detail and craftsmanship. RGM is proud to have forged a partnership with
Richard Sachs and his successful cyclocross team, but the relationship represents much more
than that. There is a confluence of philosophy and of dedication. Though Richard Sachs said it,
the following sentiment is appreciated also by Roland Murphy and the customers and aficionados
of the work of each man, who know that he "I can still enjoy working some magic with my hands."
And seeing the fruit of their labors form integral parts of a winning effort such as the RGM/Richard Sachs
racing team must be enjoyable on a completely different level.
Very cool, huh?!! All of us on the team look forward to 2008 and another enjoyable, productive
'cross season atmo*. Thanks, RGM!
In a few days I will be back with more end-of-season thoughts from the team, and will also have
other texts from the many sponsors who keep us well lubed all year long.
Thanks for reading.
e-RICHIE©™®
*according to my opinion
______________________________
Thank you for your interest and support.
The Richard Sachs Cyclocross Team is sponsored by RGM Watches,
Rex Chiu, Radix Group LLC, Ozell, Stankus Architects Associates, as
well as by Cane Creek, Crank Brothers, Rudy Project, Oval Concepts,
Challenge, VergeSport, Selle San Marco, JB Custom Paint, Nelly's Deli,
and The Wheatmarket
TEAM WEBSITE
RESULTS/UPDATES
TEAM YOUTUBE
NATZ PICS (2006)
TEAM PICS (2006)
TEAM PICS (2005)
BLATANT TEAM BIKE PICS
AWESOME 'CROSS PORN
RICHARD SACHS 'CROSS BLOG
7, January 2008
Greetings -
"The racing may end but the season never does."
Wtf!! Did I really say that? Okay, I am reconciling the fact that I haven't
cleaned my 'cross bicycle since the Natz, and the routine emails I trade with
my pals on the Richard Sachs Cyclocross Team are down to a few per
week (and even all of those don't get answered in real time), and I am back
on my road bicycle daily - on pavement, and doing loops that I haven't done
since late last winter. I guess the closure thing is setting in. Data point: the
season never ends. Repeat: the season never ends. Keeping it all in perspective
is the only way I will be able to deal with er - the off season. Yeah I miss my
pals, and I suppose that all the team 'cross bicycles are prolly packed away
in garages all over New England and in Winston Salem. So watcha' gonna do?
While I am sitting here banging on the old Dell, I'll add a note or three before
I start writing about the team. Perhaps the most newsworthy of all news is
that the team blog has been picked as one of VeloNews' online site's Blog of
the Day. For me, the team, and the sponsors this is a huge vote of confidence
and it legitimizes our efforts and says that the world outside our window has
taken notice. That last part was a blatant effort by me to tie in some 90s trivia
from one of my fav 90s singers, Tanita Tikaram. Click here and groove to
the song. Tanita rocked my world until the Y2K thing atmo*. What a cool song
huh, but she's now relegated to the Where Are They Now bin. Meanwhile,
in plain site, I'll paste the link-ee-poo (in large, bold text) to the VN article:
http://velonews.com/news/fea/11805.0.html
I could just plotz! But rather than plotz, I'm also pleased to make note that we
have a new industry supplier coming on board for 2009. Wippermann can
now lay claim to being the official chain of the RS 'Cross Team. Life is good
atmo. It's also good because pal and pic shooter Michael Kirk added the missing
images from the USGP in Trenton to his already voluminous site dedicated
to all things Team Red (or is that Noir?). Click here for nearly 200 killer pics
of us from the past season or so. Mr. DeMille I am ready for my close-up...
The main reason I am posting this evening is to paste in texts written by
several of my team mates. I would like to think that it's a tradition - and a
form of closure - that I ask each rider to say a few words about their
season. There is no list of necessary points I ask them to cover. I just want
to know what they think and feel, and it's important for me to share the
words with our family, other friends, team sponsors, and the legions of folks
who follow cyclocross and the travails of the RS 'Cross Team (that was yet
another excuse to use travails in a sentence...). The following entries are
from Dave Genest, Justin Spinelli, and Matt Pookums Kraus.
