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Sweet Home Alabama

One of the largest single-system tornado outbreaks in United States history occurred from April 27 to 28, 2011, resulting in at least 155 confirmed tornadoes across 14 states and severe destruction during the outbreak. The death toll reached 337 across seven states, including at least 246 in Alabama.

The SockGuy factory is located in DeKalb County, Alabama, so we checked in with CJ Buttram to see how he and his 16 employees are faring.

“All of my life they’ve issued tornado warnings; this time it was a tornado emergency,” said CJ. “We were wondering what the difference was until it hit us, and then we knew!”

With tornadoes being a way of life in Alabama, CJ and his team were prepared for the storm, and everyone showed up to work on Wednesday morning as usual. “Usually we just monitor the weather and move to the center of the building if it gets bad,” he said. “But this time, after the first storm came through and they said there were going to be more … and that they were going to get worse … we shut down the factory and everyone went home.”

CJ and his business partner and wife Vickie sought shelter at their church, which has a large basement. “We went outside to see one of the tornadoes go by and couldn’t believe what we saw,” he said. “It was unreal … it was a monster!”

As soon as the storms passed, the community rallied to support victims. One of the factory employees lost her home during the storm. CJ’s sister, also an employee, made it through the storm, but during the power outages her cat knocked over a kerosene lamp and her home burned to the ground.

CJ says that of the 43 people killed within a 10 mile radius of the factory, he knew many. Countless more friends and family are struggling with losses of life, home, pets and belongings.

“We take care of each other here,” said CJ. “Someone told me that within 2 days of this storm we had done more – without federal aid yet, which started coming in this week – than was done 2 months after Hurricane Katrina. We all help each other, and nobody charges anyone for anything. We just all help out.”

The factory was without power through Sunday afternoon, and the entire team got back to work first thing Monday morning. “Our employees were amazing,” said CJ. “Everyone just got right back to work without hesitation.”

We created a special sock to raise funds to support recovery efforts in Alabama. 100% of proceeds from this sock will go directly to Alabama relief efforts.Check it out here: Sweet Home Alabama

Dealer Profile: Rock N Road Cyclery

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Rock N' Road Cyclery, with stores in Mission Viejo, Laguna Niguel, Anaheim Hills and Irvine, is one of our great dealers. We interviewed Director of Marketing Jeff Renteria to find out more about their stores. Here is what he told us:

1. What is Rock N' Road Cyclery best known for? 
Two words- Service and selection. Our goal is to make sure all of our customers (current or future) are offered the best products in the industry (like SockGuy) and that they have an enjoyable experience when they are in our stores. 

2. What do your customers love best about Rock N' Road Cyclery ?  
I think the answer is very similar to the answer to question #1.  Rock N' Road Cyclery is very passionate about the sport of cycling and that passion shows throught the quality of service and the quality of products we carry.  Our customers are always greeted by knowledgeable staff who love the sport.

3. What sports do Rock N' Road Cyclery customers enjoy?  
All forms of cycling- Mountain, Road, and Tri (which includes running and swimming)

4. What are the most popular SockGuy socks you sell?  
Custom Rock N' Road 6" crew

5. Why do you think Rock N' Road Cyclery customers like SockGuy socks?  
Our customers love the fact that SockGuy implants fun into a great product. Of course they love the superior quality of SockGuy- why not also have some great, fun styles?

6. Do you (Jeff) wear SockGuy socks? If so, what are your personal favorites?  
I do wear and love SockGuy socks.  I actually have two favorites- 1) custom Rock N' Road 6" crew.  2) any color or style of the 6" crew

7. What should everyone in the world know about Rock N' Road Cyclery?  
Rock N' Road is dedicated to offering our customers the highest quality products in the industry.  We are also dedicated to offering a retail experience that will not be forgotten.  We want our customers to enjoy the sport of cycling as much as we do.

Dealer Profile: Bicycle Sport Shop

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Bicycle Sport Shop is one of our great dealers, so we interviewed Purchasing Manager Chris Donahue and Catherine De Stasio to find out more about their store. Here is what they told us:

1. What is Bicycle Sport Shop best known for? 
Bicycle Sport Shop is known for our huge selection of bikes and accessories, super knowledgeable and friendly salespeople, and award-winning service.

2. What do your customers love best about Bicycle Sport Shop?
We're an Austin institution.  We've been in business here for almost 30 years, so people know they can come into any one of our three shops and always get the products, quality and service they expect.  Plus, we produce a  yearlong series of truly unique and fun cycling events for all kinds of cyclists.

