Kathy King: Volunteer of the Month
June 5, 2017
Kathy King is a gregarious, hard-working, and loyal ambassador of MBOSC. She has been volunteering for several years, and is always eager to attend Dig Days, general meetings, group rides, and lend a hand whenever needed. We feel so fortunate to have volunteers like Kathy! We look forward to working with her for years to come.
How old were you when you started riding bikes?
I always had a bike of some kind as a kid, but never really got into it until I lived in NYC and started doing triathlons in the early 80s. I did 13 of them over a period of 2.5 years. I was hooked. The bike part was the best. You can actually eat and ride! No more cramping from eating and going for a run. LOL
How long have you been riding in Santa Cruz?
I got my first mountain bike maybe 15 years ago. I did a Dirt Series in Tahoe at Northstar and got rid of my hardtail for a full suspension Cannondale. It was one of their demos that I purchased at the end of that season. I later did a trade with Dave Earle of Praxis Works. I worked on some logos for him and got a "black bike". It was a prototype. Awesome. Then I got a 29er from Giant. Then recently... a Mojo 3. Now my bike is way better than me. I hope I can keep up!
How often do you get to ride?
I am riding 1-3 days a week. I mix it up with beach volleyball and spin classes at my gym.
What’s your favorite trail these days?
Love the Flow Trail and have been bummed it has been closed for so long. Rode a lot a Fort Ord this winter. It is beautiful over there especially in the Spring. Not as technical, but a good fun ride. Love Enchanted Loop. The ferns and trees are amazing to ride through. EMT and U-Conn are my go tos when I need to do a quick work out in the evening.
If you could change one thing about riding in Santa Cruz, what would that be?
I would make the abandoned structure in Pogonip a Mountain Bike Rec Center. It would have a brewery and good food and a pump track and bike repair and rentals and lots of parking. The same up the coast. We need more trails and more access points. The area is only becoming more popular.
What are you most excited about when it comes to the future of riding in Santa Cruz?
The expansion of our trail network will be amazing. I would love to be able to ride from Coast Dairies to the Flow Trail... in theory. ha ha Sounds tiring right now. And have shuttles and good parking to spread out the population. Well made legal trails would be amazing. I trust MBOSC to do it right. And mountain bike only trails so there won't be any speed limit signs. Hate those! Luckily I only see them "over the hill". I hope Santa Cruz doesn't have to have them.
Who’s your favorite riding buddy or crew?
Dave Robinson, from The Ride Guides, is awesome. He is always calm and is always about having fun! Beer after is part of the program. Tom Eagleton, Dan Sweet. Friends of friends... all good. My original riding buddies Mark McCarroll and TJ Hanes are no longer in the area. We hung out for years doing all the local trails. They got me into better and better riding over the last 6 years. And now... It's always fun to meet new folks. I like showing people our local trails and being the Hostess with the Mostess... that means beer after. Really I am not an alcoholic, it's just part of the whole experience. Good food is part of the program as well. West End Tap room has it dialed. They are my go to spot.
What’s your dream ride day look like?
Locally.... Go to Demo. Ride the Flow Trail, do a second loop up Tractor. Tailgate in the parking lot. BBQ and cold beer. Done! Oh and a sunny day, but not to hot. I also love riding with my dog on less used trails at less used times. She has a constant grin on her face!
What was your favorite MTB trip?
Colorado. I went with Mark McCarroll to Crested Butte. Did the 401 trail and a few others, then the Monarch Crest Trail in Salida. Awesome. Wild flowers up to our waist.
Where are you going next?
Bend. Mark McCarroll retired there a few years ago and it is my go to spot. I can bring my dog, laptop and bike. Great beer, music and trails. Such a fun area. I see Santa Cruz like this when we get our trail system worked out. Oregon is pro biking, pro everything outdoors. California has a ways to go in that regard. Too many rules and commissions and people trying to hold things back.
What do you appreciate the most about MBOSC?
MBOSC is awesome! Everything from the Dig Days to the meetings to special events. I have noticed a huge difference in the few years I have been a member. People like Matt, Emma, Ben, Tom, Daryl and Lyn really represent the great attitude of the community. Friendly and happy to pitch in. Mountain biking in general is a very supportive sport. Riders say hi on the trail. I have surfed for years and have gotten tired of the attitude. I think enough said. Lots of room for attitude improvement in that sport.
Why do you volunteer for MBOSC?
I like to help. I like to make a difference. I like to meet new people. I like to be a "team". It's simple. I get to work on trails and ride them later and think... I did that!
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