From Dave -
Well, where should I start? I didn't race much this season...but I was fit and
had fun training. I did, however, get to race with the team at the Gloucester
venue. It was a fine day and the team gave the large contingent of fans a
bit of a peak at their future with some solid results. I read with proud
amazement throughout the rest of the season as Richard led the team to
some of our best results since we formed thes quad some 15 years past.
Richard runs the team based on maintaining a high level of style and
having fun. No one is stressed to get results. No one is forced to do more
than they desire. And miraculously...in the final judgment...this unique
management style consistently produces a good return for his sponsors'
investments and lots of podium appearances.Righteous.I'm proud to be part
of the group. More to the point...I'm proud to be associated with the single
most recognized, and revered brand in cyclo-cross...Richard Sachs.
Best
Dave Genest
From Justin -
I don't know why I race cross. Every year I do a long road season filled with
dull car rides, flights, airport trips, strange accommodations, unusual
surroundings... all that on top of racing as hard as I can and then
some.There have been several occassions even this past year when I told
myself, "That's it. No more cross. This is getting to be too much. I am too
tired". Then every year come October, I find myself flying around some
field with dirt flinging off my studded tires and being like... "this is so cool."
So yeah. It's a love hate relationship. I've been a Pro on the road since
2000. I've raced the Giro D"Italia, World Road Championships,
GiroLombardia, Classica San Sebastian and countless other European
races that have been in existence since World War II. Since returning home
to America I have raced all the big Domestic races save Tour of
California and Tour de Georgia (which I will do this year). So having said
that why do I get goosebumps when I line up for the North Carolina GP of
Cyclocross (with all due respect to the NCGP... cool race)? Maybe it's
because it's the whole experience of doing these cross races. It doesn't' get
much better that hanging out and racing with the Hamblen's and coming in
1-2 both days... that was rad. Fetty was there too so, Bonus.
Then there was Nats. Bit by bit, I clawed to some semblance of form by
November and finally started racking up CI points. Come December
following a few good weekends I landed myself enough of these nuisance
technicality points to find myself on the second row start grid at National
Championships in Kansas ( P.S. KANSAS! WT is that!). The gun goes off, I
am in the top ten, some over-anxious idiot crashes into me, I go off the
course, my race is over before it really begins. Oh yeah, we drove a van to
Kansas from Connecticut... that was a total of 48 hours of van time folks for
effectively 3 minutes of racing. I must be nuts.
I'm never racing cross again. Oh wait. Yeah I am.
See you next year and Thank You for your support.
Justin
From Pookums -
If I picked one thing to represent this team, it would be a something I heard a
gazillion times this season; the sound of a hotel room door bouncing off the
deadbolt latch.
The team would always stay in hotel suites with our doors propped open by
a deadbolt latch until sleep time. We always dropped into each others rooms
for this or that, and each time the door closed on the latch it would make four
progressively softer thuds. Doors were always making thuds. By the end of the
season I laughed each time this happened, “DUT Dut Dut dut.” Yeah you might
say, that’s awfully nice Matt, a friggin deadbolt?… and you would have a good
point. But that sound brought home the family aspect of this team, the familiar
chaos of how we collectively worked as a group.
It was only near the end of the season, after many weekends of road tripping did
I realize the essence of this team IMHO. Humor me, take a step back and consider
all the people you know who get a twinkle in their eye when cross is mentioned. Now
take a moment and imagine why you love cross. It’s a wonderfully abstract thought.
Without trying to, this family - team - club finds a way to concretes that thought. We
embody something positive about cross and are the twinkle atmo. I hope all the sponsors
and supporters of our team feel this like we do, that’s important to all of us.
Expectations play a funny part of being an athlete, too much is never enough.