3. What sports do Bicycle Sport Shop customers enjoy? 
Our customers love to ride bikes, of course.  They also just enjoy being active, staying outdoors and socializing with each other.

4. What are the most popular SockGuy socks you sell? 
Silverback Gorilla, Margarita, Shark, and Wool Star (green w/red star).  And of course the Bicycle Sport Shop custom logo socks.

5. Why do you think Bicycle Sport Shop customers like SockGuy socks? 
This is Austin.  We love anything that's creative, fun and original.

6. Do you (Catherine and Chris) wear SockGuy socks? If so, what are your personal favorites? 

We both do, and it's hard to choose a favorite,  Chris has some great pairs of limited editions, but we're partial to our Bicycle Sport Shop ones.

7. What should everyone in the world know about Bicycle Sports Shop?
We're Austin-born bike shops run by people who love bikes, and we want to help get more people on bikes, more often.

Killer Team Profile: Wonderful Pistachios

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We asked team owner and director Josh Horowitz about the Wonderful Pistachios and got some great answers!

What is the mission of your team?
The mission of the team is give cycling fans something to get pumped up about.  We want to be at all the great spectator-friendly races and make them really exciting.  We also want to give away lots and lots of pistachios.  Pistachios are one of the healthiest nuts, high in fiber and anti-oxidants and we want to spread the word.

What do the riders on your team have in common?
This team has the best chemistry of any team I’ve ever been a part of.  The common bond is that we are all doing this out of love for the sport.  I think the energy that this team has will not only translate into some big wins but also rub off on everyone we come in contact with throughout the season.

What does the team do for fun?
We ride!  This sport is too hard to do it for any other reason.

How does the team push itself to succeed?
The team will be using the tools and techniques provided by our sponsor Ultimate Sports Psychology to stay motivated and focused.  Sports Psychology and Hypnosis are absolute essentials to our team’s preparation process.  Check it out at http://ultimatesportspsychology.com

What is something that nobody knows about the team?
The origin of this team is actually quite unique.  I was inspired to enter the sport at the age of 13 after watching the Philadelphia International Championship.  I spent my entire life working towards the goal of one day starting the race.  Twenty years later, my career was winding up and I still had not had the opportunity to do it.  I knew the only way that I was going to get to do the race was if I brought my own professional team. I created the team (last year we were Adageo Energy) and entered the race.  The first lap around the parkway was one of the greatest moments of my life.  Now I am officially retired from racing and, having accomplished my lifelong dream, I am more than happy to move into a management role.

What does your team love about SockGuy socks?
I love SockGuy.  Ryan Cady and I used to race together and I think he has created an amazing company. They are constantly innovating new designs and new materials.  The best thing you can say about a pair of cycling socks is that you hardly notice them at all and that’s the great thing about SockGuy socks.  

Limited Edition St. Patrick's Day Socks!

Killer Team Profile: Team Cycles Brixton

Some of the riders from Team Cycles Brixton

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1. What is the mission of your team?
To create an approachable and supportive developmental program in tandem with an elite level racing team in order to promote women's participation in competitive cycling events.

2. What do the riders on your team have in common?
Well, it's a women's team, so we're all women, and we ride Brixton bikes.  But in addition, the women on Team Cycles Brixton are not afraid to try new things; they're willing to put it all out there. They are also willing to sacrifice for the team, to work for their teammates.  These women work so well together they have been compared with some of the biggest ProTour teams in Europe.

3. What does the team do for fun?
Post-race sushi dinners at the Fish Joint in Oceanside!

4. How does the team push itself to succeed?
The women on the team encourage each other to reach their full potential.  In addition through team tactics, the women will work for each other, in that sense sacrificing to each other in order to get a teammate on the podium.

Team Cycles Brixton Riders love our "Hottie" sock!

5. What is something that nobody knows about the team?
Much of the growth of the team is sheer coincidence.  For example, we met our awesome graphics arts/team branding expert, Todd at Peloton Design at a gas station in Tucson while on a road trip because he noticed the bikes on top of our car! It's amazing how many of our sponsors and teammates came about simply by being in the right place at the right time.

6. What does your team love about SockGuy socks?
Super comfy and tons of awesome designs!

LUV this sock!

Limited Edition Valentine's Day Sock: Kisses

Killer Team Profile: Whole Athlete-Specialized Cycling Team

Team Whole Athlete-Specialized .. nice socks!
Team Page
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1. What is the mission of your team?
Our mission is to invest in the future of our youth and the sport of cycling by supporting the development of Junior & U-23 cyclists at the regional, national and international levels, and to provide opportunities for young cyclists to race and ride together while embracing our philosophy of dedication, integrity and fun.

