GUNNISON, CO (BRAIN)—Trina Ortega is the new managing editor of Mountain Flyer Magazine. She replaces Caroline Spaeth, who held that position since the magazine’s inception in 2004.
A native of Colorado, Ortega has been riding the dirt and pavement of the Centennial State since she was a kid.
“My enthusiasm for riding bikes started back in the day when it was normal to pedal a 12-speed Huffy 38 miles roundtrip from north Denver to Morrison in denim cutoffs, with no helmet,” said Ortega. “I guess things haven’t really changed that much.”
With a bachelor’s in journalism from Colorado State University, Ortega brings 20 years of writing, editing and magazine production skills to the team. She has been a contributing writer and copy editor for Mountain Flyer Magazine since January 2009.
“Trina’s roots in the Rocky Mountains, and her unique set of values and experience make her a perfect fit for Mountain Flyer Magazine and we’re excited to have her step into the managing editor’s shoes,” said Brian Riepe, Mountain Flyer’s editor and founder. “Her vision, input, and creativity will help guide Mountain Flyer into the future. She has a long history of success in publishing.”
Ortega’s love and respect for the mountains led her to pursue work as an outdoor educator before settling into a journalism career that has focused on outdoor niche publications and grassroots media. When her local newspaper was shut down by its corporate owner two years ago, she took the helm as the founding editor of The Sopris Sun, a non-profit newspaper in Carbondale, Colorado, that has redefined the value of community journalism. Prior to that, Ortega served as the production manager for Climbing Magazine and Canoe & Kayak Magazine for five years.
