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
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