Rick Norton

A self-described “goofy oddball” Rick Norton took to cycling as a diversion during his college days. Over the years he’s come to enjoy it more and more.

The 56-year-old middle school Latin teacher has contributed several awesome rides to FulGaz and his most recent collection takes it to over 35!

Rick made the plunge into sharing his riding style with the world after riding FulGaz for the first time in the winter of 2019 and decided to add some content to the app tat that reflected his preferred type of riding.

The style of riding he enjoys most, and captures in FulGaz can be best summed as scenic roads off the beaten path, enjoying the adventure and scouting out of unknown roads way more than he should.

When asked what makes a good FulGaz he said “This has changed since I submitted my first rides of iconic race routes in our area. I think the simple answer is if you like a ride in real life – you’ll probably enjoy a video of that on a beautiful day.

My favourites are routes with very little traffic and lots of undulations in the terrain. I like being forced to switch gears a bunch on the trainer to keep me even more engaged. What I think I’m finding is that filming a variety of terrain and scenery allows me to almost always have choices that I REALLY want to check out on the trainer.”

What’s your favourite ride to do in the real world?

This year my favorite gravel ride was the Peacham Fall Fondo route in Vermont (with Fall colors!). My favorite road riding (besides the Pyrenees trip!), was getting away from it all deep into the back roads of West Virginia, including the big climb of Spruce Knob. Every year, the amazing roads of Horse and farm country here in northern Baltimore County (home of the MD Cycling Classic) never disappoint.

Favourite FulGaz ride & why?

Jeff Stuart’s amazing Swiss collection includes Grosse Scheidegg, Oberalp (both sides), and Gotthard pass. He captured all of these with amazing blue skies (several in the morning light) and very light car traffic.

How did you start filming rides for FulGaz?

I rode a few videos in a trial run (good ol Klaus Stella Ronda and Stora Rangen) and I immediately wanted to film cool rides local to me, so I could ride those indoors too.

Favourite cycling memory?

Sharing my love of great rides with others (especially the nieces Q and T) so they can make the next gen of great cycling memories

Any other facts you’d like to add?

My dogs (current dog Mur) and I regularly podium in dog owner look-a-like contests.

Be sure to search “Norton” in the app to bring up a full list of Rick’s rides in FulGaz.