Meet Kathy Locke | Co-Director of the Rocky Mountain Toyota Roundup

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kathy Locke and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kathy, what’s something about your industry that outsiders are probably unaware of?
One thing that often surprises outsiders is just how supportive the off-road community can be—especially for those who are new to it. When you connect with the right people, you’ll find a network that’s not only welcoming but genuinely invested in helping you have a safe and enjoyable experience. It’s a big community, and many of the people I’ve met through it have become some of my closest friends. You’d be amazed at the places you’ll go and the connections you’ll make—all from the simple decision to buy an off-road vehicle.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Since joining the Colorado FJ Cruiser group in 2017, off-roading has become more than a hobby—it’s been an incredible outlet to apply my graphic design skills in a meaningful way. Helping grow the group and its events has allowed me to build strong industry connections and take pride in projects like the Roundup event. Being trusted with the event’s design, marketing, and social media has been especially rewarding. One of our biggest achievements was growing our first sponsored event from eight sponsors in 2023 to 25 sponsors in just three years—an accomplishment that reflects the team’s passion and commitment to creating an unforgettable experience for our attendees.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’m not someone who seeks out the spotlight or races to try the trendiest new restaurant—I’m happiest somewhere casual, relaxed, and ideally Colorado-grown. Bonus points if they serve Guinness. My go-to choices are usually tacos, a good burger, or a great bowl of ramen.

When it comes to people and places, I find the quiet ones often have the most depth. I’m drawn to those who are genuine and caring, more for who they are than what they’ve accomplished. As for places, nothing beats heading into the mountains, although I personally avoid going up there in the winter time. Exploring small mountain towns, hiking some of our beautiful trails, or off-roading with some solid 4×4 experience is my idea of a great time.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
While I’ve always had the support of family and friends, it wasn’t until I joined the Colorado FJ Cruisers that my path truly shifted. What started as my own love of Toyotas and my FJ Cruiser, quickly turned into a deeper passion, thanks to the welcoming community and shared enthusiasm for off-roading and Toyota vehicles.

One of the most notable projects to come out of the group is the Rocky Mountain Toyota Roundup, which began as the Rocky Mountain FJ Roundup—a small, grassroots off-road event for local FJ Cruiser enthusiasts held in Buena Vista, Colorado. That original event ran for about seven years before wrapping up in 2022. Both the original and current versions of the event were born from the Colorado FJ Cruisers Club, which began on Facebook in 2014.

Since its founding, the club has grown into a vibrant and supportive community of Toyota off-road enthusiasts. It offers everything from beginner driving and recovery classes to scenic trail runs, casual meetups, and large-scale events like the Roundup. More than anything, the group has become a place for learning, connection, and camaraderie—all centered around a shared love for adventure and the Toyota brand.

Website: https://www.rockymountaintoyotaroundup.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rmtoyotaroundup/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RockyMountainToyotaRoundup/

Image Credits
Photo credit is watermarked on appropriate photos but should be Alina Navarrete (@alinaoutdoors) or to me, Kathy Locke, otherwise.