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Revolution Endurance: Training Camp with Nick Nicastro aka SAGmonkey®
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do.
Press Democrat: Elevate Your Cycling Experience with SAGmonkey®
Nick Nicastro, a seasoned veteran in the food service industry having created the well known Healdsburg Bar and Grill, has seamlessly blended his culinary expertise with an unbridled passion for cycling. The result? A business that caters to the most dedicated of cyclists, ensuring they remain energized and fueled during their rides.
Nick Nicastro proudly wears the hat of a professional Soigneur, and his brainchild, SAGmonkey®, stands as a testament to his commitment. With SAGmonkey®, Nick assembles a top tier support squad, comprising specialists ranging from skilled bike mechanics to certified massage therapists and professional chefs. This elite team is primed to cater to cyclists of all levels, from solo adventurers to large group tours.
At SAGmonkey®, our mission is clear: We'll go the extra mile to pamper cyclists, allowing them to channel their focus entirely on the open road and the unparalleled experience of their ride.
Choose SAGmonkey® for a cycling journey like no other!
Velo Magazine: Finding inspiration in an eclectic group of California riding women
Seven women, 700 miles, and one overwhelming sense of inspiration.
Rapha hosted a retreat, The Calling, for its 14 North American women ambassadors near Los Angeles. After the weekend retreat, six of the women embarked on a rather epic journey, riding the entire 2014 Amgen Tour of California route, in reverse, from Thousand Oaks to Sacramento. I accepted an invitation to join the ride and provide professional Soigneur support, over the ensuing week, learned a great deal about our commonalities in the struggle that is cycling.
USA Today: A Restaurateur's Heartfelt Initiative
Nick Nicastro, a seasoned restaurateur known for creating the acclaimed Healdsburg Bar and Grill in Sonoma County and the visionary behind SAGmonkey®, a company specializing in event infrastructure and support, embarked on a heartwarming mission.
Driven by compassion, he launched a GoFundMe campaign with a noble objective: to raise $40,000 to provide nourishment to evacuees and dedicated first responders during times of crisis. Since its inception on October 9, 2017, this heartwarming campaign has garnered an incredible $32,000 in donations.
Nick's commitment to serving the community extends beyond his business ventures. As the owner of Bespoke Mobile Kitchen, a catering enterprise housed in a 20-foot trailer, Nick and his team sprang into action when wildfires ravaged the region. Fueled by a shared sense of responsibility, they mobilized their kitchen to provide meals and support during the crisis.
In times of adversity, Nick Nicastro exemplifies the power of community and compassion. His dedication to ensuring that those affected by disasters receive not only sustenance but also a helping hand serves as an inspiring testament to the spirit of generosity.
Triathlete Magazine: Experience California's Coastal Beauty on Two Wheels with SAGmonkey®
While you've likely seen picturesque images of California's stunning coastline, there's nothing quite like the exhilaration of traversing its rugged cliffs and gazing at the mesmerizing turquoise waters from the saddle of your bike. Each year, thousands of cyclists embark on the iconic journey along Highway One, and now, it's your turn to explore this breathtaking route.
Planning your adventure is made effortless with a range of organized trips designed to cater to your preferences. Whether you're an avid cyclist seeking to cover impressive distances each day or prefer a more hands off approach when it comes to logistics, there's an option that's just right for you.
Introducing SAGmonkey®, your personal bike concierge. We're here to make your cycling experience truly memorable. From efficiently transporting your gear to the next hotel to ensuring you have delicious ride nutrition on hand, like gluten-free chocolate chip cookie bars and sweet potato rice cakes, we've got you covered!
Discover the freedom of cycling along California's coast while we handle the details, leaving you with nothing but open roads and unforgettable moments.
Above Category: Escape From LA
In the summer of 2016 we took on a multi day journey riding up the glorious California coast, from San Diego back to our Sausalito home. Exploring iconic passages and hidden backroads alike, we put our legs and equipment to the test facing long miles, summer heat, and the salty ocean breeze. The ride was complete with elite cyclists Nate King, Kemi King and Tony Little with cameo appearances by Phil Gaimon, Ted King, and Laurens Ten Dam. Filmed and Edited by Embrey Rucker and Digitech Assistant, Erik Hillard and Professional Soigneur, Nick Nicastro aka SAGmonkey®. For more content and a deeper look at each of the stages, head check out our journal series here:
Bicycling Magazine: Soigneur Nick Nicastro founder of SAGmonkey® gives his advice on preparing for a century ride
Q: Do I need to bring anything on a supported century ride that has aid stations?
