The 2011 Genuine Innovations Sponsorship Request program is now closed. We would like to thank ALL who submitted a proposal. Our goal is to offer our support to as many teams, riders, events and organizations as possible while raising brand awareness, increasing GI loyalty, stimulating communication within the cycling community and, of course, support all of the talented riders who are chasing their dreams each and every race. We are looking forward to a great year and will be accepting Sponsorship Proposals for 2012 beginning October 1, 2011 thru February 1, 2012. Please check our website and our Facebook Page for updates.

Thank you for your interest in submitting a Sponsorship Proposal to Genuine Innovations. We at Genuine Innovations believe that effective sponsorships will engage the customer and create a meaningful link between our company and the consumer.

We have received an increasing number of sponsorship requests and hope to continue to support as many riders, teams and events as possible. For 2011, we are implementing a new sponsorship structure that will help raise brand awareness, increase brand loyalty, stimulate communication, gather measurable data and give within our budgetary limits.

In return for our sponsorship, we are asking for ongoing communication and recognition. We are asking Riders, Teams and other organizations to provide us with content for us to leverage into our social media outlets by giving us race reports, blog postings, and if possible becoming a Facebook Friend to Genuine Innovations through Mike Drabousky, our Communications Director and/or a Genuine Innovations Facebook Fan http://www.facebook.com/pages/Genuine-Innovations/144422425570754 . In addition, we would like to receive photos showing our products and may ask you to become part of our “Featured Athlete” section on our website. If selected, we would ask you to provide us with a short biography. We believe that this is a “Win-Win” situation, as it also provides you with additional advertisement. We look forward to hearing and sharing the news.

**Effective immediately, ALL 2011 sponsorship requests MUST be submitted by February 28, 2011. We will be accepting and reviewing Sponsorship Proposals beginning September thru January for the upcoming year. Sponsorship Proposals can be submitted through www.genuineinnovations.com or emailed to sponsorships@innovationsaz.com The Sponsorship Proposal must include the following information, if applicable:

• Your cycling history

• Events you have participated in

• Information about you and/or your team or event

• What items you are most interested in using or receiving

• Your accomplishments and future plans and goals in cycling

• What type of promotion and/or press releases you are able to provide us with, and how frequently

• Any other information on how we can help each other

If your organization is a non-profit organization holding a 501(c)(3) status, please include your “Letter of Determination” with your Sponsorship Proposal.

All sponsorship approvals will be finalized by April 1, 2011. We will notify you of any modifications to your request and will require confirmation of Sponsorship Agreement prior to sending donations. Any questions or comments regarding Sponsorship can be sent to sponsorships@innovationsaz.com

TUCSON, Arizona As a follow up to the press release Genuine Innovations issued on October 28, 2009, the following is provided regarding the lawsuit filed against Todson and Zefal for violation of U.S. Patent No. 6843388.

Todson (Manufacturer of Topeak products) and Zefal have settled with Genuine Innovations for an undisclosed amount in the lawsuit alleging patent infringement by Todson and Zefal. Genuine Innovations claimed in its lawsuit that the product, a CO2 inflation device used technology patented by Genuine Innovations and was being sold in the US. Todson admitted patent infringement and agreed to no longer make or sell the product in question, in addition to the financial settlement.

The product was a Zefal branded CO2 pump distributed by Todson to Walmart stores.

This was not the first mix up between Todson and Innovations. In the early 90’s Topeak manufactured pumps that Genuine Innovations claimed were in violation of a patent Innovations held jointly with Reebok.

Todson agreed to stop making the Topeak branded product and sent the remaining inventory to Innovations to be destroyed. Inventor of Genuine Innovations technology, Tony Hollars issued the following statement on the settlement, “I don’t mind competition as long as they come up with their own ideas.”

TUCSON, Arizona, August 17, 2010 — Genuine Innovations officially named Joe McCarthy as the new corporate President today, replacing Marty Mares, who is leaving to pursue a career growth opportunity.

Joe started with Genuine Innovations in 2001 as a Design Engineer. In 2003, he was promoted to Engineering Manager. In 2006, Joe was promoted to Chief Operating Office, co-managing the day-to-day operations of Genuine Innovations with the leadership team. Genuine Innovations congratulates Joe and looks forward to continued success under his leadership.

This past weekend, Marty Mares of Genuine Innovations, visited Bike Action, our newest distributor partner in Germany. Owned and operated for over 20 years by Mr. Dirk Janz, Bike Action is a respected organization in Germany, well known for embracing mountain biking in Europe years before it became popular. In addition to Genuine Innovations products, Bike Action distributes brands in Germany such as Rocky Mountain (bikes), Race Face (components) and Evoc (bags).

During the trip, Bike Action and Marty attended BIKE Festival Willingen. The annual event attracts over 30,000 people to the large outdoor expo and a variety of race formats, including a huge mountain bike marathon. During the 2 day expo, Marty worked with Bike Action staff conducting live product demonstrations to the delight of hundreds of cycling enthusiast and retailers. Many commented that they were surprised to learn how much easier Genuine Innovations CO2 inflators are to use compared to other brands they have tried.

