Not many teams have mission statements that start off with “Have Fun” and “Drink Beer,” but I can’t think of a better platform for a cycling team to be built upon that will strengthen the sport and attract full range of new riders, from novice to pro, to join the party. Backbone Adventure Racing has the most hilarious cast of characters who always push the envelope, both on their bikes and through their team blog. Just check out a few team bios like “Vegas Bob” or “Fuzzy” and you’ll soon see why this club has their fun meter pegged on high. Cap’n Chris leads this crew as they participate in numerous races throughout the country as their team expands from its Santa Monica roots. We couldn’t care less if members reach the podium, we just want to be on their guest list.
This attempt to summarize Backbone Racing simply doesn’t do the team justice, check out their blog for the true essence: http://www.backboneracing.blogspot.com/
Russell Bobbit: Current Leader of The National Enduro Point Series
We just got some nice pics and a note from Russell Bobbitt we though we’d share. Nice Going Russell!
“I am happy to tell you that I am back into the series points lead after the third round in Florida where I claimed a second place finish! I was only 8 seconds away from the win down there, but was happy with my finish because the Alligator is notoriously rugged. I then went on to race the Georgia GNCC and placed 7th in the Pro Class. I had a good time racing something different and felt really good to pull a mean holeshot on all of the 450’s!! Now I am focusing on getting ready for the Texas National Enduro and will go hit the local moto tracks for some practice. Talk to you soon. Here are some cool pics too! by Kenny King”
Devon Crosby-Helms Signs on to Endorse Gel-bot & Soft Flask
Continuing the surge of athletes joining the team this year, Hydrapak announces the latest addition to their ultra running family: 2009 TransRockies Women’s Champion Devon Crosby-Helms
“Joining the Hydrapak team was an easy decision,” says Devon Crosby-Helms. “I believe in the products. For me, the Gel-bots and Soft Flasks are an absolute part of my essentials now. I am able to stay on top of my nutrition and hydration needs easily, without having to fuss with wrappers or packages. Using Gel-bots and Soft Flasks saves me minutes and seconds in getting my nutrition in while racing. That may not seem like a lot, but during 50 and 100 mile races it can make a huge difference. To me, the details matter and Hydrapak covers two of the most important, hydration and nutrition.”
“Hydrapak provides ultrarunners an edge by providing the newest and most innovative products for a sport where efficiency matters” said Jim Vernon, Team Manager at Hydrapak. “With Devon supporting our mission, we have another highly regarded athlete, with extensive nutritional expertise backing up strong performances, spreading the good word.”
After bursting on the Ultra scene in ’07 with many impressive finishes, including several course records, Devon has continued to excel and is now recognized among the world’s top ultra distance runners. In 2009, she held the ultra running world on the edge of their seats as she and her running partner, Caitlin Smith, battled seasoned veterans to win the Gore-Tex Challenge Stage Race through Colorado. She then went on to crush course records in several races including The JFK 50, the oldest and largest Ultra race in the country.
Devon’s upcoming schedule includes: the Napa Valley Marathon, March 7th, Lake Sonoma 50 M, March 27th, American River 50 M, April 10th, Big Sur Marathon, April 25th, Ice Age Trail 50 M, May 8th and the Western States 100 M, June 26th.
Hydrapak is a leading global supplier of active lifestyle hydration equipment. With deep roots in cycling culture, Hydrapak produces a lineup of custom built hydration backpacks, reservoirs, and bottles for a variety of sports, including biking, hiking and running. Hydrapak components are also found on top manufacturers specializing in consumer, commercial and military purposes. Brought to life in 1996 and located in Oakland, CA, Hydrapak products can be found in major retailers and sport specialty stores throughout the world. More information can be found at www.hydrapak.com or by calling 510.632.8318.
Curiak attempts to ride the Iditarod Trail: Watch his progress
Mountain Biking legend Mike Curiak is once again riding the 1,150 mile Iditarod Trail this winter. This year however, he’ll be attempting to ride unsupported, carrying all his gear and avoiding any warm cabins that may draw him in for comfort.
He’ll be leaving a few days before the mushers who will be quickly gaining on him as he tries to beat them to Nome.
