News at Hydrapak

Kenda Team Announced

admin — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 17:10:19 +0000

Kenda Presents Team and Sponsors for 2009

Ann Arbor, MI December 16th, 2008 Kenda USA has announced that it is renewing their sponsorship of the US based mountain bike team for the third year after assuming titles sponsorship from Ford Motor Company in 2007. Jim Wannamaker, Kenda USA North American Marketing Director - Bicycle Division says that continued sponsorship for the team is not only important for Kenda, but also for the continued success of the sport in North America. “Despite the economic downturn, we made a conscious decision to support our flagship team of athletes who are as committed to the sport as we are.” Wannamaker said. Indeed, in addition to the team sponsorship, Kenda will play an important role in all of the major US races next season with sponsorship of the US Cup series of races being held across the country with a finale in Las Vegas coinciding with Interbike.Sponsors:
Joining Kenda this season will be Tomac Bikes. Athletes will have the option of riding the Type-X carbon hard tail or the Carbide full-suspension bike. “This partnership brings full circle the relationship between Kenda and Tomac as a new generation of athletes ride the bikes of a mountain bike pioneer and legend.” said Joel Smith, Tomac Bikes COO. Hayes Bicycle Group, back for a second season with the team. They will showcase products from all their divisions including Hayes Brakes, Manitou suspension, Sun Ringle wheels and Answer bars and stems. Other sponsors include: Voler team clothing, WickWerks cranksets, KMC Chains, Specialized helmets and shoes, Crank Brothers pedals, Ergon grip and packs, HydraPak and GelBot hydration products, Finish Line lubricants and cleaning products, Genuine Innovations inflation products, Kinesys sunscreen products, Joan C. Banfield Foundation, and Mighty Good Coffee.

Athletes:
The team has several returning athletes along with two new recruits and will focus on a mix of endurance and ultra-endurance racing. “This diverse group gives us the flexibility to compete in a broad range of events from the US Cup and the NUE Series to single day epics like Leadville and stage races like the American Mountain Bike Classic.” says team director David Myers. Several members of the team also plan on competing at the two World Cup races in Canada. The team will also be present at the Kenda Fest in Hancock, MA2009 Team
Zephanie Blasi, Frenchtown, MT
Colin Cares, U23, Colorado Springs, CO
Amanda Carey, Victor, ID
Heather Holmes, Salt Lake City, UT
Danielle Musto, Grand Rapids, MI
Andy Schultz, Tucson, AZ
Kathy Sherwin, Heber City, UT

David Myers, Director
Ted Bentley, Mechanic and Event Manager
Wendy Caldwell, Community Programs

Team Dart Nuun on FUEGO!

admin — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 18:11:29 +0000

November has been the best month in the team’s 7 year history. First off, the team took 6th at the World Championships in the 120F temperatures of Northeastern Brazil and a week later won the US National Championships in significantly colder Georgia. Both races had beautiful and extremely tough courses (as most championships do) against the best in the world and the nation. We’re extremely proud of our accomplishments but know we couldn’t have achieved such amazing results without the continued support over the years of our amazing sponsors. Thank you! (Team Captain and Navigator - Cyril Jay Rayon)

Russell Bobbitt Wins National Enduro Championship

admin — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 18:57:19 +0000

Wickenburge, AZ – Red Bull KTM Factory rider Russell Bobbitt secured his second National Enduro Championship at the tenth round of the AMA National Enduro Series while his teammate Mike Lafferty finished in the runner-up position.

The course conditions were dry and rocky. “The course was very challenging today, but oddly enough, I think it was the first time I’ve ever had fun riding in Arizona,” commented Lafferty after the race.

Lafferty and Bobbitt both rode well throughout the day. Lafferty worked hard and won the majority of the tests which earned him the overall win. Bobbitt stayed strong and consistent and finished second which secured the championship. “I was happy with my ride today but knew that Russell would have to make some pretty big mistakes to lose the championship. I got the race win, but not the championship. Now I will go home and continue my training to come back and try to win the championship next year,” stated Lafferty.

