Richard Shoop

Lawyer by day and mountain bike journalist by night, Richard brings a unique perspective to his coverage on Singletracks. He's been riding mountain bikes since 2010 and has been a NICA Level 2 coach since 2019. Richard resides in Tallahassee, Florida, and has ridden extensively across the Southeast. He's been a regular contributor to Singletracks since 2018.

Author snapshot

MTB experience

  • Mountain biking since 2010
  • Certifications: NICA Level 2 Coach
  • Current bike stable: Surly Krampus, Surly Karate Monkey
  • Favorite place to ride: Tsali Recreational Area and Fire Mountain in North Carolina

Education

  • Bachelor of Arts in History with General Honors and a Juris Doctor from the University of Miami.
 
Person sitting at a desk, viewing a bicycle fork image on a laptop screen. The individual has short hair and is wearing a black shirt with "singletracks" printed on the back. A chair with a patterned cushion is visible in the background. The setting is cozy and well-lit with natural light coming from a window.
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A view from the handlebars of a mountain bike, showing a grassy trail ahead with a rider in blue cycling in the distance. The sky is blue with a few clouds, and trees line the path on either side. The rider's hands are gripping the handlebars, and the bike has a purple frame with a logo on the front.
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A black and white photograph of a parking area surrounded by trees. Several vehicles, including trucks and SUVs, are parked in the grass, some with bicycles attached to racks. The scene is illuminated by soft sunlight filtering through the trees, creating a serene atmosphere. A few people are seen interacting near their vehicles, preparing for outdoor activities.
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A person wearing a bright green and black jacket rides a mountain bike through a muddy trail, splashing water as they navigate through a small puddle in a wooded area.
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A person wearing a bicycle helmet and sunglasses, smiling for a selfie in a forest setting. A mountain bike is leaning against a tree nearby, surrounded by tall grass and trees. The sky is partly cloudy, and the landscape shows vibrant autumn colors.
Two individuals are working in a wooded area. One person wears a helmet and an orange shirt, walking on a path made of large stones. The second person is seated nearby, wearing a light blue shirt and looking at a mobile device. The background features tall trees and a forested environment with fallen leaves and underbrush.
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A view of a mountain biker navigating a winding dirt trail through a wooded area. The foreground shows the handlebars of the bike, with a display screen showing speed and distance. In the background, the cyclist is seen riding away, surrounded by tall trees and scattered autumn leaves on the ground.
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A muddy trail in a forest, with visible tire tracks and scattered leaves, indicating wet and possibly muddy conditions.
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A person riding a purple mountain bike is navigating a small wooden bridge in a wooded area. The ground is covered with leaves and roots, and the surrounding trees are dense with greenery. The rider is wearing a helmet and biking gear, showcasing an adventurous moment while tackling a trail.
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A close-up view of bicycle handlebars on a dirt trail, surrounded by trees and foliage. The image captures the perspective of a rider biking through a wooded area, indicating movement and adventure. Light filters through the trees, creating a vibrant natural atmosphere.
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A person riding a mountain bike along a dirt trail in a wooded area. Sunlight filters through the trees, illuminating the path and surrounding foliage. The scene is peaceful and vibrant, showcasing the beauty of nature.
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A man in a blue t-shirt and a black helmet poses with a mountain bike on a dirt trail surrounded by lush green trees in a forested area. He is smiling and giving a thumbs-up gesture. The ground is covered with leaves and the atmosphere appears to be calm and natural.
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A brightly lit wooden shelter in a forest setting displays a large trail map in the center, flanked by informational signs about the Sumter National Forest. Two mountain bikes, one green and black and the other purple and black, are parked in front of the map, and "FATS" is spelled out in colorful letters beneath it. The surrounding area features natural greenery typical of a forest environment.
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A mountain biker riding over wooden planks on a forest trail, surrounded by tall trees and greenery, wearing a helmet and brightly colored cycling gear.
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Signpost indicating trail donations, featuring a green background with white text. The sign states "Trail Donations" and explains that donations support maintenance and construction of city trails, managed by city staff and volunteers. A structure with a roof is visible in the background.
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A diverse group of cyclists posing for a photo in a forested area, surrounded by tall pine trees. The group is wearing various colored biking jerseys and helmets, and each person is holding a mountain bike. The scene captures a sense of teamwork and outdoor adventure.
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A close-up image of a hand holding a skin area with a small tick embedded in it. The background is blurred, and the skin has visible tattoos. The hand has neatly manicured nails, painted in a light pink color.
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A group of cyclists cleaning their mountain bikes at an outdoor bike wash station. One cyclist is using a high-pressure water spray to rinse off a bike on a stand, while another cyclist is nearby, also cleaning their bike. The scene is set in a busy area with signs for ProGold lubricants in the background and other cyclists visible in the distance. The ground is wet, and wooden pallets are scattered around the wash area.
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A person riding a mountain bike on a dirt trail surrounded by tall green pine trees. The cyclist is wearing a helmet and athletic clothing, navigating through a natural landscape with shrubs and grasses on either side of the path.
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A cyclist's perspective of a narrow wooden trail winding through a forest, with trees on either side and a sense of motion, indicating a ride through a scenic outdoor path.
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A blurred view of a mountain bike's handlebars and a path winding through a dense forest, capturing a sense of motion and adventure on a dirt trail.
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A view from a mountain bike handlebars on a dirt trail winding through a wooded area, with tall trees and scattered greenery. Trail markers are visible along the path, indicating directions for cyclists.
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A serene forest scene at sunset, featuring tall pine trees and a winding dirt path leading through lush green grass. The sun is low on the horizon, casting a warm glow through the trees, creating a peaceful atmosphere.
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Alt text: A white pickup truck with a mountain bike securely mounted on a bike rack attached to the rear. The background features a grassy area and residential homes under a partly cloudy sky.
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A white and black bike helmet sits next to a pair of black Dakine protective gloves and a pair of black padded knee guards, all arranged on a textured truck bed surface.
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A person riding a mountain bike over a rocky trail surrounded by greenery and trees. The cyclist is wearing a helmet and is airborne as they navigate the uneven terrain.
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A person riding a mountain bike on a dirt trail in a lush green forest, wearing a helmet and a cycling jersey, with trees and foliage in the background. The rider is smiling and in motion, showcasing an engaging and adventurous outdoor experience.
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Two hikers standing on a rocky outcrop surrounded by trees. One hiker is wearing an orange jacket and shorts, while the other is dressed in a dark shirt and shorts. The scene captures a mountainous landscape on a sunny day with scattered clouds.
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