Adding to the deep pool of current team members, Hydrapak is proud to announce the signing of Mountain Bike Hall of Fame nominee Mike Curiak, who is currently attempting an unsupported, 1150-mile ride, along the Iditarod Trail of Alaska.
“There are very few pack makers out there producing a pack that makes me want to plunk down my hard earned green,” says Mike Curiak. “Of these, only Hydrapak has consistently shown that they’re interested in meeting the needs of epic riders and ‘bikepackers’ alike. The attention to detail, organization, and durability of Hydrapak’s Morro and Jolla I’ve been using has been nothing short of super, super impressive. I contacted Hydrapak about a year ago in hopes of joining their team. My goal? Simple, to get hands-on involved in producing the best and ‘baddest’ packs on the planet.”
Industry veteran, Mike Curiak began successfully racing mountain bikes in 1989. With initial success in the XC and DH disciplines, he transitioned into long distance racing that offered more challenge and matched his adventurous edge. 100 mile and 24-hour events only spurred his interest to go even further. Events of unbelievable magnitude were just over the horizon. Once there, he secured his spot as a pioneer within the sport of mountain biking.
Mike has set course records at the most difficult and challenging races known including the Iditasport Impossible (1,150 miles), Iditarod Trail Invitational (350 and 1,100 miles), Grand Loop Race (340 miles) Great Divide Race (2500 miles), and Kokopelli Trail Race (142 miles). These events push the boundaries to the cusp of what is humanly possible on a bike.
Curiak continues his passion for mountain biking operating LaceMine29, a successful 29” custom wheel building service from his Grand Junction workshop and documenting his extraordinary adventures through images and words on his blog at lacemine29.blogspot.com.
Hydrapak is a leading global supplier of active lifestyle hydration equipment. With deep roots in cycling culture, Hydrapak produces a lineup of custom built hydration backpacks, reservoirs, and bottles for a variety of sports, including biking, hiking and running. Hydrapak components are also found on top manufacturers specializing in consumer, commercial and military purposes. Brought to life in 1996 and located in Oakland, CA, Hydrapak products can be found in major retailers and sport specialty stores throughout the world
World 24 Hour Endurance Cycling Champion Rebecca Rusch Inks With Hydrapak
Hydrapak has once again raised the bar on its cycling athlete team roster, by signing one of the sport’s most prolific mountain bike and adventure race competitors, World 24 Hour Endurance Champion Rebecca Rusch.
“I chose Hydrapak because they make the absolute best reservoir in the world…strong, light, easy to clean, simple to use,” says Rebecca Rusch. “On top of that Hydrapak has worked hard to be innovative with their overall technology, bringing the packs and new Surge bite valve up to the standard they have set with the Reversible Reservoir II. I love the simplicity of the whole system and that Hydrapak listens to what their athlete’s want.”
“Top endurance athletes like Rebecca require all their systems dialed for success, says Hydrapak Team Manager Jim Vernon. “Rebecca dedicated time to review our gear before she could honestly endorse Hydrapak. Having her on board signals to us that we are on the right path.”
Since turning to pro in 2001, Rebecca Rusch has proven to the world she has what it takes to execute above and beyond during the sport’s most brutal adventure and mountain bike races. Drawing from her background in adventure racing, Rebecca has a deep well of skills: paddling, rock climbing, biking, navigating, skiing, and more.
Rusch moved to California from the stark plains of Illinois after college to pursue rock climbing. She soon racked up ascents of big walls from Yosemite to Zion. Paddling was next as she rose through local competitive ranks to race with the world-famous Offshore Canoe Club’s women’s outrigger team in the brutal Molokai crossing. Adventure Racing was the next challenge. The first race she entered was a qualifier for the Australian Eco-challenge. “We ended up winning the race. The rest is history,” says Rusch.
In the nine years since that first adventure race, Rusch has become one of the strongest female captains in the sport and garnered an incredibly deep résumé.