“I am very excited about this championship. I worked hard all season long and am glad that I was able to have everything come together at the final round. It was a close title chase all year. I am happy for the entire team to earn first and second in the series,” reported Bobbitt.

Overall Point Standings –
1) Russell Bobbitt – 245
2) Mike Lafferty – 239
3) Cole Kirkpatrick – 190
4) Jeff Melik – 120
5) Chris Gallt – 84

Team Dart Nuun takes Desert Winds Race

admin — Wed, 21 May 2008 18:18:02 +0000

On May 10th, DART-nuun won the beautiful and navigationally challenging Arizona 24 hour race called Desert Winds – part of the National 24 hour series (http://www.checkpointtracker.com). The course was stunning with incredible slot canyons, secluded inlets, and breathtaking views. What made the victory even sweeter is that our 2 teams crossed the finish line together – once again – after battling each other most of the race. You can read all about the race and see photos on the team’s news blog at: http://www.checkpointzero.com/dartnuun/2008/05/desert-winds-ii.cfm Next, DART-nuun is preparing to compete in North America’s premier expedition race – Big Bad Primal Quest at the end of June in majestic Montana – www.ecoprimalquest.com Keep Exploring, Cyril

Kenda Titus Hayes 1st at 12 hours of Tsali

admin — Sat, 17 May 2008 18:29:10 +0000

Bryson City, NC, May 17th, 2008 - Danielle Musto traveled south this past weekend and recorded her first ultra-endurance win for 2008 at the 12 Hours of Tsali. Her words tell the story best:

This past weekend I traveled down to Bryson City, North Carolina to compete in the 12 hours of Tsali. The race promoter does a super job of organizing the event and the 10 mile course is a nice mix of hills and winding single track.Bryson City saw rain showers in the days leading up to the race, resulting in sloppy conditions in the first few laps. Following a short Le Mans start I worked for the first half of my race to ride a consistent pace. As the race progressed I switched between my Titus Racer X and Titus Exogrid Hardtail, both equipped with Kenda Karma UST tires, which handled the mud very well. My new Hayes Stroker brakes and Manitou fork were also a huge help on Tsali’s slippery and rough cut singletrack.

As the race progressed the sun began to shine and the trail dried out. I kept my laps times right at 60 minutes with rolling pit stops to grab fresh hydration packs filled with Power Bar Endurance formula. I had lapped the entire women’s field by the halfway point in the race, and continued to move up in the solo men’s field.

Just before dark I pitted to mount my lights. My pit crew informed me that I had moved into 6 place overall against the solo men. For the next few laps I kept my focus on maintaining a steady pace. I was able to pick off a couple more of the solo men. I finished with 11 total laps in first place in the Solo Womens’ division and fourth place overall. Only 3 solo men bettered my performance.

Until the next race-
Danielle Musto
Team Kenda Titus Hayes

Team Dart Nuun Wins Baja Travesia

admin — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 18:21:21 +0000

At the end of March, DART-nuun won the mighty Baja Travesia expedition race (www.bajatravesia.com) - North America’s World Championship qualifier. The course was stunning, wild, and difficult. What made it even more incredible is that our 2 teams crossed the finish line together. You can read all about the race and see photos on the team’s news blog at: HERE The race was also covered by sleepmonsters.com (one of the the most widely read international adventure racing news site). Here is what Sleepmonsters had to say about DART-nuun’s wins: “These guys have just put out the most superb performance here. Both teams have made navigational mistakes which have cost them hours on the course – but they don’t stop and fight about it, they just deal with where they are now, how to move forward, and then go – truly cool, truly professional. It’s just been amazing to watch them in action.” Next, DART-nuun will send two teams to Nevada’s toughest - Desert Winds - a 24 hour race near Lake Mead on May 10th. Keep Exploring, Cyril

