Over the past twenty years snowmobiles have become a more and more popular way to access the backcountry, especially around the Whistler area. Once the doors were opened, and subsequently featured in more and more snowboard and ski movies and magazines, there was no turing back. The only problem? There was no easy way to get your gear up there with you without carrying it on your back, something that not only sucks but can also really get in the way. Enter Cheetah Factory Racing, a small company owned and operated by former professional big-mountain rider Dave Basterrechea - for many years out of his garage in Pemberton, BC and more recently in his warehouse space in the industrial park. CFRs sled racks, and their various accessories meant to make carrying skis, boards and other gear as effortless as slapping them on the back of your sled and not worrying about them until it's time to shred.
Over the past few years, Dave has designed several different racks, ever evolving his designs to improve usability and adding more and more models to suit everyone's needs. Low-profile racks, small and large bags to carry all your gear and most recently some really amazing high-performance after-market parts such as different bags, handlebars and risers - CFR is committed to providing it's clients with everything they need to help make a day in the backcountry as pain-free as possible.
Just a small part of the ever expanding CFR lineup of products
I've had the pleasure of working with Dave and CFR over the years, shooting product photos for his catalogues and even testing some prototype models and after seeing how much effort and love Dave puts into his products had to ask the man himself a few questions on his business. Running a small business is no easy task, never mind in such a small niche market. The simple fact that Dave has been able to grow CFR into enough of a success to be able to commit to it full time - no easy feat when you have a wife and child to support - is more than impressive to say the least. As evidenced by his to-the-point answers, Dave B is a simple man who likes to but through the BS, both in business and in life - where you're as likely to find him in his office as you are on top of an 8,000 foot peak about to drop in.
33MAG: What is the "CFR philosophy"?
DAVE B: We like making products that making snowmobiling more fun!
What made you expand the CFR line?
Its been a work in progress over the past few years. You have an idea for something you want to make and then the only thing stopping you is finding out the best way to do it.
Dave in the office - Hockenstein Screen grab
What are your goals with the new products?
The goals are to get the products out to everyone who wants them. The next goal is make sure that the products are long lasting and will last.
What new product are you most stoked about?
Handle bars and risers.
What have been some of the challenges with running a growing business?
Capital and not getting as many days on snow as i would like.
CFR Racks help you get places without carrying your board on your back. Photo HockensteinWhere do you see CFR going in five years? Ten years?
We just want to keep evoloving and making products that help people enjoy there winter backcountry adventures!
What are your goals with the new products?
The goals are to get the products out to everyone who wants them. The next goal is make sure that the products are long lasting and will last.
