There is no offseason for Dan Nielsen. The 44-year-old longtime Vail Valley resident is a hotel doorman for the Vail Mountain Marriott Resort, and also is the adventure racing course designer for Beaver Creek Resort. When he’s not working, he heads for the hills – he has summitted all 54 of Colorado’s fourteeners – or motoring his way across the U.S. on a kickbike scooter. He holds the Guinness world record at 21 days, 9 hours and 57 minutes. He’s also a four-time Colorado state snowshoe champion.
What is your best training technique?
Simulating the race or event before it and making the conditions more difficult.
Before the Trans-U.S. Scooter Ride, I trained with a pack on and ankle weights, then kept myself light on the actual ride. For mountaineering, put on a heavy pack and go uphill.
What is your worst injury?
In 2002 my thyroid gland stopped working. The fatigue, depression and motivation loss was debilitating. Luckily it was diagnosed quickly and one pill per day can help you lead an almost completely normal life.
What is your most frightening moment?
Descending Mount McKinley on the Kahiltna Glacier. Even though we were roped together, busting through the snow and seeing how deep the crevasses really are is particularly unnerving. Especially with a heavy pack on.
How do you push through the mental fatigue?
In the 1998 Eco Challenge we had days where the start was a distant memory, we had an unimaginable amount of miles to go and sleep was not in the equation.
Darrin Eisman and I would discuss the funnier moments of “The Simpsons” and “Seinfeld” episodes. We finished 12th in 8 1/2 days.
What is the sickest thing you have ever seen?
Teams Vail and Beaver Creek raced together in a 24-hour adventure race in Kremmling. I got extremely dehydrated and hurled for the last three hours of the race.
We somehow still won but it took two large IV bags to bring me back. I was the sickest thing ever.
Who do you admire the most?
I’m lucky enough to work for, train with, and race against one of the greatest athletes of all time. Mike Kloser was the World Cup mountain bike champion and is generally considered the best adventure racer ever. He excels at everything he does.
What music revs you up for competition?
Sports and Air America on my XM Radio.
Best advice you have ever received?
I was a little nervous before a long adventure race many years ago and my brother Jim advised me to “just cruise through.” These three words have become my mantra.
What do you know now that you didn’t know then?
I always thought parenthood would be drudgery. My 3-year-old son, Brody, is by far the best adventure I have ever undertaken.
