February's Rider of the Month is Kari with a K's husband and favorite Valentine Kevin. Kevin, an IT guy who recently joined SSFTA, is responsible for the wonderful new SSFTA website. He has generously donated countless hours of website work to the club, since moving here late last year from Vermont. Riding a mountain bike since 1997, Kevin finds time to ride no matter where he is living, whether it be California, Utah or Vermont. While deployed to Kuwait (Kevin is also a Major in the Army Reserves who has done two overseas tours in Kuwait [1 year] and Iraq [9 months]), he purchased an $80 full suspension mountain bike and rode 5-mile laps inside the the base perimeter in the sand! Dedicated bicycle and trail advocates, Kevin and Kari were members of a trail advocacy club in their region of Vermont.  During Kevin's stint in Iraq last year, Kari came home to Bakersfield and found SSFTA. And the rest is history. Now, Kevin and Kari are closing escrow on a house out by the Foothills, and they join a growing number of husband and wife riders. Welcome to Bakersfield and SSFTA Kevin, and thanks for our cool new website!

January's Rider of the Month is popular ride leader Mark, an expert in the dirt despite only starting to ride four years ago. Mark, a former professional motocross racer, was introduced to mountain biking by his buddy Jerry. Mark, Jerry and Eddie all rode together in the foothills before finding SSFTA in 2007. Now, a few short years later, Mark consistently leads weekly foothill rides (particularly on Saturday), as well as organizes fun out-of-town rides. Mark's first ride of 2010 was the New Year's Day Kern Canyon Trail ride, which brought out over 30 riders! Mark may prefer a mountain bike to a dirt bike these days, but don't be fooled into following him up or down some of the "trails" he finds. Everyone who rides knows when NOT to follow Mark: it's when he decides to ride up or off a cliff just to see if it's "rideable." Daredevil and "fast guy" to the max, Mark still finds a way to keep rides accessible to all ability levels. And like his friends Jerry and Eddie, Mark is one of the nicest and most helpful guys you'll ever meet. He knows the foothills like the back of his hand, and he'll be happy to show all who are interested some great Bakersfield and out-of-town riding!

December’s Rider of the Month Lisa has had an SSFTA family membership (with her sons Michael and Thomas) for the last couple years. She’s a regular at all the SSFTA social gatherings, but she only recently became a rider herself. Sunday, November 29 was Lisa’s first ride on a mountain bike, and she did great! She encourages all new riders to come out for the Sunday ride (2 pm at Thorner School). Cowboy Bob leads the ride for beginners, and he provides on-the-spot riding instruction. Michael refused to come out and ride with his mom on Sunday, but he better stop pouting (Santa is watching Michael!) and get used to it. Lisa, who has lost 50 lbs over the past several months, appears to have caught the mountain-biking bug that we all carry. In fact, she’s so excited about riding that she is hosting the SSFTA Christmas Party at her house on December 12! Thanks for your membership Lisa; we’re excited to see you out on the trails!

   
Rider of the Month is our website administrator extraordinaire Jack!  Currently on the disabled list with Valley Fever, Jack will be back in a flash as soon as he gets the okay from his doctor.  Riding with SSFTA for a few years now, Jack is known as one of the fastest uphill riders (”Jack Rabbit”) and best bike mechanics.  Also, he is responsible for the trail section named “Cracker Jack,” where he fell and broke his collarbone.  Jack is credited with all the recent changes to the website (as well as with keeping the website updated), is a liaison between SSFTA and local businesses, and is always bringing new people into the club.  He is a true mountain bike advocate, and he’s also one of the nicest people you will ever meet.  Thanks for your dedication and commitment to SSFTA Jack; it is much appreciated by all who ride!

 
Anyone who has had the privilege to ride with these guys will understand why they are riders of the month. You would be hard pressed to find a more polite group of young men who enjoy riding as a family. They became official members of the SSFTA back in May. They have been active in the weekly rides as well as many of the out of town rides. Not only are they polite, they will say excuse me as they go blasting by you. These guys can ride. They get that from their father. There will be no stopping Mars now that he has the new Specialized Enduro. The SSFTA has benefited from the addition of this family. Thank you Augie, Mars, Ivan, and Issac for all the participation.