As an added bonus, Marty was invited by Bike Action to race the 50k marathon under the team’s colors. So, on Saturday June 12, Marty joined Team Rocky Mountain / Craft to tow the start line, along with 2,200 other riders, for an epic bike race in the mountains in the surrounding area. When asked to comment on the race, Marty said, “This was my first Mountain Bike race in over 10 years, so it was really just a big training ride for me. Especially on a borrowed bike, on a course I didn’t know. My main goal was safety and having fun. The riders, support staff and spectators were great. It was a real treat to participate in the 50k race and meet so many nice people during the multi day expo. Genuine Innovations is very fortunate to be a part of the Bike Action family.”

The Genuine Innovations booth was part of Bike Action’s huge footprint at the outdoor expo at Willingen.

Marty with friends Jana and Felix, of the Rocky Mountain / Craft Team

Marty, at the awards ceremony, presents product to the winner of the Women’s 50k Marathon event; Pia Sundstedt of Team Rocky Mountain / Craft.

Herr Dirk Janz of Bike Action with our good Bavarian friends, Wolfgang and Reiner, from Craft, who make the finest garments in cycling.

Marty warming up on the road with Team Rocky Mountain / Craft.

For the 4th year in a row, Genuine Innovations hosted a 3 event race series that consisted of The Tempe International Olympic Distance Triathlon (May 15), the Sahuarita Triathlon (May 31), and The Deuces Wild Olympic Distance Triathlon held in Show Low, Arizona on (June 5). This three part series tracked total event time for each amateur racer, with standings based on the lowest cumulative total time for each male and female to determine the series leaders and eventual winners. In the men's event, a total of 20 guys completed the first 2 events. 8 of those men signed up for the final event in Show Low. Going into the final event the standings for top three males in the series were Cam Hill, Brian Stover, and Leo Carrillo. Having placed as top amateur in the first two events in Tempe and Sahuarita, Cam Hill placed 1st overall in Show Low to dominate the series on his way to being crowned our 2010 Male Series Champion. In the women's event, a total of 6 completed the first 2 events, but none completed the final event in Show Low. As a result, Genuine Innovations has named Kara Middendorff our 2010 Female Series Champion following her lead in the series after the first two events over Karen Walls and Jane Esahak-Gage.

Congratulations to our 2010 Series Champions and everyone who competed in any one of the three great events that make up the Genuine Innovations AZ Triathlon Triple Crown. We look forward to seeing you again in 2011.

2010 Male Champion - Cam Hill Female Champion - Kara Middendorff

2009 Male Champion - Geoff Cleveland Female Champion - Shannon Driscoll

2008 Male Champion - Geoff Cleveland Female Champion - Angela Axmann

2007 Male Champion - Stephen Stromberg Female Champion - Kara Middendorff

April 29th through May 2nd, Michael Drabousky, Genuine Innovations' Marketing Manager, attended the kick off event of Germany's bicycling season in beautiful Northern Italy. It took place in the town of Riva del Garda on majestic Lake Garda.

The 3-day event brought together cyclists from Germany & Italy, along with many others throughout Europe.

Cycling enthusiasts were there to enjoy the festival and take place in mountain bike races and group rides. Genuine Innovations was on hand, along with many of the top cycling brands of the world, to present new products to the European market. Genuine Innovations brought the Air Chuck Elite and the much anticipated Mountain Pipe combination CO2 inflator/hand pump.

Michael dressed as the "CO2 Bandito" and was accompanied by Maria & Sonja, two of the finest German cowgirls in all of Europe. Genuine Innovations' German distributor, BikeAction, did an amazing job organizing three great days of demos, press coverage and attendee interaction. Nearly everyone stopping by the Genuine Innovations booth was treated to hands-on demos and a free Microflate Nano or Air Chuck Elite.

Owner of BikeAction - Dirk Janz, made special arrangements for Michael to participate in the Saturday awards ceremony, where he had the honor of passing out prizes to the top race finishers.

This was Genuine Innovations' first appearance at this BIKE Festival Riva del Garda and judging by the crowd response, it won't be our last!

Michael, Sonja, Dirk Janz (Owner Bike Action & Maria

View of the Mountains and the G.I. booth

Rocky Mountain Bicycle rider Daniel and Michael

Bike Action reps- Erik, Adam along with Michael

Traffic at the booth. Always time for a demo!

The man who made it possible Jens Lange of Bike Action with Michael

 

Gerko van der Graaf of Mountain Bike Plus, - a GREAT publication from the Netherlands, and Michael talking about Mountain riding.

Marty Mares & Michael Drabousky of Genuine Innovations (aka The CO2 Banditos) took the 2010 Sea Otter Classic by storm, attracting crowds, passing out free product and introducing the attendees to hot new Genuine Innovations products.