You can show up empty handed at a century, but we don't recommend it. Even well supported rides offer mostly just the basics: sports drinks, gels, energy bars, bananas, and a mechanic or two for minor bike repairs. In addition to essentials like your ID, insurance and credit cards, some cash, a mini tool, and flat-repair items, a few secret weapons can make the difference between surviving and thriving. For starters, pack your own snacks and drinks if the event doesn't offer your favorites or you're finicky. It's always a good idea to wear emergency identification like Road ID. And bring sunscreen, lip balm, and a single use packet of chamois cream, says Nick Nicastro, founder of SAGmonkey®, a company in the San Francisco Bay area that provides pro style support services for athletes and events.
3/GO Triathlon Magazine: Need To Know Nick Nicastro
Maybe it’s because I was handed a warm, gooey egg, cheese, and bacon breakfast sandwich cooked on the grill each morning before a rode. But I’m pretty sure all of my future training camps and epic rides will be planned with the help of Nick Nicastro and his company SAGmonkey®. SAG service (support and gear) of any kind is helpful during long rides or training camps and companies providing these types of services to every day athletes are popping up nationwide. But there is nothing like the smiles, massages and expert bike service provided by Nick and his staff at SAGmonkey®.
A former Ironman triathlete himself, Nick knows all too well the demands of getting yourself through long rides and rigorous training. Nick’s passion for the sport of triathlon dates back to the late 80’s where he was inspired by some of the greats. “On our Saturday morning bike rides from La Jolla to San Onofre, on occasion, Scott Tinley, Dave Scott, or Mark Allen would join our group. I was always fascinated with their extraordinary abilities.” His experience as an athlete, coupled with his exceptional culinary skills make him a pretty good fit at his gig as head of SAGmonkey®.
“ I have two passions in life, cycling and being of service to others. I love cycling and working on bikes, and a major part of my life has been spent in the hospitality business. I saw an opportunity and need to provide serious cyclists with a new level of hospitality and support.” Nick spent most of his life as a restauranteur. “ I learned to cook growing up in New York. My grandfather and his family landed at Ellis Island in 1925 from Sicily. I remember watching my great grandmother and aunt roll spaghetti by hand, grind sausage, and grow the most beautiful produce and herbs.” Needless to say, the dinners that were served by Nick were pretty amazing.
Bicycle Retailer Magazine: Walgreens Red Nose Day Bike Tour with Soigneur support provided by SAGmonkey®
The ride was led by pro cyclist Tim Johnson and included about 20 other rides, including 2011 Stanley Cup Champion Andrew Ference, who rode on the East Coast leg of the journey.
The ride evolved out of the Ride on Washington group rides that Johnson led to raise awareness about the need for safe bike infrastructure around the country. This year Johnson, SAGmonkey® and PeopleForBikes partnered with Walgreens and Red Nose Day to promote the ride.
"I originally started these rides because I saw an opening for professional racers like myself to give back to the general cycling community by creating awareness around the lack of safe places to ride," said Johnson. "When Walgreens wanted to do a ride in conjunction with Red Nose Day, we all jumped at the opportunity to expand these Ride On events to an even bigger audience, and support the noble cause of ending childhood poverty."
The West Coast ride from Santa Barbara to Las Vegas covered a total of 339 miles and climbed a total of 17,478 vertical feet. The East Coast ride traveled from Boston to New York City via Vermont and covered 405 miles and 21,040 vertical feet.
Athlete with a Stent: Enterprise Will Keep America Vibrant Thanks To Operations Like SAGmonkey®
“The origins of the term “sag wagon” are a topic for debate. Some cyclists believe that it is an acronym for “Support and Gear” or “Support Aid Group.” Others suggest that it may be related to distressed or weary cyclists “sagging”, or trailing behind the pack. In either case, the sag wagon can be a lifesaver for cyclists, since it carries everything from water to medical supplies. Many of the staff on board are cyclists themselves, sitting out an event for various reasons or simply enjoying the opportunity to help out.”
