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.
 
A muddy trail in a forest, with visible tire tracks and scattered leaves, indicating wet and possibly muddy conditions.
  8
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.
  8
  17
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.
  11
  15
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.
  3
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.
  22
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.
  2
  23
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.
  7
  26
  8
  29
  24
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.
  2
  4
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.
  5
  9
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.
  2
  1
  32
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.
  9
  10
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.
  6
  9
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.
  3
  4