The 20 year old Sea Otter Classic brought thousands of cyclists, fans, media and manufacturers to the 4-day event. They were there to race, ride, check out what's new for 2010 and enjoy the beautiful Northern California weather.

Roaming the "dusty streets" of Sea Otter expo, the CO2 Banditos showed off new items such as the Genuine Innovations Mountain Pipe - a hand pump & CO2 inflator, the all new Air Chuck Elite mini CO2 inflator, the TORX Stack mini tool, the Cartridge Cross – an on-bike CO2 mounting system, and the hot new design of Genuine Innovations Premium CO2 cartridges). Stopping by to see our favorite teams and riders, Marty and Michael had a chance to hook up some of the top riders and mechanics in the sport.

Consumers also got in on the action, posing for photos, getting free product, and just enjoying the festivity that has become The Sea Otter Classic.

Check out the links below to see the "CO2 Banditos" in action!

http://blogs.bikemag.com/news/genuine-innovations-cowboys/

http://singletrack.competitor.com/2010/04/gear-and-tech/sea-otter-tech-gallery-sram-and-other-stuff_7445?album=24&gallery=127&pid=1612

http://www.bicycleretailer.com/downloads/news/sea%20otter%20newsletter%20Day%202.pdf

Having fun with some consumers.

Posing with some of the Luna Chix 

Marty with Mr. Richard Cunningham 

Michael with Emily Batty 

Marty with Dejay Birtch 

Michael with the GT Girls 

The Banditos with our good friends from Team Kenda 

Hanging out with Team SHO-AIR sensations Sid Taberlay and Max Plaxton

Starting THIS Thursday, April 15th, Genuine Innovations CEO- Marty Mares and Communications Director- Michael Drabousky will be on site at SRAMS' Sea Otter Classic in beautiful Monterey, California. Each year, thousands of cyclists, fans, media and manufacturers come to this 4 day event to race, ride, check out what's new for 2010 and enjoy the wonderful festivities that have become the kick off cycling event for the new season.

This year, Genuine Innovations will be debuting our NEW Mountain
Pipe- a Hand Pump/CO2 Tire Inflator along with the newly redesigned Air Chuck Elite CO2 tire inflator. We will also have plenty of free "giveaway's" ranging from CO2 cartridges, CO2 tire inflators, on-bike inflation kits, mini tools and much more.

So come on out to this year's Sea Otter Classic and look for the two "Genuine Innovations Cowboy's". We'll be loaded down with all kinds of great stuff, just for you.

Hope to see you there!

http://www.seaotterclassic.com/

James Malta, Genuine Innovations Road Rep, is currently traversing the country, bringing the Genuine Innovations product line and education to bike shops all across the United States.

“Jimbo” will be providing the occasional “web road report” on events, rides or general comments/observations on what he is doing, seeing or riding. Check back monthly to see what he’s up to and where he’s been.

Here’s his first installment…

It finally happened. Ever since the day I moved out of my last permanent address, I've feared getting sick. Whenever I'm sick, I want nothing more than to be home. What would happen if I had no real home to go to? Adding insult to injury, my immune system decided, at a real sweet time, to throw in the towel to whatever nastiness was currently assaulting it. I had planned on putting in some big off-road miles at the Santos Trail network in Ocala, FL over the weekend. I had aspirations of riding the 42–mile “epic” loop on Saturday, then doing the same loop twice on Sunday. You see, I'm slated to do the Cohutta 100 in Tennessee in three weeks and am woefully unprepared. I figured a couple of big-mile days of singletrack (despite not having any real elevation) would be a good first step “cramming for the exam” I feel is necessary in order to simply survive the race.

Unfortunately, my body had other plans. Rather than riding, I spent the entirety of Saturday shivering and sweating in a hotel bed. I woke up feeling only marginally better on Sunday and decided I couldn’t really face another day in the room (a better cable selection would have helped: I could have stomached it with a “Top Chef” marathon, or something of the sort). I figured I could shiver and sweat just as well on my bike than in bed and reasoned a single 42-mile epic loop while sick is at least some sort of training for the upcoming misery the Cohutta is sure to dole out to me. It was a decision I'm glad I made.

I've heard about Santos for years, from friends who helped build it and friends making an annual pilgrimage to FL to ride there and escape the cold Central PA winter. All I was told was true: it really is an excellent, and in many ways, exemplary trail network. All trails are well-marked and more difficult trails have “qualifiers” at the start (obstacles designed to demonstrate the type of skills needed to ride the technical features of the trail) to help ensure less experienced riders don’t get in over their heads. There's a dedicated free-ride area, as well as a skills area designed to help riders develop more advanced handling techniques in a fairly low-risk environment. While out, I saw all types of people using the trail, including entire families out for the day together. I'd love to say I rode the illness right out of my body and felt great after completing the loop, but I still felt pretty horrible. Mentally, however, the ride was just what the doctor ordered.