Nick Nicastro, who has enterprisingly turned SAGing into a thriving business.
It’s hard to write when you’re exhausted, and we have only completed day one of the Chez Ollie. So, this will be brief, as we will all be climbing onto our bike saddles again in an hour or so, and you had better be ready or Coach Chris will be on your case. Another great group of athletes this year and a new SAG wagon run by Nick Nicastro, the SAGmonkey®. As you arrive at the camp motel Nick takes your bike box and puts your bike together, gives it the once over, oils the chain, mentions any issues, and you’re good to go. The day started with an early morning swim coaching session, a fairly hard ride that included a serious climb, followed by a short run to ‘find your running legs.’ Then a great dinner, where there is a lot of triathlon talk.
Tri Fan: Cycling from San Francisco to Santa Monica: California Coast Ride
For the last three years I've considered joining my triathlon coach, Chris Hauth, on a multi-day ride down the California Coast. This year, I bit the bullet and took on the challenge. We planned to ride more than 400 miles in four days. It was fully supported by SAGmonkey® including: catered meals, SAG vans, stocked aid stations, bike mechanics, massage therapist, and luggage transport.
“A spa vacation on wheels.”
SAG is an acronym for “Support And Gear” or “Support And Grub.” A SAG wagon is also known as a “Broom Wagon: A support vehicle following a group of cyclists in a race, tour or recreational ride that may carry equipment, food, rider luggage, or mechanics and when needed pick up riders unable to continue the route. What it amounts to is all kinds of help along the route and I ended up using it all. The ride was even more challenging than I had anticipated.
Every Man Jack Training Camp: Powered by SAGmonkey® in Las Vegas
Training camp in Las Vegas was amazing and definitely the best of the three I’ve been to. For starters, I didn’t crash like last year, so that instantly made camp 1 billion times better. Training camp, for me, isn’t about the training; it’s more about the time away from work and Missouri winter and getting to know my teammates outside of social media or race results. My biggest week of training is 15 ish hours. At camp, I got in just over 20 hours of training in 4 days.
Press Democrat: Nick Nicastro’s Concrete Occidental home is fire resistant
It started out as a challenge - to build a house on site, completely out of concrete, a home so indestructible it might survive a millennium and anything nature delivers, from earthquake to fire.
Nicastro runs a company called SAGmonkey® that provides mobile repairs and support, including catering, for professional cyclists and athletes. In the woods above Occidental stands a home built to survive anything and everything nature delivers.
GoFundMe Campaign: Help to feed victims of wild fires
Nick Nicastro, a seasoned restaurateur known for creating the acclaimed Healdsburg Bar and Grill in Sonoma County and the visionary behind SAGmonkey®, a company specializing in professional event management, infrastructure, logistics, unique adventures and support, embarked on a heartwarming mission.
At SAGmonkey®, we are committed to making a meaningful difference in our beloved Sonoma County, especially in the wake of the devastating wildfires. Our mission is to provide nourishment and support to our friends and neighbors affected by these tragic events. Through your generous donations, we will procure essential food and supplies to aid those in need. Additionally, we are proud to collaborate with local Food Banks to streamline our relief efforts effectively. Our mobile kitchen, fully licensed by the State of California and the County of Sonoma, serves as the heart of our operation.
Our cutting edge mobile kitchen, known as the Bespoke Mobile Kitchen, is a culinary masterpiece designed to craft unforgettable dining experiences. Your contribution will play a crucial role in rebuilding our community, and we extend a warm invitation to volunteers eager to join our cause. Together, we can make a difference and create a brighter future for our community.
Heather Jackson: Heather Jackson’s Dream Camp with The Athletes Table and SAGmonkey®
No trip to Tucson is complete without the LONG climb up to the cookie shack at the top of Mt. Lemmon. In total, the ride as planned brings about 70 miles and 7,000 ft of climbing. The plan today was to eat lunch and fuel on the bikes. Enter Nick Nicastro!
