Trail Builder Magazine

06/23/2024

Most often, when we think of or talk about startups, the prevailing images that come to mind are venture capital-backed tech startups in Silicon Valley. Yet a startup is a startup, whether you’re starting a bakery, a coffee roasting company, an apparel brand, or, yes, a trail building company.

In light of a recent article we posted on our website in which Greg Mazu shared the painful story of shutting down Singletrack Trails, I thought it would be timely to address trail building startups, the pressure faced by those launching these kinds of ventures, and the overall hype of grind culture that is prevalent in startups.

Read more: https://bit.ly/3KSqWid

Most often, when we think of or talk about startups, the prevailing images that come to mind are venture capital-backed tech startups in the Bay Area. Yet a startup is a startup, whether you’re starting a bakery, a coffee roasting company, an apparel brand, or, yes, a trail-building company. In li...

06/20/2024

Our summer 2024 print magazine is here! Get ready to be inspired and informed this summer with the latest issue of Trail Builder Mag!

Packed with expert insights, personal interviews, and inspiring stories from trail builders around the globe, our Summer 2024 issue is your ultimate guide to the forefront of trail construction and outdoor adventure.

Whether you’re a seasoned trail builder or just starting out, this issue promises to ignite your passion and expand your horizons. Dive in and discover what’s shaping the future of trail building!

Read more: https://bit.ly/4cy2Vc5

Our summer 2024 print magazine is here! Get ready to be inspired and informed this summer with the latest issue of Trail Builder Mag! Packed with expert insights, personal interviews, and inspiring stories from trail builders around the globe, our Summer 2024 issue is your ultimate guide to the fore

06/18/2024

Today is a day that I have been looking at for months and maybe years. Today is a day I knew would happen, but deep down, I wished it never would happen.

After 20 years of having a business that builds outdoor recreation infrastructure, today is the last day we will have field staff employed to build trails.

I don’t know what to feel. I don’t know where to look.

Today is the day that Singletrack Trails exhales a final breath, and I inhale the first breath of the next steps of my life.

All transitions start with an ending.

Read "Singletrack Trails Phased into Retirement" by Greg Mazu: https://bit.ly/4cmWB6Y

Today is a day that I have been looking at for months and maybe years. Today is a day I knew would happen, but deep down, I wished it never would happen. After 20 years of having a business that builds outdoor recreation infrastructure, today is the last day we will have field staff employed to bui

06/17/2024

FEEDBACK WANTED

Through Trail Builder Mag, we are creating a platform to inspire, inform, and connect together around the common goal of building, maintaining, and advocating for more trails. Since this is YOUR magazine, we want and need your feedback.

We've launched several new online series (e.g., Unsanctioned, Trail Heroes, Brands That Build, etc.) and other series in our print mag (Women Trail Builders). We're also working on more product reviews. What topics interest you and are relevant to trail building that we should also explore?

Please comment below with your input.

06/14/2024

Part of the reason why we're launching an upcoming new series exploring unsanctioned, rogue, wildcat, pirate, or bootleg trails is because of this comment we regularly receive in our DMs: "There is no such thing as sanctioned trails where I live."

Many advocate for and build unsanctioned trails because they say there would be zero trails to ride on without them. Interestingly, several groups reached out to share how, while they started building unsanctioned trails, they struck up an agreement with the state/province or federal government to adopt and sanction their trails officially. Unsanctioned became sanctioned.

At the same time, we've also heard from numerous trail stewardship and advocacy non-profits who share how unsanctioned trails in their area negatively impact their efforts to build and steward more trails.

This is going to be a great series ... stay tuned.

06/12/2024

One of the realities apparent in trail building is that it takes everyone for trails to happen. It's literally "all hands on deck." The "everyone" ranges from trail stewardship non-profits, policy and advocacy organizations, professional trail builders, and a multitude of volunteers, but what about for-profit companies like bike brands, component makers, coffee roasters, breweries, apparel companies, bike shops, and so many more? Without the backing and involvement of these brands, where would trail building be?