Hydrapak Purchases Gel-Bot Product Line from vDw

admin — Wed, 10 Oct 2007 18:27:33 +0000

October 3, 2007 (Berkeley, Calif.)—Hydrapak LLC, creators of innovative and advanced fluid delivery, has entered into an agreement with Venture Design Works to purchase their GEL-BOT and SoftFlask product line. The main offering of the line is the patented GEL-BOT bottle, a water bottle that incorporates a separate nutritional gel chamber for a product that uniquely combines hydration with nutrition. The new offerings provide Hydrapak the opportunity to address athletes’ total nutritional and hydration needs.
“We are excited to bring these new products from Venture Design Works on board and enhance the distribution of these already well received products,” remarks Matt Lyon, President of Hydrapak. “We have acquired these products specifically because they target both hydration and nutrition. We have been searching for more venues in market where we are recognized for hydration innovations, and the GEL-BOT and Soft Flask give us immediate product offerings as well as some great technology to build from in the future.”
GEL-BOT is a water bottle with an integrated gel flask. Using patented ENERGY-CORE technology, GEL-BOT allows consumption of energy gel or water from one bottle. GEL-BOT is easy to use, even while riding or running. Just squeeze the bottle with the valve pushed in to get gel or pull the valve out and squeeze to get water, just like a regular water bottle.

SoftFlask is a gel flask designed for optimal performance. Made of medical grade urethane, SoftFlask is soft and flexible which allows you to squeeze out every drop of gel that you put in. Unlike traditional gel flasks, SoftFlask works equally well whether it is filled with one serving of gel or six.

Venture Design Works (vDw) is a product design firm. Started by a few designers who split their time evenly between designing bleeding edge consumer products (for companies such as Nike, Eli Lilly, Proctor&Gamble, Pepsi, McDonald’s, Giro, BE Aerospace and Pfizer) and playing outdoors, vDw is a way for the founders to pursue passions, outdoors and design. “At Venture Design Works, we search out like-minded innovative brands to augment our company’s mission and Hydrapak does just that, “ states vDw product manager Anthony Pigliocampo.

Hydrapak Expands North American Distribution with Canadian Wholesaler

admin — Fri, 22 Jun 2007 16:46:00 +0000

June 22, 2007 (Berkeley, Calif.)—Hydrapak, creators of innovative and advanced hands-free fluid delivery, has partnered with cycling distributor Norco Products to take over Hydrapak’s distribution across Canada. Both parties are excited about the opportunity to offer high-performance hydration systems coast to coast.“We feel fortunate about this new partnership and Norco’s reputation as the most highly regarded Canadian cycling and accessory distribution company,” remarks Matt Patterson, Sales Director of Hydrapak. “Hydrapak continues to present innovations and solutions that Norco has recognized as stand-outs in the hydration system market.”A 44-year-old company, Norco continues to expand and provide national distribution to over 1,100 independent bicycle dealers across Canada. Norco offers distribution through two warehouses and customer service centers in Eastern (Toronto) and Western (Vancouver) Canada. The dual coast locations offer next day service to most shops.

“At Norco, we are selective about the products and brands we distribute. We focus on long-term relationships with brands that we deem market leaders and that are focused on Canadian independent bicycle dealers, “ states Norco product manager Andrew Belson. “Distribution launch is set for the ExpoCycle show in early September.”

Launched in 2001, Hydrapak was introduced to satisfy the growing demand from athletes for personal hydration systems. Hydrapak creates the best hydration systems available for any activity and encourages athletes to get off the bottle! For an overview of Hydrapak’s technology, visit www.hydrationist.com. To view all packs and accessories visit www.hydrapak.com or call 510.595.8318.

Hydrapak Awards Madison Exclusive Distributorship for the UK and Republic of Ireland

admin — Sat, 31 Mar 2007 23:26:47 +0000

Emeryville, CA, March 31, 2006 — Madison is pleased to announce that they are now the exclusive distributor of Hydrapak hydration systems for the UK and Republic of Ireland, in both the Cycle and MX markets.

“We are delighted and excited to be the exclusive distributor for Hydrapak,” said Dominic Langan, Managing Director of Madison. “The Hydrapak brand fills an important gap in our portfolio, and with the arrival of the 2007 model year products later this year we will have one of the most comprehensive and technically competent ranges available.”

