I have come to the realization after a little over two years as manager that the pace I've set for myself running the ranch is unsustainable for one person.

I'll be wrapping up the RV Sites Upgrade Project in the next week with completion of the last two of 24 sites. These will bring online two more 50A connectors, along with 30A and 20A in these two boxes. Doubling the number of 50A sites.

Over the past couple of years many infrastructure improvements have been completed:

24 RV Sites have been renovated with Signs on poles, and Electrical and Plumbing upgrades that should last for years to come.

A Water Pressure Regulator has been installed on the water line to Bathrooms and RV Sites.

The Trail Signs Project is mostly done and the feedback has been very positive. It is easier for visitors to RHR to find their way around than it has ever been.

New Picnic Tables have been added. Mostly in the campground, but a few under the trees where some folks like to park near the trailhead.

Cleanup of low limbs and branches in the RV area, Campground, and Parking areas has made the place more inviting after years of growth went unchecked. Plenty of kudos have been received from visitors for how good RHR looks now.

Demolition of the old Scoring Shed that had become an eyesore and a danger.

Automated lighting in the bathrooms and Security lighting outside

Relocation of the Check-In station and implementation of Payment Envelopes, and of Rocky Hill Dollerz for frequent flyer discounts

Overhaul of the RHR Website including an RV Reservation Form and Online Annual Waiver

Upgrade of the Bike Wash station with structure and a brick deck

Plus, many lesser projects that probably go unnoticed by most visitors, such as the seemingly endless mowing, and the maintenance of equipment used to keep the place presentable.

These infrastructure improvements should easily last for another decade

There has also been a 10% uptick in visitors from 8/2024 to 8/2026, RHR is growing ridership

PERSPECTIVE from the eyes of a die-hard fan of RHR:

I haven't ridden my bike in months, for a variety of reasons. Injuries sustained while working on the place is one. Another is how knowing each visit to the trails will reveal trail work that I no longer have time to take care of as a trail steward. Designing, building and maintaining trails here as a steward for decades has become something I miss having time to spend on.

Over the past two years since taking on the job of keeping the place open for riders I've tried to find other locals to share the work. Rocky Hill Ranch trails have ALWAYS been 100% Volunteer built and maintained. Paul Uhl, has been a tireless compatriot working on the trails at RHR, but he has a business of his own to run.

I've been looking for people with a shared passion for keeping RHR in Operation for a while now. This has reached a point of desperation on my part.

I'm retired, and there are things I want to do in my "golden years" other than my time being dedicated only to chores at RHR week after week.

I plan to step down as manager of RHR at the end of October 2026. If RHR is to remain open, someone needs to step up NOW.

FUTURE OF ROCKY HILL RANCH:

There is currently one person who has shown an interest, and they realize they would not be able to do it without a small team of dedicated people to share the load. I agree.

Anyone interested in taking over management of Rocky Hill Ranch, OR interested in being an Operations Management Team member, AND who meets some or most the following qualifications, please use the Contact Us form to open a dialogue about it.

P.S. If money is a primary motivation, know that after expenses there isn't enough income to pay a person a living wage. There may be some supplemental income, at the discretion of the Manager.

After operating expenses there ought to be enough budget to cover personal expenses for fuel, tools, and maybe a gathering every now and then to celebrate the work that goes into operating, maintaining and improving RHR.

Only one person should be designated Manager.

Other people (3-5) are needed to share the work load.

The Manager will have daily responsibilities.

The Team members will have weekly or monthly responsibilities.

Qualifications include persons who:

Ride a Mountain Bike or enjoy Trail Running is a must

Lives nearby ( 30 minutes or less from RHR ) in order to respond
in a timely manner to the needs of the ranch

Has free time on their hands during the week and on weekends
(Manager ~10 hours/week; Team ~5-10 hours/month)

Is motivated to keeping RHR open

Has networking and people management skills

Has availability to take calls on RHRs published phone number
(Dual SIM phone a plus), Manager only

Can manage: a Website, Domain Name registration, Email,
Facebook account, Google Maps account, update MTBProject
and TrailForks, etc. is a plus

Will work with Event Promoters for site use,
parking needs, site prep (mowing, shredding), etc. and be
available on site during events to solve issues that arise

Will manage RV reservations and Camping groups ( scouts,
clubs, etc.)

Have skills to explore expanding the user base (runners, RC Truck
enthusiasts, RVers wanting a place to stay a night, etc. are
potential revenue streams to be developed further)

Has experience in successful operation and promotion of a
business is a plus

Is familiar with operation and maintenance of power tools and
machinery (Zero-Turn Mower, Tractor, Skid Steer, Chain Saw, etc.)

Is skilled in repair of carpentry, plumbing, and electrical issues

Will service and maintain Restrooms and Showers; service Trash
Cans; Clean, Fill, and swap Water Jugs kept on the trail

Can keep books and manage a budget

... and more

Lastly, this is likely to be a short-term commitment of 2-3 years, until a member of the owner's family retires and plans to take over.

The ALTERNATIVE:

If no one steps up to run the ranch, the owners of the ranch will have no choice but close the 2nd Oldest Mountain Bike Ranch in Texas which they created over three decades ago.

I sincerely hope there are others who value Rocky Hill Ranch and have the time and inclination to carry the torch that keep these fabulous trails open long into the future.

Send me a note sharing your qualifications and whether you are considering the Manager or Team Member role.

I look forward to solving this by the end of the month and keeping RHR on everyone's short list of places to ride. I will remain available to support the new manager with what I have gleaned about running the place.

Thank You!