In 2006, Rebecca successfully turned her talents toward endurance solo mountain bike races while continuing to compete in the toughest adventure races. In 2006, she won the Solo Mountain Biking Nationals, and took second in Worlds. 2007 was a banner season for Rebecca and she started her climb to the top of the sport. Winning the 2007, 2008, and 2009 World Solo 24hr Championships cemented her into the history books, as well as putting her on top of the podium next to cycling great Lance Armstrong at the grueling Leadville 100. With no end in sight, Rebecca will continue to push herself and others in endurance racing to be the best.
Rebecca was featured in “Race Across the Sky,” a documentary about the 2009 Leadville 100 event. Beginning February 25th, she will be touring with the film and will host pre-parties at select retailers. For more information on dates and times check out her website at www.rebeccarusch.com.
Hydrapak is a leading global supplier of active lifestyle hydration equipment. With deep roots in cycling culture, Hydrapak produces a lineup of custom built hydration backpacks, reservoirs, and bottles for a variety of sports, including biking, hiking and running. Hydrapak components are also found on top manufacturers specializing in consumer, commercial and military purposes. Brought to life in 1996 and located in Oakland, CA, Hydrapak products can be found in major retailers and sport specialty stores throughout the world. More information can be found at www.hydrapak.com or by calling 510.632.8318.
Photo Credit: (c)Dan Campbell/Red Bull Photofiles
Musto Starts the Season off with a Win at the White Tank Whirlwind
Danielle started her season off nicely with a win at the White Tank Whirlwind race in Arizona last weekend.
Here is her race report:
In Arizona, racing is already in full swing. Jason, Juli and I arrived at the race venue about an hour early to find a pretty big crowd of people. The marathon race started at 8 a.m., and the rest of the regular XC races were going off a half hour later.
The lines were moving pretty quickly, and when I picked up my race number and timing chip one of the volunteers asked me to step on a scale. I was like, “wow, they are really serious about their races here.” She led me over to it, and it was right in front of the registration line. Talk about intimidating. I asked her why she was weighing me and she was like, “aren’t you racing in the rock crusher division?” In Michigan we refer to that division as Clydesdale. I immediately decided to put a ban on Nutella for at least a week.
Hydrapak Athlete Rebecca Rusch Interviewed on Ketchum 7
We’d like to congratulate Rebecca Rusch for dedicating herself to the pursuit of endurance challenges, across many disciplines, and inspiring so many people along the way. As one of the main characters of Race Across the Sky, the Leadville 100 Bike documentary, she continues to be a strong spokesperson for endurance sports.
Here is a recent interview from Ketchum’s Channel 7 that will get bikers fired up to start training for 2010 today.
Russell Bobbit: Current Leader of The National Enduro Point Series
We just got some nice pics and a note from Russell Bobbitt we though we’d share. Nice Going Russell!
“I am happy to tell you that I am back into the series points lead after the third round in Florida where I claimed a second place finish! I was only 8 seconds away from the win down there, but was happy with my finish because the Alligator is notoriously rugged. I then went on to race the Georgia GNCC and placed 7th in the Pro Class. I had a good time racing something different and felt really good to pull a mean holeshot on all of the 450’s!! Now I am focusing on getting ready for the Texas National Enduro and will go hit the local moto tracks for some practice. Talk to you soon. Here are some cool pics too! by Kenny King”
Devon Crosby-Helms Signs on to Endorse Gel-bot & Soft Flask
Continuing the surge of athletes joining the team this year, Hydrapak announces the latest addition to their ultra running family: 2009 TransRockies Women’s Champion Devon Crosby-Helms
“Joining the Hydrapak team was an easy decision,” says Devon Crosby-Helms. “I believe in the products. For me, the Gel-bots and Soft Flasks are an absolute part of my essentials now. I am able to stay on top of my nutrition and hydration needs easily, without having to fuss with wrappers or packages. Using Gel-bots and Soft Flasks saves me minutes and seconds in getting my nutrition in while racing. That may not seem like a lot, but during 50 and 100 mile races it can make a huge difference. To me, the details matter and Hydrapak covers two of the most important, hydration and nutrition.”
“Hydrapak provides ultrarunners an edge by providing the newest and most innovative products for a sport where efficiency matters” said Jim Vernon, Team Manager at Hydrapak. “With Devon supporting our mission, we have another highly regarded athlete, with extensive nutritional expertise backing up strong performances, spreading the good word.”
