3/12

Photo: Will Nichols

A Lasting Impact

Martin Fernandez

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.”

  • Photo Casey Anderson

    Epic Volunteer

    Photo: Casey Anderson

  •  Karen E. Good

    Epic Rider

    Photo: Karen E. Good

  • Photo: Tod Bauer

    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. 

Photo: Jason Miller

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. 

  • South Germantown Bike Park: Photo Todd Bauer

    Epic Volunteer

    Photo: Todd Bauer

  • Good Friends

    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.