Honor Scott's Memory: Keep His Spirit Alive

Our Story

On March 17, 2025, our community lost an extraordinary soul when Scott Czarnopys—friend, brother, son, uncle, beloved mountain biking guru and mentor—unexpectedly passed away from cardiac arrest while doing what he loved. He was 46 years old.

Scott's passion for exploring the outdoors began early in life. In college, he worked at a bicycle shop while attending Michigan State University. Later, he served as a tour guide and Wilderness First Responder in Moab, Utah, where he ran a bed and breakfast and volunteered for local music and mountain bike festivals. For the past 13 years, Scott led the service department at Trailhead Cyclery in Cupertino with unmatched dedication. Scott was so much more than an exceptional manager and mechanic—he was a beacon of kindness, generosity, and inspiration to everyone fortunate enough to know him.

Who is Scott

Scott lived by philosophies that resonated in everything he did:

"Instead of focusing on the problem, find the solution."

"Choose kindness. Choose beautiful."

"Whether you think you can, or you think you can't—you're right."

His mantra of "When in doubt, go higher!" wasn't just about conquering mountain trails—it was how he approached life's challenges. "What will it cost you to find out?!" he would often say.

Scott's heart was as big as the mountains he loved to ride. While working at Rim Cyclery in Moab, he purchased a bike for a young girl whose family couldn't afford one, surprising her with a gift that would forever change her life. These quiet acts of generosity defined who Scott was.

When not riding on his days off or working at Trailhead Cyclery, Scott volunteered with the Santa Cruze Mountains Trail Stewardship —an organization whose mission perfectly aligned with his values of helping others get outside (of their self). There, Scott helped restore and maintain the world class mountain biking and hiking trails in Soquel Demonstration State Forest and The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park. Scott believed that bicycles aren't just for recreation—they're freedom, independence, and an opportunity to live life in the present moment.

Scott's love for nature ran deep, with a special fondness for the trails of Santa Cruz. His commitment to the mountain biking community was unwavering—from attending major events like Sea Otter Classic to actively participating with Silicon Valley Mountain Bikers in trail rebuilding efforts to epic races in Downeville. His favorite rides were at Soquel Demonstration State Forest, Santa Teresa County Park, Slick Rock, and the road to a friends house. Enjoying the challenge of life with a kind hearted smile.

To his friends, Scott was an unwavering source of strength. He'd take you on a bike ride knowing it would remove any problem you thought you were experiencing. On the trails, Scott was both a leader and a cheerleader—pushing ahead on the climbs, always crushing it. And he’d wait at the top to share in the joy of cruising downhill with you. He quietly set the line, with the smile and kindness of a true master, celebrating your achievements as if they were his own.

Our Goal

We're celebrating Scott's generous soul by raising $10,000 to create a lasting tribute to his memory:

Initial Goal: $10,000 - A permanent memorial bench in Nisene Marks State Park, providing a peaceful place for all to remember Scott and feel his enduring presence. This bench fulfills Scott's own wish, shared after a ride with his brother Stephen at Soquel Demo Forest: "I don't want a tombstone, just a bench in Nature, so people can sit and see how beautiful our world is."

Extended Goal: $20,000 - Funding for "Great Scott's Memorial Ride," an annual event bringing together the mountain biking community to celebrate Scott's legacy, share stories, and ride the trails he loved. Our aim is for this to become a cherished tradition honoring his spirit and passion for the sport and to get people out into nature, crushing it.

Any additional funds beyond our goals will support:

How You Can Help

A Message from Scott's Family

"Scott's sudden passing has left a void in our hearts. In the quiet moments, we still hear his laughter and feel his boundless enthusiasm for life. Though our grief runs deep, we find comfort knowing how many lives he touched with his kindness and generosity.

Scott believed that every uphill struggle led to a beautiful view. As we navigate this difficult path, we find strength in the community he cherished so deeply. Your support reminds us that Scott's spirit rides with each of us, encouraging us forward to keep climbing.

We're eternally grateful to everyone sharing memories, offering support, and helping preserve the legacy of a man who taught us all to choose beauty, even in life's hardest moments. Together, we'll ensure that Scott's passion for helping others and loving the great outdoors lives on."

Scott Czarnopys wasn't just a mountain biking enthusiast—he was the embodiment of community, generosity, encouragement, passion, and heart. This memorial bench will stand as a testament to a life lived with purpose and profound impact.

Thank you for helping us honor Scott's legacy.