I'm excited to introduce a new series called "Brands that Build." In this series, we'll take a peek behind the curtain of a wide range of companies and hear about how and why they put money and time behind trail building, not only in their neck of the woods but, for some, globally as well. What better place to start than with a brand with quite a buzz ... Chris King Precision Components.

Read the interview: https://bit.ly/4aZ1uBZ

One of the realities apparent in trail building is that it takes everyone for trails to happen. It's literally "all hands on deck." The "everyone" ranges from trail stewardship non-profits, policy and advocacy organizations, professional trail builders, and a multitude of volunte

06/10/2024

Hey, Trail Builder Mag family, this message is for you. As we continue to grow and gain traction, it becomes even more important to communicate and keep you in the loop. Even though we’re HUGE social media fans, in light of the ever-changing algorithms, we’ll often post content, and most of you won’t see it.

The best way to stay connected and in the loop is to sign up for our weekly newsletter. That means we don’t have to leave it up to algorithms to decide whether you see our content or not. To sign up, click this link: https://bit.ly/3sz5kPo

(You will also receive a free download of the article “Do Unsanctioned Trails Hurt Mountain Biking?”)

Lastly, when you fill out the newsletter form, identify which country you live in. That way, we can send you more specific periodic updates (especially for non-USA subscribers).

Thanks crew! - Sean

06/09/2024

Have you ever wondered which brands out there are active in trail building? Who's involved, and in what way? Even more so, why are they involved?

This week, we're kicking off another new series called "Brands that Build," where we interview brands and learn how they give back to trails. From bike brands to component makers to tour companies to bike shops to coffee roasters and more, there are so many out there making a difference in their communities.

Building and maintaining trails requires a wide variety of volunteers, company (sponsor) backing, non-profit advocacy and stewardship, and resources to make it happen. We aim to highlight and celebrate everyone making a difference.

Hopworks Brewery
Pelican Brewing Company
SRAM MTB
SRAM
Chris King Precision Components
Cyclepath PDX
River City Bicycles
Yakima Racks
Metropolis Cycle Repair
Nossa Familia Coffee
Fat Tire Farm

06/07/2024

NorthWest Arkansas Community College (NWACC) invites community members to register for the Bicycle Technician Program’s new Bike Tech Community classes, which will be held on Saturdays during June. The program is offering four biking community classes designed for those wanting to learn essential bicycle maintenance.

Learn more: https://bit.ly/3Xwcsfx

NorthWest Arkansas Community College (NWACC) invites community members to register for the Bicycle Technician Program’s new Bike Tech Community classes, which will be held on Saturdays during June. The program is offering four biking community classes designed for those wanting to learn essential ...

06/06/2024

This is such a great opportunity to come together, network, and learn from one another.

Save the date! 🗓️

PTBA and American Trails will co-host the International Trails Summit (ITS) in Madison, Wisconsin during the week of April 14th 2025 and will include:

✔️ Concurrent sessions and roundtable discussions

✔️ Networking opportunities with ~700 trail professionals from the public, private, and non-profit sectors

✔️An off-site day will host mechanized trailbuilding demonstrations and serve as an outdoor classroom for trail education

✔️The Exhibit Hall will be an engaging space to learn about trail products and services

✔️Pre- and Post-Conference workshops (optional) will provide opportunity for hands-on small group learning on-site

The link in our bio has more info! 🔗

06/06/2024

As mountain biking has grown, the absence of a national body to advocate for the UK’s trails has left them unsupported and vulnerable. The UK MTB Trail Alliance now offers trail associations, bike parks and informal trail groups the chance to share knowledge and pool their influence. With over 100 groups already on board, today’s official launch seeks support from riders to accelerate the progress already made by contributing to their crowdfunding campaign.

