The legacy began over 16 years ago, two friends committed to establishing a large cycling community in El Paso teamed up to open Crazy Cat Cyclery. Roberto Barrio and Michael Griggs wanted to share their love for cycling and all of the health benefits that cycling provides with the community. They believed that cycling could change a person’s life by providing an exciting outdoor activity that would help create an improved quality of life.
Crazy Cat Cyclery first opened its doors to El Paso on November 1, 1994. It was originally located in what is now a small section of Tara Thai, at 2606 N. Mesa next to the Rib Hut. The shops beginnings were small and humble with only a couple of bikes, a few essential products, and a friendly black cat that made his home at the shop. Together Roberto, Michael and the cat made Crazy Cat a place for cyclists to shop and hang out.
Many patrons wonder where the name Crazy Cat originated and surprisingly enough it did not come from the crazy black cat that once lived at the shop. The name Crazy Cat derived from “Crazy Cat Mountain”, a huge block of limestone that once existed higher along the Franklin Mountains, but eventually slid down as a result of an ancient earthquake. Crazy Cat Mountain became a hot stop for those cyclist seeking challenging routes and an amazing scenery. Roberto and Michael felt that the spectacular rush of riding down Crazy Cat Mountain personified the vision they had for their bicycle shop.
Originally, Barrio and Griggs were the only two mechanics at the shop, working there from sun up to sun down. They took courses and learned as they worked, striving to become skilled bicycle mechanics. On their free time, they did what they most enjoyed: riding their bikes around with friends. Consequently, they had the beginnings of their first organized group ride. This group of cycling enthusiasts and more importantly, friends, would get together on a daily basis and take to the mountain trails! Eventually what emerged were larger groups of friends wanting to go out and ride. The number of participants on these rides grew larger and larger and raised interest in the increasing population of cyclists. To this day, Crazy Cat still organizes and leads group rides every weekend in different parts of the area for both mountain bikes and road bikes.
After just two short years Crazy Cat Cyclery had out grown their location and required more space for their bikes and merchandise. The decision was made to relocate the shop across the street at 2625 N Mesa, which is now known as Crazy Cat University. With the success of the shop, Roberto and Michael were able to make necessary upgrades by adding quality tools, apparel, gear and bicycles. Sophisticated brands were introduced along with an extended variation of products and eventually new employees.
As the cycling population and interest in El Paso grew, it was time to expand to a second location. Crazy Cat Cyclery Redd Rock opened its doors on November 1, 2005 at 5650 N. Desert Blvd. The El Paso cycling community welcomed this new location with open arms. It created a family oriented atmosphere offering still a wider range of bicycles for riders of all ages. Known as Crazy Cat Redd Rock, this shop carries on the Crazy Cat vision and continues to provide all patrons with great customer service, knowledge, experience and new products.
With the interest in cycling continuing to grow, Roberto opened a third location of Crazy Cat. Crazy Cat Airport opened its doors on November 7, 2009 at 6625 Montana. This new location continues to offer great customer service, knowledgeable staff with bicycle service experience.
In addition to organized group rides, each of the three locations has a friendly staff that is knowledgeable on products and gear. The three shops have highly skilled bicycle mechanics and educate their customers with safety and bicycle maintenance classes.
Roberto and Michael had one vision in mind when they first opened the doors of Crazy Cat Cyclery:
“Open a local community oriented bike shop that would focus on spreading a cycling culture in El Paso, and improve the quality of life in the community.”
Today Crazy Cat Cyclery has accomplished that. The cycling community in El Paso and the surrounding areas increases each day. Michael left the cycling business after a few years, but his and Roberto’s vision for a better community is evident in the success of the shop and the large population of cyclists in the area.
Crazy Cat Cyclery University has been open for over fifteen years, encouraging the community of El Paso to live healthier lives by cycling. Throughout the years it has provided, and continues to provide excellent customer service, a knowledgeable and reliable service department and most importantly a growing friendship with the community.
