MOUNTAIN BIKERS: A DREAM JOB
Arizona Couple Live At Park Trail HeadR. CunninghamRichard, Sarah Hootselle. Although it doesn’t pay much, the accommodation is free and the benefits wonderful. We rode the Pemberton Trail, a 15-mile loop through the pinion pines northeast of Phoenix, Arizona, while I was visiting Chris Cocalis (Founders and CEOs of Pivot Cycles). It is fast and furious riding. The majority of the climbing is done while you meander up the alluvial planes a granite upthrust Ridge that borders wealthy Scottsdale to South and wide-open desert towards the North. The single-track and doubletrack trails can be ridden in both the middle and large chainrings, making it a thrilling experience. We met two people who knew a lot about the area’s trails and terrain, after returning from the ten-hoots per-mile loop. Richard and Sara Hootselle, mountain bikers, live in Pemberton as trailhead hosts. The couple enjoy a peaceful lifestyle that allows them to ride their mountain bikes whenever they want, go on wilderness walks, and run in the mornings while enjoying the wildlife. The work part of the job is to provide information about parks to visitors and to keep an eye on visitors who might be in trouble or need. Chris and Cindy Cocalis were on the Pemberton Trail. Richard had just arrived in Scottsdale from a nearby park, where Arizona hosts its State Championship Cross-Country Series. Sara and Richard were helping to mark the course and prepare it for surprisecompetitors. Their most lonely stint was at a mountaintop observatory, where they were the only visitors. There was a lot of silence up there at night. Sarah recommends Sarah if you enjoy the outdoors and like meeting new people. This is a great way to live. It’s a great way to live.
