Wine Country Cruiser

This July, we’re thrilled to feature Chris Roper and his rugged 2024 Ineos Grenadier as our Rig of the Month. Hailing from Texas, Chris is an avid outdoorsman with a serious passion for mountain biking. When he's not practicing dentistry or spending time with the family, you’ll find him at 4R Vineyards and Winery in Muenster, TX home to “The Brambles,” a 13-mile (and growing) mountain bike trail he built and maintains himself. Chris’s Grenadier, equipped with a trusted North Shore Rack and ready for trail duty, is more than just a rig, it’s a workhorse that fuels his outdoor lifestyle.

Give us a quick INTRO- who are you? Where do you live?

My name is Chris Roper, from Dallas, Tx. I’m a general Dentist of 30 years now, with 17 year old twin, boy and girl. Our family loves the outdoors, and in particular, mountain biking! We own and operate 4R Vineyards and Winery in Muenster, Tx., where I have built and maintain a 13 mile - and growing, mountain bike single track called ‘The Brambles’. Come visit!

Give us a quick overview of your rig.

My trusty steed is a 2024 Eneos Grenadier with a North Shore rack! Not only do I rely on the rack for our bikes, but also for the many implements trail building and maintenance require. My leaf blower, chainsaw, weed-eater, Macleod, Pulaski, and Brush Cuter, all hang nicely!

Tell us about any special modifications that make your rig stand out.

My rig is pretty new, but has been through a lot, dealing with the demanding topography our ranch offers. With 1,100 acres of steep hills, of which 70% is forested, I commonly put my truck through its paces. This rig replaces my 97 LandCruiser, which we still own, but is now under the kinder touch of our daughter. I had the North Shore on the Land Cruiser for the past 5 or more years.

What is the best road trip you’ve taken your rig on?

Best road trip was from Dallas, up to Palo Duro Canyon, watched the outdoor play ‘Texas’ there, before heading through Amarillo for a ‘ Cadillac Ranch’ spray paint session, and then on to the Blue Hole in Santa Rosa, NM. We then made our way to Santa Fe, visiting the original ‘Meow Wolf’, and hiked Tent Rocks, a must do!, and Bandelier Natl Monument - tallest man made ladders you will ever see and climb! We then drove up to Calistoga, visiting the Cave Digger ‘Ra’ and one of his incredible caves on the way -watch his video on Vimeo! We sand surfed in Great Sand Dunes Natl. Park, just over the border into Colorado, and then poked around jeep and hiking trails, as well as some rafting and biking in Pagosa Springs. On our way to the Mesa Verde cliff dwellings, we took respite in an artist commune Willowtail Springs. Super cool place! Driving back through the dry desert landscape, found an unbelievable roadside attraction owned and operated by a chainsaw artist. We did some damage there! We headed back through Los Alamos, and visited the Manhattan Project Museum, among others. Drove back on the original Route 66 for some great nostalgia; Cool photo-ops of awesome marques, as well as some dive restaurants to round out the culinary side of the adventure.

What would be your next dream road trip?

Next dream road trip will be Christchurch in the South Island of New Zealand, up through Auckland in the North Island. We’ve done it once before, but I want my kids to join this next time! Same itinerary, including a week long pack trip through Milford Sound on the Milford Trek! Simply incredible!!

How long have you had your North Shore Rack?

North Shore has been a big part of our family for at least 6 years.

In your travels, what is your favorite riding location/favorite trail?

Our son races on a local high schools Mountain bike team - Go Scott’s! So in and around Texas has been our mainstay. Of the race courses that we ride, I would say Marfa, Spider Mountain, North Shore, and of course… ‘the Brambles’!

Coffee, beer or tea?

Beer me please!

Shuttle/road trip essential tunes?

Road trip essential tunes would include Dope Lemmon, Speedometer, Chet Faker, No Suits (Saga Genesis in particular), Magic City Hippies, and Slightly Stupid or Man With Roses for the post ride mellow jams.