2. What do the riders on your team have in common?
All of our riders have proven their dedication to the sport and demonstrated a potential to rise beyond regional success.  Most importantly, they have shown the right attitude, tempering ambition with humility and the drive to succeed with a willingness to give back to their community.

3. What does the team do for fun?
Ride our bikes, of course!

4. How does the team push itself to succeed?
Success for The Whole Athlete - Specialized Team is not just measured by the number of podiums or national champion jerseys.  Success is getting more people on bikes, introducing a younger sibling to racing, or learning how to better balance the demands of top-level competition with scholastic goals.  The team is continually striving to improve on previous results and help more riders make the transition to the highest levels of competition while maintaining true to our core values.

5. What is something that nobody knows about the team?
The roots of our team catchphrase, "It's business time."  It's true origin is a closely guarded secret.

6. What does your team love about SockGuy socks?
They are the best blend of high style and high-performance - just like our team!

San Francisco to Long Beach Ride

Ryan Cady, one of our fearless leaders at SockGuy, completed an awesome ride down the coast last weekend. Aside from being jealous, we are stoked for him. Here is a recap and some pics.

Here is Ryan (in the middle) with Frank Schroeder on the left at a lookout point in Carmel.

Q&A With Ryan
1. Why are you doing the ride?
Just because I was invited and it’s a great group of people and a fun challenge.

2. Who is doing the ride?
Kevin Kruger has been organizing this ride for 15 years or more. He took it over from another friend who started it. It’s basically a group of accomplished amateur racers now racing in the “masters” (35 years old and up) category.

Mile 60 of 135 in Big Sur. 5 musketeers (of 18 total): Tom, Miguel, Ryan, Joe and Greg. It was a great day - we passed Hearst Castle and saw tons of whales and sea lions down the coast.

3. Where is the ride (to/from)?
Day 1 is San Jose to Carmel. Day 2 Carmel to SLO. Day 3 SLO to Ventura. Day 4 Ventura to Long Beach where Brian Keats (owner of SockGuy client La Habra Cyclery) lives.

4. Tell me something funny that happened on the ride.
New invitee Chris Daggs and finally returning veteran Frank Trottman, his roommate, were woken up at 7:30 (roll out time) on the second day by 15 guys ready to roll out for the longest day. They had to race to get ready and eat in the van as they drove to catch up to the rest of us who left on time. Energy bars and no coffee before an 8-hour day of riding is not a good way to start!

Here is the early photo when we got ambushed by the rain before I got my jacket on!

5. Is this an annual event? If so, when did it start?
Yes it is annual and has been going on for at least 20 years I believe.

6. Anything else I should know?
SockGuy Dad, Bob, drove the sag vehicle for the 2nd year in a row.

Final day ventura to long beach (finish). stop at Santa Monica to change
into dry clothes. Who says it doesn't rain in Socal? Good thing I've got my
killer rain jacket courtesy of our friends at Showers Pass Clothing in
Portland. 90 miles in the rain? No problem!

Killer Team Profile: Team RideClean

 Team RideClean ... Nice Socks!

Team Page

Outreach Page

Facebook

1. What is the mission of your team? 
The RideClean PatentIt.com Team exists to further the RideClean mission for Clean Sport which is to support a positive environment for avowedly clean athletes to develop and compete without the influence of performance enhancing drugs.  Our mission is achieved if we can show a clean path for youth and other athletes to compete while adhering to their conscience.  This balance allows the athlete to achieve their inner potential.

2. What do the riders on your team have in common?  The riders on the RideClean PatentIt.com have varying ability and experience levels.  The team has a developmental squad, a womens squad, and a number of Elite Amateurs that contest at National Race Calendar events while representing the sponsors and the message of RideClean.

3. What does the team do for fun? 
While the hobbies of the team are as varied as the riders that make it up, the fun side is easily summed up by what we call "Snakes Rules" which state that the team should:

• Have fun
• Race Bikes
• Eat Ice Cream
• Go Swimming
• Kiss podium girls (boys)

4. How does the team push itself to succeed? 
The fun factor and individual motivations as they come together to form team goals allow the team to succeed.  When the emphasis is on the process and not the end result, then success is already achieved.  When there are external pressures to achieve (by sponsors, by self, by family, by fans), they can lead athletes to go outside of themselves to please others.  We are all competitive by nature, and everyone likes to win, but by putting the stress on the fulfillment of individual potential and emphasizing the PROCESS over the RESULT, then success is achieved.