One of my favorite parts of the camp was getting the chance to meet Nick Nicastro and enjoying the amazing Maple Bacon Rice Cakes they were making. SAGmonkey® had been supporting us all week by transporting athletes around to all the training venus, hotels, and taking care of the bikes and any required maintenance, massages, and nutritional support while out on the long rides. They make you feel like you are million dollar athlete. They do an incredible job and the camp certainly wouldn’t be the same without them.
Trizone: Sarah Piampiano to host Annual Ride and Wine Charity Event supported by SAGmonkey®
Two time Ironman champion and four time Ironman 70.3 champion, Sarah Piampiano, announces the second annual ‘Ride and Wine’ event to take place on Saturday July 8, 2017, in Sonoma County, California. The event will be benefiting iTri for Girls, the charitable organization for which Piampiano is a board member, the event encompasses a fully SAG supported bike ride by Nick Nicastro aka SAGmonkey®. The two route options a 35 mile and a 55 mile both rides designed to take in the stunning coastline and the rolling hills of Sonoma County, the premier wine region in California.
CNN: Meet the 2013 Fit Nation Triathlon Challenge Team with Doctor Sanjay Gupta
As they train under the guidance, fitness and nutrition experts Doctor Sanjay Gupta, Coach Chrissy Wellington, Coach April Gellatly and Soigneur Nick Nicastro aka SAGmonkey® they'll document their journey through blogs, tweets, and online workout sharing. This week they embarked on an exciting week long training camp in Celebration, Florida. Each of our six dedicated athletes underwent a personalized GURU session, aiming to enhance their on bike performance as they gear up for the upcoming 2013 Nautica Malibu Triathlon in September.
We aspire that this year's Fit Nation Triathlon Challenge team will ignite your own dedication to prioritize your health. Whether it's setting an example for your children, accomplishing personal goals, or simply savoring life to the fullest, discover your motivation to embrace fitness and improved eating habits. If our previous Fit Nation team members serve as any indication, you'll find immense satisfaction in doing so.
AIMP: Coast Ride
AIMP is an advanced training program for the ultra endurance athlete. AIMP coaching focuses equally on the mindset needed for ultra endurance events and helps you grow as an athlete as well as a person to apply the lessons of the ultra endurance training and racing to any aspect of our lives: career, family or any challenge you can imagine.
As some of you may have heard – we have moved the Coast Ride to a weekend. We will depart the SF Bay area on Saturday morning, January 14th. From there we ride 135 miles to Seaside, CA, just outside of Monterey. Then next day we ride 125 miles to Morro Bay, CA. And the final day, Monday, MLK Day – and therefore a Holiday for most – we ride 115 miles to Santa Barbara, CA. In Santa Barbara we will have minivans organized for any of you looking to drive home that evening and return to work the next morning. 375 miles of fun in 3 days without missing a lick of work!
Besides the date change to a weekend, we will also have a few chase vehicles with luggage and professional SAG. Our very own Nick Nicastro has started a company called SAGmonkey® and it will support us as we ride down the Coast. The trailer will have spare tires, roadside mechanical support and any other supplies needed. The truck will have our luggage. Add the minivan we rent for emergencies and smaller support (drink and food) – you will be well supported on the road from SF to Santa Barbara.
Nick is also a former chef and caterer, so we are organizing group catered dinners on the first and second nights. As most of you that have done the Coast Ride in past years know, the first day is quite challenging, so having a warm meal ready once you arrive will be very nice. You also know that the food options in Morro Bay leave plenty to be desired, so having a catered meal will make this easier too. Massage Therapy will also be offered.
TEAM MPI: Shipping Your Fully Assembled Bike with SAGmonkey®
When shipping your fully assembled bike and race gear, it is transported in a custom vehicle equipped with a state of the art alarm system. Here are some advantages of this type of shipping:
Your bike is transported fully assembled. No box is necessary.
No need to remove your pedals, water bottles, CO2 cartridges or race wheels. The front wheel will be removed and securely mounted next to your bike in its own wheel rack.
Your bike is insured up to its current value. This coverage varies with different companies.
