Gary Fisher

Gary Fisher began his journey in competitive cycling at the tender age of 12, taking part in both road and track events. However, his early career faced a challenge when, in 1968, he was suspended due to race officials enforcing a then-rule regarding the length of his hair. This regulation was abolished by 1972, allowing Fisher to resume his passion for cycling. His dedication paid off, as he later secured victories in significant competitions, including the prestigious TransAlp race in Europe and a national title in Masters Cross Country.

In 1975, Fisher focused on reinventing his vintage 1930s Schwinn Excelsior X bicycle. He made groundbreaking modifications, incorporating drum brakes, motorcycle brake levers, and triple chainrings, all sourced from discarded bicycles he salvaged from local bike shops. The following year, he entered the notorious Repack downhill race, organized by his roommate Charlie Kelly. This challenging course on Pine Mountain, located just north of San Francisco, required riders to utilize their coaster brakes extensively, leading to the necessity of repacking smoking hubs with grease after each descent. Fisher made his mark on this event by setting a record time of 4 minutes and 22 seconds on the Repack course, further establishing his legacy in the cycling community.