CLAIRE BUCHAR - 18 YEARS LIVING INTENSELY AS A BRAND AMBASSADOR

Claire Buchar needs no introduction to INTENSE fans, but for those who may not know her, allow us to share a bit about one of the greatest INTENSE ambassadors of all time.

Growing up in North Vancouver and living in Whistler Canada for over 24 years, she has won the Canadian Downhill National Championships multiple times and has been a strong competitor on the UCI World Cup circuit. Her success spans events such as Megavalanche, Crankworx, World Cups and World Championships.

Her life in the Sea to Sky of BC is centered around mountain biking and adventure. Claire also spends time coaching others and sharing her passion for the world of two wheels.

Buchar has always been an admirable ambassador for INTENSE, with her talent and passion for MTB serving as an inspiration to all. To celebrate 18 years of collaboration, we asked Claire a few questions to reflect on her journey and explore what the future holds.

Q: Claire, what an adventure it’s been so far! What “big ride” of all the ones you have done, is it the one that brings back the best memories and what INTENSE model did you ride?

I enjoy all disciplines of riding, including the Whistler Bike Park on my new M1 and all the epic technical trails and slabs between Pemberton, Whistler and Squamish on my Tracer 29. But my most memorable have got to be some of the multi day adventure biking trips we do in the South Chilcotins, where 8 hour days are the norm and 13 hour days are not uncommon either. Roaming and route finding in the wild, crossing creeks with your bike on your back, traversing ridges, climbing up and over passes, looking out for grizzlies. That is where I feel most alive and for those trips I usually ride my Sniper T.

Q: Whistler is a dream destination for nearly every mountain biker. Can you imagine growing up somewhere else?

I was lucky to have grown up in the Sea to Sky of BC. It is such a beautiful part of the world with so much access to outdoor adventure. Whistler is a mountain bike mecca and it has given me the opportunity to hone in my craft for my sport, racing and coaching the next generation.

Q: Do you remember how your relationship with INTENSE began?

I was dating and soon to be married to long time INTENSE rider, Chris Kovarik, and that is how I was introduced to Jeff, Jenn and the INTENSE family. We were in SoCal on a winter riding/training trip and we visited the factory in Temecula a few times as we were in the area and I think Chris was doing some R & D or getting set up on some bikes for the competitive season ahead. I don’t exactly remember how it came to be but I was looking for a new bike brand relationship and it made sense to align with INTENSE. Jeff presented me with my first ever INTENSE frame heading into that 2007 season. It was a raw gold tinted Socom that they had tested and decided not to run the colourway for production. So I actually had a one-off custom painted bike from INTENSE that year. It was amazing and turned a lot of heads up in Canada.

Q: The ChainReactionCycles/INTENSE team took you to countless competitions. What do you consider your greatest achievement and your biggest disappointment?

I had 2 years on that team and it was a dream come true. With that opportunity, I was able to develop as a racer more than I did as a privateer during the rest of my career. Being on a team is a game changer because you can really just focus on the job you’re there to do. I was able to achieve some of my best results, including a podium at the Pietermaritzburg South Africa World Cup. Looking back at my racing career, I don’t regret anything but I do remember getting very sick after that podium and having to sit a couple races out and then perform poorly. It actually triggered some long term health problems for me so I feel I never got to take that momentum and reach the goals and achieve the results I truly believed I could at the World Cup level. Regardless, I did go on to many more medals and competitions in the mountain bike world.

Q: We know about your graphic design background. Have you been able to apply those skills within the cycling industry?

I work as a Graphic Designer at Chromag Bikes. So, I do a lot of the graphics you see on Chromag frames, saddles, bars, pedals, apparel and marketing material. It’s so rad to be able to apply that creativity and those skills within an industry that I know well and that I am already a part of in so many other ways.

Q: Besides Canada, what have been your three favorite places to spend a week riding?

(Area and country). I think I’d have to say the Port Du Soleil area, parts of New Zealand and Australia and just South of us here in Bellingham USA.

Q: Of all the INTENSE bikes you've had, do you have a favorite?

I am currently riding a size large Tracer 29, custom built with Fox suspension, Magura brakes, Chromag components and Maxxis tires. It is my main machine here in the Sea to Sky of BC. It handles everything this area throws at you! Steep technical climbs and descents are it’s specialty!

Q: What are your top three tips for someone looking to pursue a career in mountain biking?

Work hard and put your time in to develop your skills(riding, racing, coaching), develop meaningful relationships(industry, brands, media, audience), know your value but also know that the world does not owe you anything.

Q: How has your career evolved over the years and what has remained the same?

My career has evolved so much over the years. From the earlier freeriding days to racing DH all over the world. Being involved in countless media trips, Junior Development projects. And now a National Team Coach and becoming one of the first female judges at Rampage. All of these things and all of the adventure rides and places my bike has allowed me to see and experience gives me such a deep gratitude that I found this passion and that the people within the industry and brands like INTENSE, see the value in that passion. Because that is the one thing that remains the same…my love and respect for this sport and all that are in it. At INTENSE, we’d like to thank Claire for all these years and look forward to many more with the same passion and intensity she’s shown from day one.