“We are very pleased to award Madison the exclusive distributorship of Hydrapak,” said Matt Lyon, President of Hydrapak. “By teaming up with one of the best and most dynamic distributors in the world we are well positioned to maximize our potential in this important market.”

About Hydrapak:

Launched in 1996, Hydrapak was introduced to satisfy the growing demand from cyclists for personal hydration systems. Relying on input from professional athletes and feedback from a large staff of avid cyclists and product testers, the Hydrapak line has been continuously refined to ensure the products meet performance hydration needs. In 2001, Hydrapak spun-off into an independent company focused on creating the best personal hydration systems available for any activity where hands-free fluid delivery is needed. Hydrapak is committed to pushing the limits of design and materials to create the easiest-to-use, most functional hydration systems available. Hydrapak’s complete line of products are carried by specialty retailers in over 33 countries and its drink systems can be found in some of the top consumer brands in the world.

Hydrapak Offers Motorsport Specific Packs to Thirsty Bikers

admin — Wed, 14 Mar 2007 23:15:12 +0000

Emeryville, CA, March 14, 2005 — Hydrapak, Inc., the exclusive manufacturer of the easy-to-clean, Reversible Reservoir TM, and a full line of athlete influenced hydration backpacks, announces the addition of motorsport specific packs to compliment its line of all-around use hydration packs. The new hydration systems combine the best of both worlds for competitive and recreational biker sports, in weight, function and performance.

Hydrapak has long been recognized in the Motorcycle industry as being receptive to the needs of motorized sports by providing dedicated products, professional sponsorship and support of major events throughout the United States. The sleek ergonomic styling of the new packs does not interfere with the necessary actions of motorsports. The soft, open-end reservoir with a non-leak velcro closure has been touted as the best hydration alternative because it eliminates the potential hazard of having a large, hard plastic screw-top in the middle of the rider’s back, making landings less adventurous. Hydrapak has done rigorous testing in the field, and the reservoirs, which offer a lifetime warranty, have withstood every hardened test including driving a car over the reservoir!

According to the National Accounts Manager Matt Patterson, the Motorized Sports market has long been a focus of the company “ With the Scramble and the Roost added to the backpack line, we have renewed our dedication to all Offroad, ATV, competitive and recreational motocross enthusiasts and we take great pride in honing in on all the features people want for their specific interests.”

In introducing the motorsport specific Roost and Scramble packs, Hydrapak provides two alternatives to the frequent powersports adventurer. The Scramble is for the minimalist, a rugged and comfortable pack well constructed with a 70oz reservoir, a large main compartment and a stash pocket behind the lower flap. Padded shoulder straps with sternum strap and removable waist strap coupled with a side release buckle which allows system to be mounted to the outside of a chest protector. The Roost is the big Brother of the Scramble and has the same styling, with the same rugged materials, and the addition of more capacity, a large front pocket and a 100 ounce reservoir. Both packs offer Hydrapak’s full-featured drink system which includes Plug-and-Play connector with Shut-Off insert valve.

DEALER NEWS: Hydrapak, Inc. has shifted its focus to supporting its distributors and now that the Company is working with distributors in the US and European market, all sourcing and marketing resources are being allocated to supporting distributors worldwide. Currently, Hydrapak is being distributed by White Brothers in the US, Cassons in Australia, PRV in New Zealand and more than 30 additional distributors in other markets around the globe. In addition to our updated product, we believe, Hydrapak, Inc., will provide strong levels of support in all phases of business including sales cycles, marketing support, logistic organization and communication.

About Hydrapak: Based in Emeryville, California, Hydrapak is focused on creating the best personal hydration systems available for any activity where hands-free fluid delivery is needed. Hydrapak is committed to pushing the limits of design and materials to create the easiest-to-use, most functional hydration systems available. More information on the company and its products can be found at www.hydrapak.com or by Matt Patterson at (866) 549-0559.