After bursting on the Ultra scene in ’07 with many impressive finishes, including several course records, Devon has continued to excel and is now recognized among the world’s top ultra distance runners. In 2009, she held the ultra running world on the edge of their seats as she and her running partner, Caitlin Smith, battled seasoned veterans to win the Gore-Tex Challenge Stage Race through Colorado. She then went on to crush course records in several races including The JFK 50, the oldest and largest Ultra race in the country.
Devon’s upcoming schedule includes: the Napa Valley Marathon, March 7th, Lake Sonoma 50 M, March 27th, American River 50 M, April 10th, Big Sur Marathon, April 25th, Ice Age Trail 50 M, May 8th and the Western States 100 M, June 26th.
Hydrapak is a leading global supplier of active lifestyle hydration equipment. With deep roots in cycling culture, Hydrapak produces a lineup of custom built hydration backpacks, reservoirs, and bottles for a variety of sports, including biking, hiking and running. Hydrapak components are also found on top manufacturers specializing in consumer, commercial and military purposes. Brought to life in 1996 and located in Oakland, CA, Hydrapak products can be found in major retailers and sport specialty stores throughout the world. More information can be found at www.hydrapak.com or by calling 510.632.8318.
Curiak attempts to ride the Iditarod Trail: Watch his progress
Mountain Biking legend Mike Curiak is once again riding the 1,150 mile Iditarod Trail this winter. This year however, he’ll be attempting to ride unsupported, carrying all his gear and avoiding any warm cabins that may draw him in for comfort.
He’ll be leaving a few days before the mushers who will be quickly gaining on him as he tries to beat them to Nome.
Adding to the deep pool of current team members, Hydrapak is proud to announce the signing of Mountain Bike Hall of Fame nominee Mike Curiak, who is currently attempting an unsupported, 1150-mile ride, along the Iditarod Trail of Alaska.
“There are very few pack makers out there producing a pack that makes me want to plunk down my hard earned green,” says Mike Curiak. “Of these, only Hydrapak has consistently shown that they’re interested in meeting the needs of epic riders and ‘bikepackers’ alike. The attention to detail, organization, and durability of Hydrapak’s Morro and Jolla I’ve been using has been nothing short of super, super impressive. I contacted Hydrapak about a year ago in hopes of joining their team. My goal? Simple, to get hands-on involved in producing the best and ‘baddest’ packs on the planet.”
Industry veteran, Mike Curiak began successfully racing mountain bikes in 1989. With initial success in the XC and DH disciplines, he transitioned into long distance racing that offered more challenge and matched his adventurous edge. 100 mile and 24-hour events only spurred his interest to go even further. Events of unbelievable magnitude were just over the horizon. Once there, he secured his spot as a pioneer within the sport of mountain biking.
Mike has set course records at the most difficult and challenging races known including the Iditasport Impossible (1,150 miles), Iditarod Trail Invitational (350 and 1,100 miles), Grand Loop Race (340 miles) Great Divide Race (2500 miles), and Kokopelli Trail Race (142 miles). These events push the boundaries to the cusp of what is humanly possible on a bike.
Curiak continues his passion for mountain biking operating LaceMine29, a successful 29” custom wheel building service from his Grand Junction workshop and documenting his extraordinary adventures through images and words on his blog at lacemine29.blogspot.com.
Hydrapak is a leading global supplier of active lifestyle hydration equipment. With deep roots in cycling culture, Hydrapak produces a lineup of custom built hydration backpacks, reservoirs, and bottles for a variety of sports, including biking, hiking and running. Hydrapak components are also found on top manufacturers specializing in consumer, commercial and military purposes. Brought to life in 1996 and located in Oakland, CA, Hydrapak products can be found in major retailers and sport specialty stores throughout the world
World 24 Hour Endurance Cycling Champion Rebecca Rusch Inks With Hydrapak
Hydrapak has once again raised the bar on its cycling athlete team roster, by signing one of the sport’s most prolific mountain bike and adventure race competitors, World 24 Hour Endurance Champion Rebecca Rusch.
