Gary Fisher: podcast appearances and interviews

Gary Christopher Fisher, born on November 5, 1950, is recognized as one of the inventors of the modern mountain bike. He began competing in road and track races at age 12, experiencing a suspension in 1968 due to a rule regarding long hair which was later repealed in 1972, allowing his racing career to continue. Fisher achieved notable achievements including winning the TransAlp race in Europe and securing a Masters Cross Country national title. In 1974, he began working on a 1930s Schwinn Excelsior X Bicycle, making innovations such as drum brakes, motorcycle brake levers and cables, and triple chainrings by repurposing parts from junk bikes. The following year, Fisher participated in the Repack downhill race promoted by his roommate Charlie Kelly. This race involved a steep downhill route on Pine Mountain near Fairfax, California, where riders used coaster brakes extensively, requiring them to repack grease into heated hubs after each run. Fisher holds the record time on the Repack course at 4 minutes and 22 seconds. He has spoken about his pioneering role in mountain biking in the documentaries 'Full Cycle: A World Odyssey' and 'Klunkerz', both featuring original footage of Fisher on his mountain bike.