5. What is something that nobody knows about the team? 
What nobody knows about the team is that it is easy to climb aboard -- all you have to do is show that you are rowing the boat. 

6. What does your team love about SockGuy socks? 
The team LUVS SockGuy socks because SockGuy gets what RideClean is doing.  SockGuy was the first partner that RideClean had and has been with RideClean for 5 years.  Other than that, the fact that they are the most comfortable socks available doesnt hurt.  More wicking material than ANY other sock?  Sounds good...

Awesome Dealer Profile: Skinny Raven Sports

Since its inception in 1994 Skinny Raven Sports has been at the forefront of the Anchorage running community. The Skinny Raven Mission is to help people find the right footwear. The staff is well educated in the art of shoe fitting and they pride themselves on being able to accommodate even the most challenging foot types.

And, of course, they sell SOCKS, too! SockGuy Socks, to be specific. Skinny Raven is one of our great dealers, so we interviewed Chief Sock Buyer, Todd List, to find out more about their store. Here is what he told us:

1. What is SkinnyRaven best known for?
SkinnyRaven is best known for the customer service - whether we are helping a customer with footwear, offering free services such as polishing up their Danskos, stretching their shoes or just offering them coffee, we strive to help the customer and always give them our very best.

2. What do your customers love best about SkinnyRaven?
Our customers really appreciate our customer service and the overall atmosphere of Skinny Raven.

3. What sports do SkinnyRaven customers enjoy?
Our customers enjoy a wide range of activities including running, walking, skiing (downhill and Nordic), fishing, ice skating, squash, aerobics ... and lots more

4. What are the most popular SockGuy socks you sell?
The most popular SockGuy sock is the BEANO sock!

5. Why do you think SkinnyRaven customers like SockGuy socks?
Our customers LOVE the sockguy socks because there are so many FUN designs!

6. Do you (Todd) wear SockGuy socks? If so, what are your personal favorites?
I do wear sockguy socks. My favorite was the ¾ crew Raven sock. (NOTE from SockGuy: du-oh! That one's been discontinued ... maybe it's time to reconsider!)

7. How cold is it up there? Have you guys tried the SockGuy MTN-tech socks to keep warm?
In the winter the temperature is around 20 degrees. We have not tried the MTN tech sock. (NOTE from SockGuy: OK - we're sending you a care package - you'll love them!)

8. What should everyone in the world know about SkinnyRaven?
Everyone in the world should know that Skinny Raven is FUN! And our logo is cool :-)

SockGuy Spotted on Andy Schlect:)

We strive to make the best of the best and we're always happy to receive requests from top athletes around the world for a bit of SockGuy LUV.

Nobody in the office however is 'fessing up to swiping this pair from the SockGuy warehouse for their young friend from Luxembourg. We're not sure why - obviously the bosses would not consider this "misuse of company property."

Photographer Stephen Farrand was the man on the scene that caught Andy Schleck at a news conference today sporting his own pair of SockGuy's LUX crew!

Thanks for representin' Andy.

We LUV you too.

SockGuy on Summer Vacation Part 1

Spreading the LUV all over your adventurous feet!

SockGuy was recently spotted at the Grand Canyon! Mike and Liz sent this shot of themselves sportin' Watermelon and California Flag during one of their summer adventures along the Rainbow Rim Trail. Now that's LUV.

If you have your own pix of SockGuy in action feel free to send them to: SpreadingTheLuv@sockguy.com and if we pick you photo you'll earn a discount on your next purchase at sockguy.com.

Enjoy the summer in cool comfort and LUV!

Vancouver to Whistler on Two Muddy Wheels

The world of custom socks helps us make friends with some really cool peeps and some pretty amazing events. Like these cats from the West Coast of British Columbia with their BC Bike Race.

They took all their experience in MTB and adventure races and put the BC Bike Race together a couple years ago. We knew from the first glossy brochure that they weren't kidding around and the result is an incredible race from Vancouver to Whistler that sells out every year.

It's the kind of race you end up hearing riders whooping and hollering along the trail like little kids. The kind of race that's worthy of some vacation time...a few of us are even hoping we can work some extra time in to "support" the race and check it ourselves. If the sock empire-building heats up in June and we just can't make it happen at least we've got some of the extra socks we made for their event around and some epic photography to drool over...

Fly V from Down Under, the Radar

The Fly V-SockGuy partnership began last year out of the pure excitement to support a great group of people. Seriously. We visited with them at events, incorporated rider feedback into product development, enjoyed the occasional stops they made by the SG World HQ's. It was a nice relationship with some exciting moments last season for sure. We knew they had aspirations to take it to the next level, but don't all competitors?