This season I had more than a few good moments, a couple of exceptional efforts,
a lot of decent results, but no personal racing magic. What made this season magical
was the type of unconditional support, outright freak in enthusiasm for the sport and
the feeling of kismet. I was filled with laughs, love and smiles. We build memories,
moments of time where the inner smile outshines the outer one. That alongside the
racing, best looking kits on the circuit, hot glasses, dependable components, tires,
wheels and the frames…and its hard not to feel good to be a part of the RS Team
movement. Saying I cant wait for the 08 season goes without question, it’s what we do.
Till the deadbolts do their thing, and we do ours...
DUT Dut Dut dut.
Pookums.
Here's the deal: Dave is a longtime pal and team mate whose idea it initially
was to start the RS 'Cross Team. We are all personally indebted to him in
many ways for making these past 15 years such a great ride. Justin has
ridden 'cross with us since 1997, has raced around the world since, and still
graces us with his presence and friendship each fall. And Pookums and I
have known each other for 3 short years, but we joke that we had each
other at hello. It's not a joke though. While I teased him with team lore and
what-ifs for 2 seasons, 2007 was the year that we finally were able to make
it happen. And when it happens here, it's for life atmo. All in all, each of us
on the team is part of a perfect circle.
Thanks to Dave, Justin, and Matt for sharing some words. In a week or so I
will follow up with musings from Alie, Amy, Jon, and Brian.
Thanks for reading.
e-RICHIE©™®
*according to my opinion
______________________________
Thank you for your interest and support.
The Richard Sachs Cyclocross Team is sponsored by RGM Watches,
Rex Chiu, Radix Group LLC, Ozell, Stankus Architects Associates, as
well as by Cane Creek, Crank Brothers, Rudy Project, Oval Concepts,
Challenge, VergeSport, Selle San Marco, JB Custom Paint, Nelly's Deli,
and The Wheatmarket
TEAM WEBSITE
RESULTS/UPDATES
TEAM YOUTUBE
NATZ PICS (2006)
TEAM PICS (2006)
TEAM PICS (2005)
BLATANT TEAM BIKE PICS
AWESOME 'CROSS PORN
RICHARD SACHS 'CROSS BLOG
27, December 2007 (finally...)
Where do I even start? This past week has been filled with emotion swings, listlessness, chats
between me and myself, and there's also been this cloud thing following me around. I suppose all
of it has been self-induced, even though it's very real. The Richard Sachs Cyclocross Team left
for Kansas two weeks ago, raced, had great results, made awesome memories, and then came
home. That seems like so long ago now atmo*. So as each day passed and I became increasingly
aware that I haven't posted about the National Championships, it seemed harder and harder to
jump-start my enthusiasm. I mean - all my pals knew that I was in a funkatation situation, and I
believe some of the Post 'Cross Traumatic Stress Disorder was also affecting them, but it really
is up to me to take care of all the team email spam-a-thons and send out the weekly communiques,
and I was letting it all lapse. And then, finally, I got a much needed one of these. I said to myself,
"Self. What kind of mamby-pamby excuse parcel are you tapping into so that all the stuff that
needs to be put out in cyberspace is delayed because of this emotion stuff? Snap the eff out of
it". And I did. Of all the catalysts that came to me in the form of motivation, few were as strong as
this one. I figure that if Brooke O can run the team meeting while lactating, there should be no
reason that I can't type and reminisce for the folks that follow our travails all through the 'cross
season. (That was an excuse to use travails in a sentence atmo). So here I am and the following
collection of 1s and 0s will be all about what's happened these past few weeks of the season.
For starters...
I was remiss a few weeks ago when I neglected to add some links to two films that pal Jacob Fetty
and Jon Hamblen made when they took the trip north to race with us at the Grenogue/Wissihikon
UCI weekend. Click here and then here to see how we all comport ourselves on a routine road trip
to the MAC states. These two won't be mistaken for the Coen Brothers any time soon, but that
doesn't mean you shouldn't spam the links around once you've watched the clips 5-10 times each.
