A Lasting Impact
By Martín Fernández
Several years ago, I put together a piece for my website that featured my buddy Ernie Rodriguez, highlighting all the work he was doing for our community. It was in 2016, and he was about to start a second two-year term as the President of the MId-Atlantic Off Road Enthusiasts (MORE) bike club. He had already made a considerable impact in the organization, and his leadership was exactly what the club needed. Fast forward 7 years… Ernie has continued to be MORE’s “crank turner,” and helped lead MORE through continuous growth.
Over the course of the last decade Ernie served on MORE’s board as President and only recently relinquished the reins to allow someone else to help execute the Board’s vision, and lead MORE into its 4th decade of existence. It’s time, he says, “for someone else to carry the torch and build upon the work that’s been done and continue to move the club forward.”
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Epic Volunteer
Photo: Casey Anderson
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Epic Rider
Photo: Karen E. Good
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Master of Ceremonies
Photo: Todd Bauer
Ernie never really planned on being MORE president, but after a stint as Virginia’s Advocacy Director in 2013, he felt energized and optimistic and jumped at the opportunity to lead the club.
If you know Ernie, or spend any time with him, you’ll know that one of his favorite phrases is “ building community.” As he transitioned away from the presidency, he told me he was most proud of the continued recognition of volunteers who make trails possible in our region, and proud of those who have helped grow our community of off-road cyclists.
He’s seen MORE grow into a highly functioning organization and hopes the next President works on developing a theme that helps the club focus on key initiatives and strategic growth, while sustaining the level of support given to trail liaisons so that they, may in turn, continue to motivate their local riding community. He hopes that the club invests more resources in support of volunteer learning and growing from past experiences.
Although Ernie stepped down from the club’s presidency, he plans to stay engaged and remains dedicated and willing to contribute however he can. He’s really looking forward to the next chapter in MORE’s history, and is eager to see new ideas come to fruition, and is excited that MORE’s new leadership will bring a new approach to management of the club.
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Epic Volunteer
Photo: Todd Bauer
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Good Friends
Photo: Jason Miller
Ernie won’t brag, but under his leadership, MORE’s inventory of trails grew exponentially. Ernie championed the efforts of MORE’s growing team of Trail Liaisons and his support was invaluable. His energy, enthusiasm, and ever present smile were motivating.
He was instrumental in securing funding for multiple destinations, including the trail system I manage, Locust Shade. I often feel embarrassed with the credit I get for working to make that place happen, because the truth is that without the support of the MORE Board – and particularly Ernie’s guidance and continuous support – Locust Shade and multiple other trails in our region would not be what they are today. I’m sure other MORE liaisons will echo that sentiment.
Always fun riding and volunteering with Ernie. Photo: James Corbett - epiclifeimages.com.
As Ernie transitions away from the board he hopes to travel more, spend more time with his grandkids and more importantly, ride MORE.
If you see Ernie out on the trail make sure to say thanks for the lasting impact he’s had on the trails we love to ride.