And then this year began. Podium, podium, podium. Tucson, Dana Point, Redlands. Everywhere they went they won. Who did Ben Day beat today? Who was Cantwell leaving in the dust this weekend? They are tearing it up this year, together, and we are just stoked for them.

The cornerstone of this success is something they call mateship. So important is it that every jersey has it printed inside. We LUV that. When we were recently sent a link to some fantastic cycling photography by Michael Crook that encyclista.com posted we knew we had to try and share it. It's a great illustration of their mateship and more material to feed the pure excitement around the big green world of SG. Cheers to the Fly V team and the talents of MISS Crook...check it: www.encyclista.com

Kickin' San Dimas!

If you really want to make a statement:

#1 Lead a race start to finish

#2 Don't let 'em see you sweat

SockGuy's Ben Day and the Fly V team pulled off both at San Dimas this weekend. Our mate's win by a margin of 5 seconds in the time trail set the tone for the weekend early. A victory in 2009 to defend may have been all the pressure Ben needed, add the weight of that yellow jersey and you gotta keep your COOL COMFORT...but with his Ben tested, Ben approved, new SockGuy ProLite Base Layer this guy stayed cool AND in command throughout the weekend.

We're talking in command: with the help of a stellar Fly V team Ben held on to his yellow jersey through a tough 84 kilometer road circuit and defended his lead during San Dimas' final stage, the Old Town Crit that followed.


We congratulate Ben and the SockGuy sponsored Fly V on the big win and would like to thank them all for their product feedback during the development of our new line of base layers...

CHECK THEM OUT THIS APRIL AT A DEALER NEAR YOU OR ONLINE AT www.sockguy.com!

SockGuy Does the Mpumalanga!

The small town of Sabie was the recent host of the 7th South African Marathon Championships. A grueling 75km in the mountains of the Lowveld would provided a true marathon course and some very hard racing. It would also form the third leg of South Africa's MTN Marathon series, but with the coveted green and gold jersey up for grabs, and the title of SA Marathon champion, it was sure to be a hard fought race with all the country's top riders taking the start line.

A star studded field of over 524 riders in the 75km discipline saw Sanet Small of SockGuy sponsored Ghost BBT take the 1^st spot in the Senior Ladies. Sanet managed to overcome the challenges of 74 other riders in the category on Saturday to take the no 1 spot. Hellz yeah!

She had to have been sportin' some SockGuy Tough Girl for that show down! Our girl has clearly earned the privilege to sport the likes I've these:

A letter from the toughest of critics - A TEENAGER!

Dear Mr. Sock Guy,

I recently ran in my second half marathon at the 2010 Carlsbad Half Marathon finishing in 1:45:10 which was a PR! I finished 4th in the Womens 17 year & under Division, 201st out of 4411 women, and 753rd out of 7140 total runners. Woo hoo! I have to say that wearing your SICK arm warmers (the very fashionable pink and black striped kind) helped me survive the day.

This was the first time I ran a race wearing any type of arm warmer as it was 44 degrees (brrrrr) at the 7:30am start. It had to be one of the coldest mornings ever in Carlsbad! Before the race I had to stand outside in the cold morning air for 45 minutes and my Sock Guy arm warmers allowed me to stay warm while I stood in the long line for the Porta-Potty :)

I kept the arm warmers on throughout the entire race as they kept me warm in the start, wicked moisture away from my arms and protected them from the wind during the race, and helped me look LEGIT at the finish line! I have to say that I will wear them again. Attached is a picture of me during the race. Thanks for making a great product!

XC Rules!
Haley Nordin

Bullseye!

Raise the red flag and step back, the range is going HOT!

The Winter Olympics start today in Vancouver but SockGuy and Team USA Archery already have their sights set on London 2012. SockGuy recently teamed up with the USA Archery squad based right here in Southern California to deliver some patriotic custom arm warmers for our guys and gals in the Red, White and Blue!

Made in the USA for the USA, these arm warmers were put to the test in nasty weather earlier this winter during the 1000-arrow challenge where each athlete shoots 1000 arrows in a single day! With crosswinds, rain, and pressure shots the last thing you want to be worried about is a case of shivering arms. These babies are made out of the same moisture-wicking MD Acrylic that our socks are. So whether it's rain, sleet, snow, or sweat your arms are toasty-warm and dry, keeping you focused on the task at hand!

Want some custom armwarmers for your squad? Shoot us an e-mail at custom@sockguy.com and we'll get your crew rocking the SockGuy Luv for your morning rides, runs, or....you guessed it....shoots!