Darren Berrecloth named one of the ‘25 Coolest People Now’ by Outside Magazine
 

Vancouver, B.C.– Freeride mountain bike icon and Race Face team member, Darren Berrecloth, was named one of the 25 Coolest People Now by Outside Magazine as part of the magazine’s 2005 All Stars feature in their December issue, on newsstands now.


Real men drink Piña Coladas.

“Bear Claw” is joined on the list by the likes of big-wave surfer Laird  Hamilton, snowboarder Kier Dillon, “environmental action hero” Arnold Schwarzenegger, swimming phenom Michael Phelps, and, oh yeah, Lance Armstrong.
 
“It’s pretty crazy, shocking really to be compared to all those famous people in the mass media. Some of the people on the list aren’t even in sports,” Darren said. “But I think the editors of Outside Magazine are all outdoor enthusiasts, they’re all mountain bikers and they all read the mountain bike magazines, so they recognize when someone has done something different.”

The article recounts Bear Claw’s rags-to-riches professional career track, outta-nowhere podium finishes, and credits him with, “…almost single-handedly radicalizing freeride mountain biking by bringing BMX stunts like spins, grabs and no-hand seat grabs to an already extreme sport.”  (How do you grab your seat with no hands? Ed.)

“Darren has achieved something very unique.  In a relatively short amount of time, he seems to have transcended the bike industry to become a recognizable sports personality within the main stream media,” said Marshall Rutman, Race Face’s marketing director.  “Not only does that provide some fantastic exposure for Darren and his sponsors but it also focuses attention on the sport of freeride mountain biking, which is great for the industry in general.”
 
Darren is supported by Race Face Performance Products, Specialized Bicycles, Manitou Suspension, Adidas Eyewear, Vans Shoes, Hayes Brakes and DaKine.