James Fields

Trip Leader & Guide

At The Cycling House Since: 2017 Hometown: Missoula, MT Trips Working:

Trip Leader & Guide

James Fields

When I’m not working a Cycling House trip, I’m a high school math teacher in Missoula, MT.

What is the best thing about working at The Cycling House?

I love the people - both the staff and clients. The staff members are fantastic and truly great to work with. I also really enjoy connecting and having a good time on and off the bike with the clients. We're all a tight-knit crew by the end of a trip and I miss the people the most when a trip is through.

Do you have a favorite ride?

It's so hard to pick one! I'll go with a road, mountain, and gravel ride. Road - Northern Kettle Moraine State Forest roads in southeastern Wisconsin. Unbelievable in the fall! MTB - Tough to beat Sheep Mountain north of Missoula. You get an epic climb, epic views, an epic downhill, and I can ride it from my front door. Gravel - Holloman Saddle loop south of Missoula. I've rarely seen anyone on this loop once I get off the pavement. It's one of my favorites in the spring once the top is clear of snow.

What is the most memorable day you’ve ever had on the bike?

There's been a lot of good days, but one that sticks out in my mind was a day at the 18 Road trails & campground in Fruita, CO in spring 2010. I was camping there with a some friends and we did a couple of the more technical loops during the day. After dusk, we built a bonfire jump and followed that up with a night ride on a couple of the lower loops. None of the rides were epic by themselves, but it was an unforgettable day of doing nothing but hard riding and just playing on the bike.