“I chose Hydrapak because they make the absolute best reservoir in the world…strong, light, easy to clean, simple to use,” says Rebecca Rusch. “On top of that Hydrapak has worked hard to be innovative with their overall technology, bringing the packs and new Surge bite valve up to the standard they have set with the Reversible Reservoir II. I love the simplicity of the whole system and that Hydrapak listens to what their athlete’s want.”
“Top endurance athletes like Rebecca require all their systems dialed for success, says Hydrapak Team Manager Jim Vernon. “Rebecca dedicated time to review our gear before she could honestly endorse Hydrapak. Having her on board signals to us that we are on the right path.”
Since turning to pro in 2001, Rebecca Rusch has proven to the world she has what it takes to execute above and beyond during the sport’s most brutal adventure and mountain bike races. Drawing from her background in adventure racing, Rebecca has a deep well of skills: paddling, rock climbing, biking, navigating, skiing, and more.
Rusch moved to California from the stark plains of Illinois after college to pursue rock climbing. She soon racked up ascents of big walls from Yosemite to Zion. Paddling was next as she rose through local competitive ranks to race with the world-famous Offshore Canoe Club’s women’s outrigger team in the brutal Molokai crossing. Adventure Racing was the next challenge. The first race she entered was a qualifier for the Australian Eco-challenge. “We ended up winning the race. The rest is history,” says Rusch.
In the nine years since that first adventure race, Rusch has become one of the strongest female captains in the sport and garnered an incredibly deep résumé.
In 2006, Rebecca successfully turned her talents toward endurance solo mountain bike races while continuing to compete in the toughest adventure races. In 2006, she won the Solo Mountain Biking Nationals, and took second in Worlds. 2007 was a banner season for Rebecca and she started her climb to the top of the sport. Winning the 2007, 2008, and 2009 World Solo 24hr Championships cemented her into the history books, as well as putting her on top of the podium next to cycling great Lance Armstrong at the grueling Leadville 100. With no end in sight, Rebecca will continue to push herself and others in endurance racing to be the best.
Rebecca was featured in “Race Across the Sky,” a documentary about the 2009 Leadville 100 event. Beginning February 25th, she will be touring with the film and will host pre-parties at select retailers. For more information on dates and times check out her website at www.rebeccarusch.com.
Hydrapak is a leading global supplier of active lifestyle hydration equipment. With deep roots in cycling culture, Hydrapak produces a lineup of custom built hydration backpacks, reservoirs, and bottles for a variety of sports, including biking, hiking and running. Hydrapak components are also found on top manufacturers specializing in consumer, commercial and military purposes. Brought to life in 1996 and located in Oakland, CA, Hydrapak products can be found in major retailers and sport specialty stores throughout the world. More information can be found at www.hydrapak.com or by calling 510.632.8318.
Photo Credit: (c)Dan Campbell/Red Bull Photofiles
Musto Starts the Season off with a Win at the White Tank Whirlwind
Danielle started her season off nicely with a win at the White Tank Whirlwind race in Arizona last weekend.
Here is her race report:
In Arizona, racing is already in full swing. Jason, Juli and I arrived at the race venue about an hour early to find a pretty big crowd of people. The marathon race started at 8 a.m., and the rest of the regular XC races were going off a half hour later.
The lines were moving pretty quickly, and when I picked up my race number and timing chip one of the volunteers asked me to step on a scale. I was like, “wow, they are really serious about their races here.” She led me over to it, and it was right in front of the registration line. Talk about intimidating. I asked her why she was weighing me and she was like, “aren’t you racing in the rock crusher division?” In Michigan we refer to that division as Clydesdale. I immediately decided to put a ban on Nutella for at least a week.
Hydrapak Athlete Rebecca Rusch Interviewed on Ketchum 7
We’d like to congratulate Rebecca Rusch for dedicating herself to the pursuit of endurance challenges, across many disciplines, and inspiring so many people along the way. As one of the main characters of Race Across the Sky, the Leadville 100 Bike documentary, she continues to be a strong spokesperson for endurance sports.
Here is a recent interview from Ketchum’s Channel 7 that will get bikers fired up to start training for 2010 today.
