FOD trails have become THE dirt spot in Southern California thanks to Joey Cordova’s work.
So happy that we finally got a chance to catch up with rider Joey Cordova (Standard Byke Co) who also happens to have the one of the most killer dirt spots in Southern California. FOD Trails have blown up the scene over the last year or so. Witnessing the work Joey does with a shovel and a skid when he has built our Outlaws of Dirt courses it’s no wonder his own spot looks this good! So check out what Joey has to say about the current state of the trail scene below and give him a high five and congratulate him on getting married recently if you see him…
Whats the name of the main spot you work on? F.O.D. Trails
Where is it located? Southern California
Is it public or private? Private
How did you get involved digging? Growing up I started helping my Dad and a friend Tom Ritz build our indoor bmx tracks as well as maintain our outdoor track in a Longmont Colorado. Over time I slowly transitioned to dirt/trails.
Whats your favorite type of feature to build? I like trying to mix a little bit of racer style elements into a mix of dirt jump/trail elements. I like putting rollers and always trying to add something somewhat unique and fun.
What is the key ingredient(s) to successful trails? Key ingredients are smooth, fun, steep landings and lips but not so steep that the lips are kicky, and a good crew that puts off good vibes and isn’t trail bossy and helps push people want to ride dirt.
What challenges do you have at your spot? My biggest challenge is keeping the sessions from getting to big. It seems everyone wants to come ride on the same day. The owner of the property is super rad but just wants to keep the amount of people/cars that show up to a smaller amount. So I do my best to try to keep him happy.
Digging is an art form, Where do you draw your inspiration from? Any of the builders who I look up to who I think kill it. Adam Aloise, Dave King, Tom Ritz are a few standouts. I aspire to make the jumps I build not only look good, but mainly ride correctly and be as much fun as possible.
Do you build lines more for flow or tricks? I try to build with the goal of having style and flow. I like to make jumps that make you use bike skills. Rollers, berms/hips and a good trick jump so you can flow and and do kickouts or roast some tricks if you want.
The sun sets on the epic FOD trails.
What tips do you have for working on Trails? Keeping a fun and inviting atmosphere. There so many trail guys who bring the no dig no ride attitude. Which I get it, everyone that’s a local should help dig and maintain but not everyone knows how. Always be willing to teach people how to dig and keep a respectful attitude towards people so more and more people ride dirt instead of getting over it.
What trail rules or etiquette do you enforce at your spot? All I ask is people keep it clean and respect that there are neighbors close by so be respectful of that. Also me or my brother have to be there for anyone to ride. And if you’re bringing people make sure it’s cool first. I don’t ask people to come dig or help maintain. They are mine and my brothers jumps so it’s our job to maintain and build. There are guys who I consider locals so I’ll ask them to help if they want but I never try to have expectations.
Do you enforce “No Dig No Ride?” If so how? No, I enforce come ride, have fun
Whats your advice for someone showing up at a trail spot for the first time? If you know it’s someone’s spot make sure they’re cool with you riding there. See what they what you to do to ride/maintain. If it’s a public spot always make sure the jumps are water, if there’s no water at the spot bring your own. Always fix anything you mess up and be respectful.
What is the Funniest thing you have seen at your spot? I was riding after a big rain and our pump track was muddy. I cased a jump and went to pull out of the line because Anthony Napolitan was behind me and had to eject from my bike and went straight into the mud head first. Is was pretty embarrassing haha.
Do you feel the trail scene is dying, growing or staying flat? It goes in waves, I feel like it’s growing after being at a somewhat low point. There are cool events with Dreamline, Kill the Line, etc hopefully more events like these keep popping up and growing the dirt side of bmx.
How can we grow the trail scene? Having inviting spots that teach kids how to dig/maintain and keeping it fun. I would like to see more dirt parks that seem to be popping up in some states.
Do you think Trailbuilders get the respect they deserve? Why? No, but I don’t see that changing. If you’re doing it for the spotlight or gratitude you’re doing it for the wrong reason. Trail builders deserve everyone that shows up to there spots to water/maintain and help but that’s just unrealistic. Mainly because people are lazy and some don’t have anyone teaching them.
What Bike do you ride at the trails? Standard Trailboss
Any shout outs and thank you’s? Shout out to my Sponsors Standard Bykes, Dedicated Ride Co, Answer Racing, EVS. Anyone who has supported me or helped me.
You know you want to ride these beauties!!!
Check out some clips Dylan Pfohl shot of Joey enjoying his own handy work…
