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