Athlete Profile – Dave Whitney
Athlete profile – With a mischievous chuckle and cheeky banter, today’s athlete, Dave Whitney, is ready for anything life throws at him. With a clear love of mountain biking, it’s no surprise that he enjoys Adventurethon.
Which Adventurethon/s have you competed in?
Adventurethon National Challenge and Adventurethon Coffs Harbour
Have you always been active?
No (this was his first response, followed by cheeky chuckling and the real answer is yes) It’s the love of the adrenalin that keeps me active
Why Adventurethon?
Joel and his team run a good race & I like to support him because he supports the athletes
Tell us about why do you do off road events
I am a born mountain biker – have been mountain biking since I was 13 years old. I was born in the mountains and so have always just been on mountain bikes.
Plus it is way more fun and adventurous – keeps roadies out of it
Where do you feel your strengths lie?
Definitely mountain biking – and maybe running. I’m most definitely not a water boy as grew up in mountains
Who inspires you to push yourself?
Brett Stevens who has been like a father figure to me through the mountain biking world.
He is 55 (and I’m 27) and he beat me in a race the other day (and won’t stop harassing me and bragging about it). Although, he did throw a stick in my wheel at the start of that race.
Describe the atmosphere at Adventurethon?
Bubbling –its all happening. A lot of effort goes into Adventurethon – it’s obvious
Where do you live and play?
Gold coast – and I mostly play in Nerang state forest
How important is your support crew to achieving your goals?
I’ve always been a bit of a lone rider – although I would love a bit more of a support team. In saying that, I usually get support from the guys we’re racing with. Plus they’re all mental…so that helps.
What does your race day breakfast look like?
Scrambled eggs
What’s the one piece of equipment that goes with you to every race and why?
Bike…
I listen to Celine Dion (really? I’m going to put that in your profile)…ahh barry white, really gets me pumping…hahaha
What piece of advice would you give someone attempting their first Adventurethon?
Race smart – if it’s hard enjoy it anyway