11 Questions with Shaun Fyfe

1. Who are you and where are you originally from?

• Shaun Fyfe, husband to Brandi Fyfe, community member, veteran, dog dad, mountain biker and cyclist, team rider for Adventures Edge, Specialized Bikes ambassador, NorCal(CA temp.) lead SOS, Founder of MBTTA, Board member Humboldt Skatepark Collective(HSC), McKinleyville Chamber of Commerce ambassador and nice guy who likes bikes and friendly folks. Born in East LA, High School and College in the NorCal valley.


2. How long have you been here and what brought you to Humboldt?

• 20yrs in Jan! We moved here after graduating college and accepting employment with the Department of Homeland Security/USCG at Air Station Humboldt Bay Aeronautical Engineering, managing Aviation Ground Support Equipment/Fueling Mechanical Operations and Laboratory requirements.

3. How old and where were you when you caught the cycling bug?

• In 2005, my first day on the job with the USCG, the station commander welcomed me to Humboldt, said the area is fun if you enjoy outdoor adventures. I was already an avid hiker, so he suggested extending my range on a mountain bike. He then gave me a book, “Mountain Biking Northern California’s Best 100 Trails”, which I still have. I then went to Adventures Edge and bought two Specialized bikes for me and Brandi to play on.

4. What type of cycling first sparked your interest? Roadie? Time Trial Maniac? MTB Shredder? Do you have any memorable experiences that solidified your passion?

• MTB, DH!! I immediately found that bikes that were meant for pedaling could not support aggressive DH riding or riders that had football player builds who also wanted to ride fast. After breaking everything off of my mighty starter bikes, I started to visit DH bike parks that had even faster speeds and bigger, professionally built features. After a couple seasons of renting demo DH bikes at the park and realizing the capabilities of these machines if you are a rider who can ride at that level, I purchased my first DH bike. Over many years, the MTB scene has progressed to where we are now, where riders can purchase an aggressive Enduro bike that can pedal well and almost match the performance of a DH specific machine. Progression is great!

5. Has that changed? What’s your favorite bike you’re currently riding?

• DH is still my thing, but now I appreciate all types of cycling. My gravel bike is so freaking fast and is such a great way to build fitness!

6. Tell us a bit about Mountain Bike Tribal Trail Alliance (MBTTA) and Soldiers on Singletrack (SOS). What inspired you get involved, and when did it begin?

• MBTTA began its partnership with Two Feathers NAFS and The Warriors Institute as a program of Humboldt Skatepark Collective(HSC) Jan 2024.SOS NorCal was launched in 2023 from what used to be my VetsonBikes program that I started while with another organization. I was serving on the board for another local mountain biking organization that had little interest in supporting the needs of Veterans or Tribal organizations in need since both groups are a small demographic. I however care only about helping those in need since I understand lack of access to resources and recreation intimately. I am a disabled veteran and grew up in extreme poverty. Now that I am financially secure, I am very passionate about sharing our beautiful area and our trails with humans who need these experiences most. The mental and physical health benefits of riding bikes regularly are life changing. No one should try and own this experience or try to prevent others from enjoying outdoor recreation by controlling the scene or due to a members only model and pay to play policy. Community access and outdoor therapy for everyone.


7. What sort of feedback have you received from cyclists regarding MBTTA and SOS? What have been the biggest challenges?

• We fulfill a need that was missing in our area. High levels of stoke! It is challenging having so many other organizations and individuals wanting to collaborate with us that we don't have the ability to do everything yet. We are building our teams everyday and the talent we are bringing on is making more and more possible.

8. How much time have you invested in MBTTA and SOS, and how much time do you currently spend on its growth in Humboldt?

• If I’m not riding, I’m growing these organizations!

9. How do you believe MBTTA and SOS has influenced or shaped cycling in Humboldt?

• We are here to enhance what our community has been building all along and continue to contribute as needed.

10. Where do you see MBTTA and SOS going from here? What is your personal vision and goals for MBTTA and SOS in the next few years?

• Both of these organizations will be here growing our programs and services for our community.

11. What is your favorite Humboldt ride, and why does it hold a special place for you?

• There is no such thing for me. My favorite Humboldt ride changes daily. I know so many places to ride, maybe almost every place large and small, far and near. Knowing everywhere that is worth putting wheels on is fun. My favorite ride is an organic feeling I have, not a place I can show another rider. I’m always in pursuit of my favorite ride. I have had many epic rides with many epic people, and loved it all. I believe my favorite ride is still in my future. I will continue to ride in many places with many people. Maybe, this season as MBTTA builds additional miles of trail into the Humboldt trail systems with our partners, and I ride with native youth, fellow veterans and community riders, I might experience my favorite ride.