Blatant commercial message section starts here:
1) Pal Dennis Smith has a new 'cross-centric calendar available and you cansee it at this link. I
am proud to report that it contains not one, but three images of Atmoistas at play. Hover over the
pages to enlarge the pics and you'll see me and the Issimo making memories at the expense of
our MAC rivals. Cool, huh?!! Please order many calendars.
2) Pal Michael Kirk maintains an RScentric page of all the pics he's shot while we are on the road
in the MAC states. Click here to view. Please bookmark this link and return to it often, especially if
you're a team sponsor looking to buy images for the 2008 product catalog that's being planned. The
RS 'Cross Team shakes its moneymaker for over 18 straight weeks, and much of it is captured by
Michael. Let one of us be your next poster child. Here's but one suggested serving.
3) Pal Richard Sachs (sic) has once again printed hooded sweatshirts with the official team
graphics. Click here to see one in action. I have these in stock now, so contact me directly if you
are interested. I'll reply with prices, etcetera asap.
4) Pals Alie and Amy got caught on celluloid whilst at the Natz. There's a great article at the Pedal
Pushers online site. Scroll down here to view the image. I have combed the internet and found that
the shooter is a Larry Rosa from Norcal.He pasted a few extra images here. Contact Larry through
his website if you're interested in using these pictures.
Blatant commercial shet officially done.
One of the many, many cool things about the National Championships is that we get to congregate
and race against many of the same people whose names regularly appear in VeloNews and who
help keep the 'cross game in the public's radar. For example, on one evening we ran into multiple
National Champion Steve Tilford, currently crowned National Champion Tim Johnson, famed
announcer Dave Towles, former National Collegiate Champion Jed Schneider, all-world UCI official
Phil Miller, and East Coast 'cross terror Rebecca Wellons and pal Ward Solar. Who needs Access
Hollywood when you can beinches away from these stars?!
I guess I should mention the racing, huh. Our team had a spectacular weekend. The conditions
were kinda' sorta' brutal, but all racers had to endure, so the playing field was incredibly even atmo.
While we neverhad the mudfest that characterized a Portland or a Napa, the snow and cold
weather made the frozen ruts the story of the weekend. Atmo whoever crashed the least had the
best chance of a good finish. For us, the racing began on the Saturday with Pookums in the 35+
race and me in the 55+race (Data point: Hey I am not 55 yet). I believe that this day's conditions
were a bit harsher than Sunday's, and Matt and I made the best of it. My feeling was that Pook was
there for the win, not just a good result. He began two hours before me, so I had the chance to see
the start and first several laps. Matt got the hole shot and led the race for at least the first lap, and
remained at the front throughout. A split occurred late in the race, and when I saw the results, Matt
was 7th. Considering the competition and the course conditions, and that any corner or rut can
affect the race, a 7th on that course and on that day was a victory for us. For the Pookums
Supporters Club, click here and see a video showing Pook nail the start on the far outside line. In
my race it was a bit of a clusterfkuc with three fields on the course simultaneously. I had a decent
start and miraculously passed many leftovers from the 50+ race who were in my way, and I never
fell off until the end of lap two. I think they gave my field the true 45 minute race that was planned,
and by the 40 minute mark, I was near fatigued and making too many steering errors. I had the
feeling that all the credits I earned up until lap 4 were beginning to get cashed in as one rider after
another, but as you can see here, the officials gave me a 13th. I have no idea how this happened;
so many bodies were all over the course by the race's end. But since my goal was a top ten, I'll
take whatever I can get. I didn't have the same good fortune to get caught on film as Matt, but if I
did it would look like this.
