‘Ride Bikes’ has been Gary Fisher’s motto for a long time. With the help of Chris Duncan and Hannah Steffens, Fisher wants to remind the world how much fun it can be to Ride Bikes. Chris and Hannah are two of the most dynamic and talented freeride athletes in the industry and Fisher is excited to have them riding our bikes.

“We’ve had a great time working with Chris over the last year,” says Gary Fisher Brand Manager Dean Gore. “When we first met with Chris we knew he was a good guy and was impressive on a bike. It didn’t take long for us to realize that he has way more to offer then the average athlete. He has a great perspective on the world and about riding bikes. He has really helped us make great product and refine our message to steer the market in a positive direction.”

For those not familiar with Chris, he was a star in the 20” BMX world of dirt jumping. Chris is among the best in the sport and took center stage through events like the X Games. Over the last few years Chris has made the transition to mountain bikes. He feels that 26” wheels offer riders more freedom to ride how and where they want. He also feels that mountain bikes are more inclusive, opening cycling to a wider range of participants.

New to the Fisher family this year is Hannah Steffens. “Chris introduced us to Hannah at Interbike,” explains Gore. “We were immediately impressed. She is incredibly down to earth and focused on teaching kids. She does a great job of spreading the positive messages that she has learned coming up in the adventure sports world.”

Hannah is from rural Southern Colorado where she grew up as an equestrian. Her balance developed riding horses transitioned naturally to her first downhill bike. She has quickly become known as one of the freeride’s most promising female athletes. Even as a relative newcomer to the sport Hannah is already comfortable with back flips and other advanced tricks.

Chris and Hannah grew close training and traveling last season. In December the two announced their engagement and plan to wed this summer at Hannah’s family home. The two compliment each other very well and Fisher is excited about the energy that they bring to the brand.

Chris and Hannah are both gifted instructors, both working with Bikeskills.com teaching and doing outreach. Fisher hopes to find creative ways to help them communicate to a broad audience to help bring new people into cycling through this great type of riding.

Fisher wants to help recreational riders understand that freeriding as a great form of mountain biking. The sport has grown in recent years among the core users. Fisher is hoping to work closely with their dealerships to promote freeriding as a safe avenue to help bring more kids and enthusiasts into the sport.

Chris and Hannah are developing an ambitious travel schedule for 2005, including planned trips to Canada, the UK and Japan. At each event they will focus as much as possible on outreach and teaching with the intention of working everyday to grow the sport.