Our Friend and Yours - Dan Large

Tell us please, who are you and who do you work for?
Daniel Large, San Diego California. Campagnolo

How did you get started in the cycling industry?
I grew up a Navy brat in San Diego Surfing, Skating, and riding my Schwinn Orange crate, I was a shop rat in a few shops. I put that on hold and joined the Navy for 10 years starting in 1982. I was stationed at Miramar as an Armament Systems Technician (AO) This job required great mechanical ability and also the skill to be a jack of all trades. My favorite memory of that time was when I went on my first mountainbike ride, It was on a borrowed bike on a full moon night ride with no lights in Pinasquitos Canyon in San Diego. I was hooked and started racing almost immediately. I rejoined the bike world full time when I moved to Mammoth Lakes after exiting the Navy in 1992. Along with other jobs (Bar Tender, Ski School, Snowboard coach, Iron Worker, Fire Fighter, Ski Tech,) I was the mechanic at the Mammoth Mountain Bike Shop in the summer time, I got a trial by fire building wheels! This was a magical time as it was the golden era of mountain biking.


What is your most epic memory of the cycling industry?
Wow, I’m pretty lucky I have so many memories that I would consider epic. Piloting the neutral moto following George Hincapie down Mt Hamilton during the Tour of California comes to mind as one. The following day, looking into Mario Cipollini’s eyes and seeing that he was suffering just as much as we were in the driving wind and rain... Meeting Mr. Campagnolo for the first time... Standing in the Madonna Del Ghisallo.

What is it you do on a daily basis for your present job?
Depends on the day, My job requires me to do so many varied things. Some include:

• Drive and Maintain the Campagnolo Van
• Work with our Technical Department in Vicenza Italy to solve issues that may arise
• Warranty Management for Campagnolo and Fulcrum in America and Canada
• Technical Education to the bike industry for our technologies
• Customer service, (phone and email)
• Build bikes for the media
• Maintain Demo Fleet
• Work with other companies such as tool, wheel, and frame manufacturers to better integrate our technologies
• Run the Neutral Service at our events

What is your goto dish after a hard day?
Pollo Asado Burrito and a Tecate (San Diegos original local brew) from one of San Diegos amazing Mexican restaurants.

Who do you consider an idol / mentor?
My wife Alicia, she is truly a bad ass and I am a very lucky man. Other than that, I was taught not to idolize people. Many many people have given me amazing opportunities, mentored me and have done a lot to guide me through all of the stages of my life. I do admire people who are down to earth and have a pragmatic view of the world.

What makes a good bicycle mechanic?
While I believe that technical ability is very important, the five qualities that are more important are The ability put your ego aside, place oneself in the shoes of others, to listen to the rider, time management, and the desire to always learn more.

What else should someone know about Dan Large?
At the end of the day I am a bike mechanic, I am very proud that I am part of this group of amazing individuals from all over the world who have come together for the love of bikes. I feel that each and every one of us are lucky to be part of this community.

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