Rising from the ashes of Southern California's Checkered Flag Racing, the remaining XC riders reorganized and started Backbone Adventure Cycling in 2005.  With a host of new local talent, new team clothing and strong sponsor support, Backbone started off on a building year.  In an attempt to keep the team as diverse as possible, DH racers and X-Terra athletes were strongly supported as well.  This allowed for greater sponsor representation in a wider variety of cycling endeavors.  Fielding Pro DH racer and Pro Iron Man Hawaii qualifier Teresa Hill, three Semi-Pro DH athletes, and two Experts our gravity squad expanded greatly.  By 2006, we had our first National Champion in Bert Blanchette, who brought home the Stars and Stripes for Super-D in Sonoma, CA.  From the end of 2004 to the end of 2006, our program developed three of the top four Professional XC women in the state of California.  We have three of the strongest Expert DH and XC riders in the state for 2007!  Vanessa Humic and Bert Blanchette have also been heating up the local 'Cross races, keeping the Backbone podiums high even in winter. Ara "Fuzzy" Movsessian (Expert XC) has finished second overall in Marathon XC and in the top 5 overall in XC for 2006 and 2007. With three back-to-back seasons of multiple class winners (Beginner to Semi-Pro) in the Nationals, Rim Nordic, Southridge, CA and CO State series races Backbone athletes continue to set the standard for all levels of competition.  Off the track, our riders are frequently asked to represent sponsors and sponsor product at events like Interbike, Sea Otter Classic, 24 Hours of Adrenaline, 24 Hours of 9 Mile, etc.  Our photos are used in several sponsor catalogs, web banners, web-sites, and more, and we aren't done yet.  Look for Backbone Adventure Cycling to expand her sponsors globally in 2008, picking up a gravity rider from New Zealand. With a new website, stellar riders and great sponsor representation (and maybe good, cold beer) watch as Backbone Adventure Cycling brings back the craziness for the coming '08 cycling season!   Regards, Cap'n Chris Sharp; Team Owner/Director Backbone Adventure Cycling Click to see our sponsors