Dan Adams

How does FOX contribute to your success?
I rely on FOX shocks every day i ride in the backcountry. I push myself and my equipment super hard and trust that the products I've installed on my sleds will get the job done. Suspension is as important as power and FOX has continued to build the best snowmobile shocks in the industry.

Tell us about your best race or event and how it changed you.
As a freerider, I left racing to those other guys, but have had so many great experiences in the backcountry where the suspension on my sled has kept me from being seriously hurt. Sending over 500 lbs. off cliffs requires equipment that stands up, and FOX shocks have brought me back to the trailer many times!

Tell us about your bike/vehicle setup.
I ride a 2011 Polaris Pro RMK 163. It is equipped with a Boondocker Pump Gas turbo, Skinz front and rear bumpers, RSI bars, Skinz air frame running boards, Skinz lightweight seat, Arctic FX wrap, and of course FOX EVOLs. I run a set of FOX FLOAT X EVOLs> up front and an FLOAT R EVOL in the rear along with a ZERO-X front track shock.

What else is in your garage?
I have a Giant X2 downhill bike and a fresh GMC Duramax!

What's your training regimen?
I stay in shape during the summer months by eating healthy, lifting weights, and riding my downhill bike as much as possible. Wakeboarding, hiking, and riding moto help me stay fit as well.

Any major injuries, and how did you recover?
I broke my back about 9 years ago. Snowmobiling of course. I trained really hard after and have come back really strong without any problems. Otherwise, I have had 4 major concussions that put me in the hospital, but that is why we wear our helmets! Not slowing down a bit!

What's your typical pre-race/event meal? Guilty pleasure?
I don't really have an answer for this except that sushi is usually best the night before "going big" meal.

How do you determine which races or events to enter each year?
Snowmobiling hasn't had too many freeride contests, hopefully that will change.

What motivated you to get started professionally?
Snowmobiling started for me like anything else, as a hobby. Then it became a hobby that paid for itself with the help of sponsorship. Now it is a hobby that pays for itself and pays me back too! I have worked really hard for the last 12-13 years on being a pro rider. People think it's simple and it's just the opposite. Representing companies and making a living doing what you love is well worth the work.

What separates you from other professional athletes?
I think the easiest answer would be the money. Most industries are a lot larger and have a bigger following. Snowmobiling is pretty small but is filled with some amazing athletes. We don't have many riders making big dollars at the sport, but the friends I have made and the places snowmobiling has taken me have been remarkable.

What would you be doing if you weren't a professional athlete?
I am living that dream right now. I have started my own snowmobiling business called Next Level Riding Clinics. I have built a reputation on being a solid mountain rider and am now teaching riders of any ability level the fundamentals. Check out www.nextlevelclinics.com for all the info.

What's the best thing about being a professional athlete?
The best part about being looked at as a professional athlete is the respect level from others within the sport. I also love the idea of being a role model for kids.

What other sports are you interested in?
I love wakeboarding, in fact it's my favorite sport. I also like downhill mountain biking, surfing, and going fast in diesel trucks, not that it's a sport but...

Any advice to the readers dreaming to turn pro?
My advice is to do it for the right reasons. Getting involved in any sport at a pro level takes dedication and drive to succeed. Stay focused on your goals and never forget why you got started in the first place.

What are your favorite magazines and websites?
My favorite mags have to be Sledheads, Snowest, Diesel Tech, Diesel Power, Diesel World, and 8-Lug. My favorite sites are nextlevelclinics.com, eBay, Youtube, and FOX!

Favorite movie quote?
"I don't know how to put this but... I'm kind of a big deal, people know me..." - Ron Burgundy, "Anchorman"

Who is your hero?
Jeff Favorite!

Are you a Mac or PC? Mac

Top 3 bands Theory of a Dead Man, Godsmack, and Linkin Park

Greatest strength My wife and family

Most frustrating challenge The Flowrider!