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Club Ride Ambassador Fat Nats w/ DaveH

Mar 11, 2015 at 10:38
by Harrison Von David  
[PV=]
Behind the Scenes at Fat Bike Nationals with Dave Harrison
Club Ride Ambassador Dave Harrison is no stranger to the cycling world. He started mountain biking on the pro circuit in 1987, and in the 90s he raced in the European World Cup and four World Championships. As if that wasn't challenge enough, Harrison then went on to compete in Xterra, Ironman, adventure racing, and winter triathlons (which include running, biking, and skate skiing).
Harrison is a born competitor and always looking for his next challenge. The most recent race he added to his long list was the first ever Fat Bike National Championships held on February 14 in Ogden, UT.

You work full time. What’s your 9-5? “Special-Ops” guy at Powderhorn Mountain Resort in Mesa, Colorado. I wear a few hats.
With a full schedule, how do you make time to ride?
I usually work ten-hour days, four days a week which leaves me three days to ride. I take advantage of the midnight sun in summer and I enjoy riding rollers for pedaling technique in the winter months. I used lights to ride some frozen Nordic trails last week.
What are your favorite rides around Palisade?
Palisade Rim Trail is world class. There are cliff exposures and rock drops. Close by is Kokopelli trailhead in Fruita – I recommend you try the Lions Loops. Powderhorn Mountain Resort has some excellent Fat Biking.
You’ve been a pro rider since 1987. How has the industry changed and evolved? I was the first rider to use a full suspension bike in World Cup cross country races back in the early 90’s. It was the opening World Cup in Barcelona, Spain. Riding a dual suspension is pretty commonplace nowadays. The advent of bigger wheels is not so recent. They first allowed the use of 29-inch wheels back in 1999. Now “fat” bikes are the current craze.
What draws you to fat biking? Why is this exciting? It is new! And it breaks the routine. I used to skate ski but I’m not crazy about the motion, physiologically or bio-mechanically speaking. Biking year-round is more kind to my skeleton.
Are you targeting this race as an important one in your schedule, or is it something you’re doing for fun? What are your hopes and goals for this race? Of course I want to crush it! My experience has taught me to go in with good preparation and hope for the best. I’ve learned to not make excuses and say “I had a great race” when asked–even if I’ve had a mechanical or “bio-mechanical”. To have longevity in any sport means to enjoy it and not get caught up in winning. I keep it all natural because I’m in it for the long haul. I do it for my health and enjoyment…that’s it. I just love riding daily.
What did you think of the course? Was it what you expected? Any surprises? Fast downhills, big berms, technical singletrack sections, and a monster climb with a 25 mph side wind! I was surprised to find several tabletop jumps where I could cross it up.
Any advice for cyclists thinking about getting into fat bike racing or preparing for their first fat bike race?
Invest in some light wheels if you're mining for the gold. I came "under-gunned" in that department (I recommend HED Big Deal carbon hoops), but a good lightweight fat bike, like the BOREALIS I was riding, will have you grinning ear to ear. The contenders all used spandex skin suits and 23 pound bikes with HED carbon wheel sets!
Will you be back next year?
Yes, but only if it’s driving distance! I have a rule about not driving more than 4 hours to race.
And of course… what’s your favorite piece of Club Ride apparel? These new Rale Pants are treating me really well and are my new favorite. CR has drastically reduced my “transition time”- no more scaring women and young children if I stop for a coffee or grab a beer without changing out of my cycling gear. Loose fitting, light, airy, and breathable fabrics keep me comfortable. It’s a revolution. Anything with a CR logo is my favorite now.

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