At this time last year I was in Loma Linda California for a 9-week course of proton beam radiation treatment for prostate cancer. When I was diagnosed in June of 2009 there were a few weeks of uncertainty that really changed my perspective on life. I felt compelled to do something more with whatever measure of life I had left than I had done with it so far.

For years I had been thinking about offering more practical transportation options to offset the harms caused by the car culture. I had a few bikes and still use a Worksman tricycle for a grocery getter and believe many could benefit from them, but no bike shops stocked any of the many types of bicycles and tricycles that Worksman offers. Human powered transportation options have been pushed aside in favor of petroleum powered vehicles so the market is rather thin and not enough volume to support a retail outlet.

Then I found Pedego brand electric bikes and believed sales of these could help make up the difference needed to sustain a retail operation. I believed a prime location in Old Sacramento just one block from the American River bike path will keep a small fleet of rentals busy enough to help pay the rent and sales of other bikes, accessories, repair parts and service help round out the offering.  So in February I signed a lease and we opened for business on March 1, 2010. My son Cassidy has been involved all along and he organized our official Grand Opening with a group ride of over two-dozen friends and supporters on Earth Day, April 22. He even made organic lemonade and pedaled the container 10 miles from our home.

We had a great summer and paid the bills. I attended the bike industry annual trade show and came back with 14 new product lines to improve our offering and make cycling more practical for more people.

I am writing this letter to thank all of the people that have helped make all of this happen. I am truly the luckiest guy I know. I not only dodged the cancer bullet but I also wound up with a bike shop better than I had dreamed of. To show my appreciation to those who have helped get us this far, from now until next year I want to give you 10 percent off any purchase at our bike store. This includes everything, rentals, electric bikes and conversions, service or any of our great selection of useful accessories. Just mention this letter to get 10% off anything until next year.

The holiday’s start in Old Sacramento the week of Thanksgiving as the historic business district prepares for the annual Old Sacramento Tree Lighting and Theatre of Lights.

On November 24, the Tree Lighting festivities begin at 6:00 p.m. and will include street performers, a visit from Father Christmas and the Salvation Army Brass Band. Visitors can join the fun and watch as Mayor Kevin Johnson flips the switch to light this year's tree at 6:30 p.m.

Back for the second year, event-goers will experience the Old Sacramento Theatre of Lights. At 6:00p.m. a symphony of lights, sounds and visual effects will take the audience back to a time when the beloved poem The Night Before Christmas was first introduced in Sacramento in 1857. The Old Sacramento Theatre of Lights will run two 20-minute light shows throughout the holiday season Thursdays through Sundays at 6:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

New This Year!                                                                                                                        
Old Sacramento’s Theatre of Lights will celebrate “enhanced nights” with a visit from Santa Claus in The Christmas Shoppe following the performances, living history characters, and themed street vendors with traditional treats like spiced nuts and hot cocoa. Also new this year are the celebrity “Papas” who will appear in the Theatre of Lights performances.

I hope to see you soon in the shop, but in any case, have a safe and happy holiday season, and thank you for supporting our effort.

Tim Castleman