Alan Adams
Give a brief description of where you came from, who you are, and what you do?
I was born and raised in the White Mountains of Northern New Hampshire, an outdoor recreation paradise. My parents did a great job offering me lots of opportunities to explore, learn, and grow. They instilled in me, a strong work ethic and independent character. I was fortunate enough to have great mentors and coaches in high school that helped introduce me to endurance and outdoor sports.
I went to college at The University of Vermont, where I focused more on skiing 100 plus days each year and partying than school itself – it was heaven! I made early connections that landed me in my career path of being an outdoor industry sales rep. In 2003, I moved to Seattle, Washington. I found road bike racing there and eventually moved to Bozeman in 2006. After a near life ending crash at a bike race in 2013, I walked away from that sport and settled into focusing on my career with a new opportunity as the Patagonia sales rep for MT, WY and AK.
Since January 2020, we are aware you are accomplishing an enormous personal athletic endeavor. Please explain this self-made goal:
I made a ton of really bad life and relationship decisions after my bike crash in 2013. During the Summer of 2019, I finally felt “settled” again and realized that I was in the worst physical shape of my adult life. I was in a life situation with a great partner and a solid career, so I felt that my 40th birthday year was a great time to seize a new opportunity and launch into the next decade with a huge fitness base and a lofty goal. On January 1st, I decided to see if I could ski tour and bike two million vertical feet this year.
Where did the inspiration come from?
The initial idea came from Greg Hill’s two million project, then Aaron Rice’s follow up, 2.5 million. Both of those guys didn’t have “jobs” while doing their thing on skis. I knew that I couldn’t “check out” of life and move to South America to ski all Summer. I wanted to do a similar project on my terms while holding a meaningful job here in Montana, so I settled on my two favorite sports and the local exploration and fun that would come along with that.
What has been the biggest challenge?
Time is the biggest challenge as we don’t have quick access, or “easy” vert here. If I lived in Marin/Sonoma California, the bike vert would be easy. Or a place like Salt Lake City where you have 3-4k ‘off the road’ ski tours and quick hit canyon rides. Bozeman is a hard place to live for this challenge.
Are you behind or ahead of schedule? By how much?
I’m at almost 1.9 million, so I am way ahead of schedule. I had a 3-month furlough for May thru July with my job, hence more free time. I felt the need to make the goal harder and push for just over 2.5 million vertical feet, which would or perhaps will be the most vert done by anyone on record in a calendar year.
This goal takes much of your time, and you still have a girlfriend? How have you both overcome the balance of such an endeavor? Who else is supporting you along the way?
I am super fortunate to have a great, supportive partner (Chelsee) who is an amazing athlete that “gets my crazy”. Our life together is pretty simple with focused careers, no children and a low maintenance house. We pretty much work, sleep, eat and play. That said, I’ve made a promise to myself to try and minimize this project’s impact on her. If we are out riding on the weekend and I don’t hit my “vert target”, I just ride more on Monday when she’s at work. I also made a “rule” early on that I wouldn’t let the vert quest impact our decision making in avalanche terrain while ski touring. For sure, it’s had an impact on us, but I’ve always begged her for “one more lap” or an extra climb, so she’s accustomed to that. I’ve also made a point to really ignore other social obligations and just focus on the vert goal, work and her.
In terms of other support, there are so many great people, events, businesses and gear companies helping out. I do a “weekly round-up” on Instagram where I try to thank and call out the support along the way. I get behind on that, because I have a love/hate relationship with social media, but it’s been a great way to acknowledge all the help I’m getting.
What’s been the best part so far? Any epiphanies?
With time being the biggest limiter, I’ve come to realize that most obligations we feel committed to in work, life, etc. are largely self-imposed. If you value your time, say “no” more often and people will figure things out. I think people place too much value on being “needed” by others that they ignore their own needs, goals, health and ambitions.
Anything else unique or interesting you’d like to add?
Any project like this is inherently selfish, but it can also inspire others to force themselves to find new boundaries for their own limits. This has not been that hard from a physical standpoint. It’s the mental side that takes the discipline. If anything, I hope that I can help people realize that their brain holds them back more than their body in all aspects of life.
Have you been going to The Mountain Project? If so, how have you found it to help, if at all?
Minus the Rona’ shutdown, yes – I’ve had to dial it back to once per week since I’m putting 30-40 hours weekly on skis and bike. I need the gym work to hold my body together from some nagging back pain that shows up when I have a weak core. I use it as my PT time since I’m way too lazy to do that kind of stuff at home on my own.
I also really value TMP for creating a hub for the endurance community in Bozeman. I honestly felt that didn’t exist five years ago and I really value what the Rut and TMP have done for the bike, ski and trail run community here.
Now to the good stuff, what's your favorite coffee company, local or not? Any particular type of bean they roast?
Lighthouse Roasting in Seattle, WA – their Roaster’s Choice is my fav! They roast in this little house about 10 feet from where they pull your espresso shot. I visit and buy beans anytime I find myself in Seattle for work.
You rep Patagonia. If you could only sell or wear one piece of apparel, what would it be?
The Nano Air Hoody is the one thing Patagonia makes that no one else has copied yet and it’s my favorite piece for ski touring. Everything else is available from the competitors, just not made with the ethical or socially conscious side of the equation taken into consideration.
What is your favorite holiday and why? Will you dress up for Halloween? If so, what will you be?
Christmas for sure – I love the vibe of it and it brings back so many great memories from growing up. I pretty much ignore the rest, especially Halloween. Costumes give me monstrous, debilitating anxiety.
What’s your spirit animal? Why?
Moose!!! They just bash through the woods somewhat stubbornly and awkwardly, much like me.
What is your guilty pleasure?
Beer!!! I love hoppy IPA’s and eclectic Belgian beers. I enjoy at least a couple per day and would likely be a much better athlete if I skipped them, but I refuse.
Who’s your mentor/idol etc. dead or alive? Explain. If you have one that is…
I’m not one to idolize people, as I think everyone is an inherent mess internally. Some folks just happen to be better at certain things. We’re all just here, doing our thing and figuring life out. However, I’d say that I look at my father as a mentor that has shaped the way I think about life, people and situations. I admire his perspective and how his curiosity and work ethic has driven him.
What else Alan Adams?
I’m stubborn and not very intelligent, but I’m dedicated and strong willed enough to get what I want. I think that is why I’ve managed to get this close to reaching my goal. I really hope that others out there set lofty life goals for themselves and realize that you don’t need “gifts” or privilege to get things done.
