Cyclists Making a Difference: You Can Help Get One of Our Own Back on the Trail!

Two months ago we introduced you to Eric Taylor and told you his story; Eric was an avid mountain bike rider and ride leader for the Hammerin' Wheels Cycling Club who despite challenges of trying to find employment in a rotten economy (made even more challenging because he is deaf) had finally worked up to having a bike that he could race. Eric was looking forward to racing this spring and had signed up for his first event ever.  Then Eric got a nasty introduction to the New Year, his bike was stolen. Just as the cable was cut on his lock, so where his wings and to this day Eric remains flightless, something most cyclists would have nightmares about.

For the last two months the GroveTribe has been trying to find his bike – he filed police reports, we got the word out, craigslist and other sites were scoured to see if someone would try to sell it- and still nothing. We understand what it’s like to experience that loss and it can be so much more devastating than simply the loss of a bicycle. It can mean the loss of freedom, of joy and even sanity for those who use cycling as their lifeline in such a harsh world.

GroveTribe donates at MadCat and checks out some bikes.
Chris talks with MadCat owner Mike Upchurch (right).

We are asking our local cycling community to come together to help get one of our own back on the trail. The GroveTribe has been working setting up a way for folks to donate to help Eric get a replacement for his lost bike. Our goal is to raise $800 to help pay for a Specialized Rockhopper. Mike Upchurch of MadCat Bicycles has set up an account in Eric’s name and has facilitated several ways for folks to donate. MadCat will update us as to the progress of the fundraising and we will update our fancy “RockHopper-meter” on the homepage of our website so you can watch the progress and see your donation raise the temperature!

To donate you have many options:

You can rock on down to the MadCat Bicycle shop at 2645 Marconi Ave in Sacramento (Located in Town and Country Village) and tell them you would like to put a payment into Eric Taylor’s account. You can make the donation anonymously or include your name, if your name is included it will be published in our WE DID IT! Thank You! blog.

You can donate from the comfort of your own home via PayPal using the following address: madcatbicycles@sbcglobal.net.

You can purchase a MadCat gift card and present Eric your donation in person.

Donations can be in any amount; $5, $50, $500… anything helps and it all adds up! We at GroveTribe got the account opened and the ball rolling with our own $40 donation to the cause. Please join us and help get Eric back on the trail!