Mountain Biking with ROMP

Whether you're new to mountain biking or have been doing it for years, you might be interested in meeting fellow bikers to ride with, learning about new areas to ride, or getting involved with the political issues of mountain biking.

If you live in the San Francisco Bay Area, the Responsible Organized Mountain Pedalers (ROMP) offers all of these things and more.

With a membership of 400, ROMP organizes group rides in various locations, offers riding and safety clinics, hosts social events for mountain bikers and is heavily involved with trail work issues, such as building and maintaining trails, helping to open new trails and keeping bikers informed of trail closures.

"We offer a voice for mountain bikers," said ROMP President Henry Pastorelli. "We work very closely with land managers."

Established in 1985, ROMP is one of the oldest mountain biking clubs. Membership is only $20 and includes a monthly newsletter, discounts on merchandise, a monthly meeting, clinics, groups rides and socials. Located in Cupertino, ROMP is most appealing to mountain bikers living in the South Bay or on the Peninsula.

Pastorelli encourages moutain bikers to get involved.

"We have some of the nicest trails in the country, very diverse terrain--redwood forest, open grasslands, ocean, single track--ROMP helps maintain access to these trails," he said.

Pastorelli, who has been moutain biking for 10 years, joined ROMP in 1995 to develop his fitness and join the group rides. Once he became aware of the issues, he decided to become more active.

He said he enjoys the natural setting that mountain biking allows, and that it's safer than riding on the road with the cars.

"I like the flowing sense of motion, the smells, sounds, sights," said Pastorelli. "It is very rewarding and exhillerating. And there's always the next level--whether it's learning to climb faster or work on my technical skills."

For beginner mountain bikers, Pastorelli recommends starting on fire roads to develop abilities and learn to "ride within your limits."

"Learn what your capabilities are to prevent injuries. Know what you can handle," Pastorelli added.

ROMP is working on promoting responsible shared use for all parties that use trails--mountain bikers, hikers and equestrians. Occasionally they will have booths at popular moutain biking spots to educate riders of the issues.

ROMP also does volunteer work for organizations such as "Trips for Kids" ("http://www.webcom.com/tfk/abouttfk.htm") and "Sprockids" ("http://www.imba.com/sprockids/index.html").

In the future, ROMP hopes to focus on continuing to develop relationships with land managers, have more group rides and establish a grass roots trail maintanence effort.

Go To Page: 1 2

Articles in this Topic    Discussions in this Topic