Troy Hochkeppel moved to the Roaring Fork Valley last August and sprung into the outdoor lifestyle immediately. After a winter working at REI in Glenwood Springs, he decided it was time to work outside instead and he joined the RFMBA Seasonal Trail Crew.
Growing up in Maryland, he began riding his local trails and bike parks. As his passion for cycling grew, he wanted to experience more so he moved to Colorado. He enjoys the quality of riding in the Roaring Fork Valley, along with exploring other parts of the west.
“There’s some really good sections of trail where I grew up,” said Troy. “In the Patapsco area there’s some really good quality stuff, but after coming out here, you just get those 25-minute descents, and that’s what I’ve been chasing.”
One of Troy’s favorite areas to ride is Coal Basin, just outside of Redstone. “It’s got some sick jump lines, good flow, and not as much tech.” Troy says.
But flow trails are not all a part of Troy’s trail diet. “I like Grandstaff and Red hill for more techy stuff,” says Troy. “I like a good mix. When I find a trail that has a really chunky, chundery tech section and a nice flowy section, I’m gonna go back and ride that trail.”
One thing Troy thinks most trail users do not realize is how much effort it takes to create and maintain a good trail network.
“If you’re blowing through a section, you don’t always notice all the work, like all the drainage and things that we do to keep the trails nice and not just have them wash out in a season,” says Troy. “It’s hard to know how much time it takes, how many people put in effort to come out here and get the trails looking the way that they do.”
Troy’s message to the members and supporters of the Roaring Fork Mountain Bike Association is simple:
“Thanks for joining, boys and girls,” Troy says. “We welcome you and we need you. We appreciate all your support!”
RFMBA is stoked to have Troy putting his mark on our trails. Troy, we hope you enjoy the ride!
