Gary Fisher to headline Scottish mountain bike conference – innovation edition
Gary Fisher who is regarded globally as one of the inventors of the modern day mountain bike and a pioneer in the sport of mountain biking, will speak about innovations in the sport, past, present and future at the Scottish mountain bike conference 2016 – The Innovation Edition.
Gary went to work in 1975 on his 1930s Schwinn Excelsior X bicycle. His innovations to the model included drum brakes, motorcycle brake levers and cables, and triple chainrings, all taken from "junkers" Fisher found at bike shops. In 1979 Gary decided to start up his own bike company and by the end of that year, his bikes were selling all over the world. He is also a racer and started competing in road and track races at age 12. He was suspended in 1968 because race organisers cited a rule that his hair was too long. By 1972 this rule had been repealed and Fisher's career continued. He won the TransAlp race in Europe and a Masters XC national title, holds the fastest ever time on the iconic ‘Repack’ course and has 7 lifetime achievement awards.
Gary explained his excitement about attending the conference said
“I accepted the invitation to speak at the Conference with no hesitation. I am an innovator, a racer and anyone who rides a bike is a friend of mine. I look forward to visiting Scotland again and sharing my experiences in mountain bike innovations and how they have affected the sport. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss the key innovations needed to help progress the sport not just in Scotland, but globally.”
Titled ‘The Innovation Edition’ the 3 day conference will promote and highlight innovations in mountain biking and how they will help mountain biking progress both in Scotland and internationally.
Gary will be the headline of the opening day (17th November) which will feature many inspiring speakers and workshops around the theme of innovations in mountain biking tourism and economic development.
The second day (18th November) the conference will be focussed on the interesting ideas and innovations associated with getting new participants in involved in mountain biking and creating pathways for athletes to progress to having success on the world stage.
The last day of the conference (19th November) will provide the opportunity for delegates to get outside and experience field visits to witness good practice in Scottish mountain biking including the UK’s only Enduro World Series qualifier provided by No Fuss Events in Kinlochleven.
The conference will be an integral part of promoting Scotland in the 2016 Year of Innovation, Architecture & Design.
Developing Mountain Biking in Scotland (DMBinS) will be the lead organiser of the event after a successful international conference in 2014 which attracted 230 delegates from 13 different countries. DMBinS will be in working partnership with VisitScotland, Highland Council, Cairngorm Business Partnership and the Cairngorm National Park Authority to deliver an exceptional conference which will take place at the Macdonald Resort in Aviemore from 17th to 19th November.
An early bird rate for the conference will be available till 9th September - to book now & find out more information visit – www.DMBinS.com/conference