The following day, it was the main event. The Women's and Men's Elite races would go off starting
at noon. Alie and Amy were first, and then Jon, Justin, and Matt (again) were at 1:30. There must
have been 120 females on the line at something-or-other to twelve, and while it speaks to the
growing popularity of 'cross, it all can wreak havoc at the start of any race. So while Amy (who had
a call-up as a result of many late season UCI points) had the start of her life, Alie found herself in
some major league traffic and found strangers and other people's wheels tangled in hers in just the
first fifty feet. (Editor's note: Bwaaaaaaaaaa. It's simply not fair, and this is the perfect time to paste
in a link that regards just this kind of confusion when the stakes are high and the body count even
higher. On behalf of pals Eric and Brooke, please click here and read the petition). [Rant] [/Rant].
So, as I was saying, the Issimo killed the start and never was less than top 12 as the women raced
the course. At times Amy was as high as sixth place and I was confident that she'd get a great
result from all this. With the bell lap behind her and barely a km to go, she was still in a mix of
competitors fighting for seventh. I lost track of what was where with whom when they went through
a wooded area, and coming out of it onto the pavement, the Issimo sprinted to ninth place, improving
on her 2005 result by one place. Forza Amy, and forza Alie too, because I know you would have
taken your late season form to a top twenty. But such is life, and bumpin' is bikin' as they say. For
all you A Team fans,click here to see Amy at the first turn, and click here to see Alie once she met
me at the pits later in the day. Okay - I admit it. I'm being silly.
In the Men's race, it was once again a clusterfkuc of bodies from all overthe lower 48. Luckily for
us, Justin and Jon had enough UCI points to get call-ups to the front two rows, making their starts
more to the safe side. If i recall, Matt was near to them in row 3. The funny thing is, when you put
150+ adrenaline charged males on a start grid with only a small stripof pavement before the first
turn, anything can happen. Take a look here at 3-5 seconds and see Jon play tonsil hockey with a
local photographer's long upper body. Sick, huh. And have a look here and see Justin meet the
ground at the 25 second mark. We can't use any excuses because everyone had the same muck
to ride through, but luck was not on our side in this race, with both fellows understandably dropping
out late in the event.To his credit, Matt persevered and finished in the mid 30s. All in all, the RS
'Cross Team showed extremely well at the venue and I was proud to be part of all this.
Long awaited for picture section starts here:
Amy did the mother lode of work during the KC trip and here gallery lives here. For my part, I have
been a mining fool and have added about three dozen (or more) images to my Flickr site. Click here
to view. For images that I could not mine, I have these links:
Amy -
http://sadlebred.smugmug.com/gallery/4012326#233622493-L-LB
http://sadlebred.smugmug.com/gallery/4012326#233622183-L-LB
http://sadlebred.smugmug.com/gallery/4012326#233634539-L-LB
http://sadlebred.smugmug.com/gallery/4012326#233634358-L-LB
Justin -
http://sadlebred.smugmug.com/gallery/4012370#233561825-L-LB
Matt -
http://sadlebred.smugmug.com/gallery/4000066#232684510-L-LB
http://www.actionimages.cc/viewImage.php?pid=CYX-KCN2542&gid=CYX-KCN5
http://www.actionimages.cc/viewImage.php?pid=CYX-KCN2596&gid=CYX-KCN5
http://www.actionimages.cc/viewImage.php?pid=CYX-KCN2597&gid=CYX-KCN5
http://www.actionimages.cc/viewImage.php?pid=CYX-KCN2598&gid=CYX-KCN5
Atmo -
http://www.actionimages.cc/viewImage.php?pid=CYX-KCN3019&gid=CYX-KCN5
http://www.actionimages.cc/viewImage.php?pid=CYX-KCN2890&gid=CYX-KCN5
So here's the deal - I don't know who reads these missives but I hope that most have made it until
here. Normally I email these to several open CC fields, and then about six BCC fields, and then
ultimately all typos are found, and corrected, and the text moves over to the team blog located
here. When I realized it was time to post, I had no mindset to be typing this much or pasting in all
sorts of wacky links. I hope you've enjoyed the news. The Richard Sachs Cyclocross Team had
an extremely successful 2007 season and it's been a pleasure making memories with them and
sharing it with all of you.
