At its core, SWMMBA is about connection—we are connecting people to bikes, people to trails, and people to each other. While our mission is to build, maintain, and advocate for trails, those trails wouldn’t be worth much without the community they create.

In an effort to stay connected with those in our community, we recently caught up with Roger and his canine companion Sprocket to chat favorite trails, what motivates him, and why he values Bozeman’s bike community. Check it out.

1. How long have you been mountain biking? What got you into the sport?
I have ALWAYS loved riding bikes, but I didn't get into trail riding until I moved to southwestern Montana. This special place taught me something that I didn’t even know about myself—I love the outdoors.

Since moving here in 2007, I have become an avid mountain biker because of challenge and connection. Mountain biking allows me to set physical and mental challenges for myself that are deeply satisfying to accomplish. At the same time, since it's a hobby, I don't get too down on myself if I come up short of my goals.

This sport also allows me to connect with my environment in a special way. When I ride my bike I'm not thinking about the worries of the day or my responsibilities. I'm thinking about the beauty of the land, the fact that I am merely a visitor, and the obligations I have to the other forms of life that I am sharing the space with.

2. What is your favorite thing about biking in our area? What is your favorite trail—pick one!
My favorite thing about mountain biking is the sense of satisfaction I get from setting goals and working to accomplish them. Whether my goal is to relax and forget my troubles, clean the root on Truman Gulch (my favorite trail), or set a new PR on the Leverich downhill, I always get something positive out of the experience. If I meet my goal, I get to set a new one. If I come up short, there's always tomorrow!

3. Why did you join SWMMBA and why do you think it is important to contribute financially?
I joined SWMMBA because I wanted to contribute to my community in a different way. As an instructor at Montana State, I certainly make a difference in the lives of my students, but by volunteering my time, talent, and treasure to SWMMBA, I help build something that the entire Southwestern Montana community can enjoy.

It's also great to meet new friends and riding buddies, not to mention all of the trails I never knew about before I joined! It's essential to contribute financially to SWMMBA because building trails and advocating for access isn't free. I also see SWMMBA as an important force for educating riders about trail etiquette and general graciousness and goodwill towards other trail users. Since I've joined, I have become far more mindful about the example I set and how it impacts the larger mountain-biking community.

4. How would you like to see the mountain-bike community and amenities develop in our area?
I would like to see more variety in technical difficulty. I would love to learn how to ride jumps, but there isn't a great place to progress. The jump lines at Copper City are just too big for me and I would love to see some trails that are designed to help riders progress their abilities.

5. What is one thing on your 2021 mountain bike bucket list?
I've always wanted to ride the Bridger Foothills Trail from Johnson Canyon to the M. What can I say—I love a suffer-fest! Does anyone want to join me?