Online retailer Backcountry.com has announced that it is launching its first pro mountain bike team, which will include a four-person squad to race in cross-country and stage races across North America this year. The team, which will race on Niner bikes, and consists of rider-manager Jason Sager, Chloe Woodruff, Evelyn Dong and TJ Woodruff, also expects to compete at the Mongolian Bike Challenge.
“Mountain biking is at the core of who we are as a brand and being able to extend our expert gear knowledge to the trail and support the sport is a priority,” said Jill Layfield, Backcountry.com’s CEO. “Assembling a pro team of this caliber that possesses the tools to compete at the highest level is a natural extension of our cycling brands and culture.”
Besides Niner, other team sponsors include: Geax, Clifbar, Louis Garneau, FSA, WTB, Chris King, ENVE, SRAM, Crankbrothers, Eureka, Jet Boil and Gore Bike Wear. The team kit shows the Backcountry.com logo and trademark mountain goat on the front and legs. The company’s bike-specific e-commerce site, Competitivecyclist.com, is featured on the shoulders.
While only spies and criminals likely need to really have a “bug-out” or “go” bag, anyone can now have one – at least in the name. The Gerber Go Bag features everything you could need – a Gerber foldable knife, a rainproof notepad, Sight multitool, Recon task light, metal water bottle, frog lube clear/lubricant/preservative and pocket reference guide. All of it is stashed in the Mexpedition Mongo Versipack, which makes it perfect for hiking – or running to the border.