In a week or so I will post again and let the riders speak for themselves about what the season has
meant for them, and I'll also have news about sponsorship changes and opportunities for 2008.
I'll leave off with one anecdote. The sadness that some of us felt as the last few weeks descended
upon us was driven home a few Sundays ago when Alie and I were talking about how fast it all
goes. To console ourselves, I told Alie that the racing may end but the season never does. All of
us, Alie, Amy, Alicia, Brian, Dave, Justin, Jon, Matt, Moocher, and myself live for the racing
and the seasons, but most of all for the chance to play, travel, text, drink, race, and make memories
with each other week in and week out all autumn long.
Thanks for reading.
e-RICHIE©™®
*according to my opinion
______________________________
Thank you for your interest and support.
The Richard Sachs Cyclocross Team is sponsored by RGM Watches,
Rex Chiu, Radix Group LLC, Ozell, Stankus Architects Associates, as
well as by Cane Creek, Crank Brothers, Rudy Project, Oval Concepts,
Challenge, VergeSport, Selle San Marco, JB Custom Paint, Nelly's Deli,
and The Wheatmarket
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NATZ PICS (2006)
TEAM PICS (2006)
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RICHARD SACHS 'CROSS BLOG
natz report coming soon atmo...
i'm suffering from a combination of writer's block,
ADD, and post 'cross traumatic stress disorder.
10, December 2007
Greetings -
Well another weekend of racing has passed and I am once again late to the
results and news spam-a-thon party. I'm not sure what it is, but I suspect the
procrastination is partly due to the fact that we have only one more event to
do and then the 2007 season is history. I often refer to the condition as Post
'Cross Traumatic Stress Disorder, yet I feel it coming on before we even get
in the Hummer and drive to Kansas City for the National Championships. The
Richard Sachs Cyclocross Team has had a wonderful, productive, and
diverse season and I am proud to be part of it all. The entire group - Alie,
Amy, Alicia, Jon, Dave, Justin, Matt, and Brian deserves a world of thanks
for the smiles, the friendships, the memories, the racing, the road trips, the
text messaging, the twizzlers, the race results, and for the representing. I
know that many folks read these missives once they are pasted in the team
blog, and everyone is aware of the high regard that this team is held in by
the fans and peeps in the industry. A mighty large thanks to all the sponsors,
suppliers, and behind the scenes supporters who make all this possible.
This weekend we were in Rhode Island both days for another pair of UCI
C2 races combined with the Verge New England Cyclo-Cross Series. On
Saturday it was the 6th Annual W.E. Stedman GP of Cross, and on
Sunday it was the NBX Grand Prix of Cross. With Pookums being under
the weather since the Portland trip, what we had in Little Rhody was an
abbreviated roster situation. I took care of my end of the biz and did the
Masters event at 9AM both days, while the A-Team and Justin did battle in
the Elite ranks in the afternoon. For us it was one of the better weekends of
results all season. On Saturday, Justin finished 6th in his race, while Alie
was 21st and Amy 3rd in their event. Here is a link to the online report at
cyclingnews dot com. On Sunday, Justin finished 9th, and Alie and Amy both
improved overnight with Alie in 17th and Amy in 2nd. Here is what was said
about day two. A big atmo* shout-out to the Issimo for podiuming twice in two
days of UCI racing. If I recall correctly, this marks Amy's best weekend of
racing - almost ever! Here is a killer quote of Issimo's:
"Today I was feeling good when I got up. I told my team-mates, 'I can win today.' Then I saw
Lyne was here and I said, ' I can definitely get second,'" she said with a smile. "The mental
attitude helps so much."
And that's a fact Jack! All of these results bode well for next weekend's National Championships.
Well anyway, here is a long list of killer pics I found after the weekend:
J-Spin:
http://www.cyclingnews.com/cross.php?id=/photos/2007/dec07/verge7_07/DSC_0262
http://www.cyclingnews.com/cross.php?id=/photos/2007/dec07/verge6_07/DSC_0283