Not everyone reading this post or seeing these images will know Chris, but for those who do, you understand the immeasurable loss to Florida’s gravel / mixed-surface cycling community.
The following words are by another long-time friend of Chris, Mr Ted Hollander.
It’s never easy to say goodbye to someone who touched so many lives, and for me, the loss of Chris Tricoli has been especially hard to process. As the founder and original administrator of Gravel Griinders of Florida, I’ve seen the power of community firsthand. But it wasn’t until Chris stepped in that I truly understood what it meant to build a space that resonated with so many. He wasn’t just an active member—he transformed the page into something bigger than any of us could have imagined. His passion, his expertise, and his unwavering enthusiasm for gravel cycling made Gravel Griinders a home for so many riders, and it’s difficult to imagine that world without him.
Chris wasn’t just a cyclist; he was a pioneer in every sense of the word. While many gravitated towards traditional road cycling, Chris was out there discovering Florida’s hidden gravel gems, sharing his adventures with the community, and inviting others to explore these uncharted paths. His posts in our group page weren’t just about sharing routes—they were an invitation. An invitation to experience something new, to take on a challenge, and to discover the beauty of Florida’s lesser-known landscapes. Through Chris’s eyes, we all learned to appreciate the roads less traveled and the thrill of venturing into the unknown.
For years his detailed ride reports and scenic photos were a constant source of inspiration. But what made Chris truly stand was his love for sharing the experience. His posts were filled with so much more than just technical details. They told the stories of the places he rode, the people he met along the way, and the joy he felt in every pedal stroke.
Chris’s contribution to the gravel cycling world was immeasurable, and what made him truly special was his ability to connect people. He had a way of making everyone feel welcome, whether they were seasoned cyclists or just starting out. His genuine care for others and his endless enthusiasm created a sense of belonging that can be hard to find in any other space. Chris made gravel riding not just an activity but a passion, a community, and a way of life.
We all witnessed how Chris took this group and turned it into something extraordinary. His dedication to bringing people together, sharing advice, and encouraging others to push their limits helped foster a sense of camaraderie that went beyond just cycling. For many of us, the friendships and connections made through this group—many of which started with Chris’s guidance—became just as important as the rides themselves.
Chris’s passing leaves a hole in the cycling world, but his legacy will live on. His spirit is now part of the fabric of this group. Every time we hit the gravel roads he loved so much, we carry a piece of him with us. We can honor him by continuing to explore, to share our stories, and to keep building the community he helped create. For all of us who had the privilege of riding alongside him, whether in person or virtually, we’ll continue to ride with the same passion and camaraderie that he so selflessly inspired in us all.
Additional Photos
Keep riding,
Ted Hollander