WHO
WE ARE
The RRG FGI Team
TEAM MEMBERS.
Colin Howell
Director
Colin Howell found climbing after a random invitation to a climbing gym back in 2013. He quickly immersed himself into the community and took advantage of every available opportunity to give back to climbing in the Red. He spent 6 years on the board of directors of the RRGCC while at the same time learning about development, rebolting, and general route maintenance through the FGI.
A workbag climber through and through, he's down in the Red every weekend, punting on his projects with a bag of cookies always nearby.
Billy Simek
Manager
Billy Simek served as a climbing officer in the Purdue Outing Club and helped set up bi-annual trail days for the POC to give back to the RRGCC and its properties. Upon earning a Bachelor of Science in biology, he continued west to work for Trout Unlimited in the Lake Tahoe area conducting fisheries research and community organization until ultimately returning to the Red River Gorge to focus on climbing and photography. One season extended into a second and an extensive job search led Billy around the country in his truck only to eventually end up right back where it started with a position as the Executive Director of the RRGCC and the Manager of the FGI.
Justin Miniard
Corporate Liason
Justin Miniard is a Cincinnati-based outdoor enthusiast with a background in wildlife biology and a strong passion for conservation. By weekday, he works in Long-Term Stewardship and Monitoring (LTSM) for the Department of Energy. By weekend, he’s a dedicated climber, making the drive to Kentucky’s Red River Gorge nearly every weekend—living the true spirit of a weekend warrior. Outside of climbing, Justin enjoys hunting, hiking, fishing, riding motorcycles, and traveling with his wife, Molly. Whether on the wall or in the woods, he’s always seeking ways to connect with people to share knowledge for the wild places we all love.
Erik Kloeker
Gear Manager
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Erik Kloeker is a Red River Gorge transplant and a passionate fixed gear steward in the area. Over the last decade, he has replaced more than 1,000 bolts and countless anchors on sport and trad routes throughout the region. Erik is the founder of Bluegrass Climbing School and serves as the American Safe Climbing Association (ASCA) representative for the Red River Gorge.
How Did It Get Started?
The Red River Gorge Fixed Gear Initiative (RRG FGI) was formed in 2013 to facilitate a partnership between developers, climbers, industry, and non-profits to promote sustainable fixed gear solutions for rock climbing in the Red River Gorge for the preservation of the rock and the long term benefit of the community.
The idea for RRG FGI was conceived by Ian Kirk, a longtime climber and supporter of the Red River Gorge climbing community. Ian led the initiative from 2013 to 2024, overseeing the purchase and distribution of more than 8,500 stainless steel bolts for sustainable development and rebolting.