At a pre-scheduled time, drop your bike at a partner multi-sport or bike shop.
Bicycle is transported inside a custom vehicle, protected from the elements and road hazards.
When you fly to a race destination and stay a few days for vacation, there is no worry about hauling around your bike as you send it home after your race.
SAGmonkey: The Backbone of Ironman Training
SAGmonkey isn't just a service; it's a lifeline for Ironman hopefuls. Founded with a passion for cycling and a commitment to excellence, Nick Nicastro has become synonymous with top-tier support for endurance athletes. From meticulously planned routes to on-the-road assistance, SAGmonkey ensures that athletes can focus solely on their training journey without worrying about logistics.
What sets SAGmonkey apart is not just their logistical prowess, but their genuine care for the athletes they serve. Every cyclist is treated like family, with personalized attention and unwavering encouragement. Whether it's a grueling hill climb or a mid-ride morale boost, SAGmonkey is there every pedal stroke of the way.
THE WILD ROGUE RELAY: SAGmonkey® providing professional massage for our athletes
One of the most unique, scenic, wilderness relay courses in the United States – relay race runners will trace the wild Rogue River through the Siskiyou Mountains to the wild Oregon coast over this 221-mile course.
The Wild Rogue Relay consists of 12 person, 9 person, or 6 person ultra teams that rotate through 36 transition areas. Each relay team member runs 3 legs of varying lengths and difficulty and will cover an average total distance of 18-20 miles. We will begin the 221-mile relay race just outside of Jacksonville, Oregon on the shore of Applegate Lake, and it will end at the beautiful Azalea Park in Brookings, Oregon. Bring your 12-, 9- or 6- person team to Southern Oregon for this overnight relay race.
GRASSHOPPER ADVENTURE SERIES: A Hopper Like No Other supported by SAGmonkey®
This is your chance to ride little known dirt roads in remote Mendocino County. Over 25 years of riding and exploring in Northern California has led to the crazy combination of pavé, dirt and gravel roads that make up this two-day cycling adventure.
Amgen Tour: SAGmonkey® spotted on Coleman Valley Road!
The Tour of California officially sponsored as the Amgen Tour of California, was an annual professional road cycling stage race on the UCI World Tour and USA Cycling Professional Tour that ran from 2006 to 2019. It was the only event on the top-level World Tour in the United States. The eight-day race covered 650–700 miles (1,045–1,126 km) through the U.S. state of California.
A typical edition might begin in the Sierra Nevada in northern California, travel through the Redwood forests, California's Wine Country and the Pacific Coast, and finish in southern California. The 2009 race crossed the Central Valley from Merced to Fresno, with an excursion through the Sierra Nevada foothills, before crossing over to the coast.
Triathlon Forum Slowtwitch: Any reviews on SAGmonkey® for bike transport?
I used them for the first time this year as they transported some stuff to a Team camp for us. Great service and they go above and beyond to make sure that you are taken care of. I hadn't heard of them before February and am truly surprised they aren't mentioned more. We had a guy have horrible luck with flats and he spent a couple of hours making sure he was sorted out and getting him back with the group. Besides providing a great service, the owner is just plain cool. He does it because he loves helping athletes with their races and training, not because he is out to make tons of money. This is sort of a retirement gig for him and his love for the sport of cycling and triathlon truly shows through.
If you do go with him, I am sure you wouldn't be disappointed and what an awesome company logo! The best part is they have a giant monkey gorilla suit …
The AIDS Foundation is a vital organization dedicated to providing support, resources, and education for those affected by HIV/AIDS. Their mission encompasses raising awareness, funding research, and offering assistance to individuals living with the virus. Through events like the AIDS Ride, they garner community support and financial aid to further their cause, promoting advocacy and compassion.
A heartfelt thank you goes out to Nick Nicastro of the Healdsburg Bar and Grill for his generous contribution and active participation in the AIDS Ride of 2007. His commitment to making a difference shines brightly, embodying the spirit of community and solidarity in the fight against HIV/AIDS. With individuals like Nick lending their support, the AIDS Foundation can continue its invaluable work, bringing hope and assistance to those in need.