Read more: https://bit.ly/4e6Y6rz

As mountain biking has grown, the absence of a national body to advocate for the UK’s trails has left them unsupported and vulnerable. The UK MTB Trail Alliance now offers trail associations, bike parks and informal trail groups the chance to share knowledge and pool their influence. With over 1

06/05/2024

I set out to launch a magazine and create a media platform to celebrate and elevate trail building. Early on, I came up with this statement, "We believe that trail builders, the unsung heroes, are integral to mountain biking." While this includes everyone who builds and maintains trails, I especially had volunteers in mind. That's why I am starting a new series to celebrate you.

I'm calling it Trail Heroes.

Yes, everyone involved in trail building is truly a hero. Whether you're running a for-profit company, leading a trail stewardship non-profit, working in government, teaching in academia, or creating products for the trail-building industry, you are a hero for what you do. We need you. At the same time, the vast majority of trail building work and maintenance actually falls on the broad shoulders of volunteers. You know, those who dig for free. You're a special kind of hero.

To kick off this series, I tapped Lars Romig, who lives, rides, digs, and adventures in one of the most iconic mountain bike destinations: Sedona.

Read the interview: https://bit.ly/3xedBxf

Visit Sedona
Verde Valley Cyclists Coalition

I set out to launch a magazine and create a media platform to celebrate and elevate trail building. Early on, I came up with this statement, "We believe that trail builders, the unsung heroes, are integral to mountain biking." While this includes everyone who builds and maintains trails, I

06/04/2024

Need to move a boulder or two or twenty???

Coming back this summer: the Rock Hammock. Just wait until you see the Rock Buddy and the Rock Belt that is coming with it.

06/04/2024

We asked, and you delivered. Last week, we reached out to you about names and recommendations for volunteer trail builders we could interview for a new series we're working on.

The response was overwhelming in a good way! WOW! Let's just say that there are countless emails, comments, and DMs that we're still sorting through. Please be patient as we work our way through all of the communication channels. More importantly, thank you for caring about the tireless work that volunteers are pouring into trails around the world. This is going to be a great series!

05/31/2024

We got our hands on the Orox S12 from Tern Bicycles. This adventure cargo bike is designed to carry A LOT of tools and equipment. The Bosch eBike Systems Performance Line CX motor provides up to 85 Nm of torque. It's a BEAST! Is this the missing piece that every trail builder didn't know they needed?

We're looking forward to loading it up more and seeing what the Orox is capable of. Stay tuned for our review.

05/28/2024

There are usually a multiplicity of reasons why race organizers put on races. Most often, it’s simply never just one reason, but many. What are they? They range from tourism and exposure of an area, economic development for a community in need of a boost or turnaround, showcasing new or existing trails, and so much more. All reasons are valid and important, including financial incentives to make it work and profitable. The good news is that most often, those benefits extend to many other partners, such as local businesses like restaurants and food trucks, lodging accommodations, bike shops, and other vendors. These are all healthy and essential.

But what if one of the reasons for putting on a race was also to raise money to build more trails? Welcome to the Verde Valley Rally in Cottonwood, Arizona.

Read more: https://bit.ly/3X1hznG

Verde Valley Bicycle Company
Visit Arizona
Visit Sedona
Arizona State Parks
Trail Manos
City of Cottonwood, Arizona
Town of Clarkdale
Visit Camp Verde
Verde Valley Cyclists Coalition

There are usually a multiplicity of reasons why race organizers put on races. Most often, it’s simply never just one reason, but many. What are they? They range from tourism and exposure of an area, economic development for a community in need of a boost or turnaround, showcasing new or existing t...

05/27/2024

We're looking for volunteer trail builders!!

This summer, we'll be kicking off several new article series, one of which showcases volunteer trail builders. Since we have an interview series for those who build trails professionally, we wanted to create a series dedicated to trail heroes who willingly give up their blood, sweat, and tears to make mountain biking happen in their communities.

Interested? Want to nominate someone? Tag someone, DM us, or drop an email.

05/24/2024

We’re offering preorder sales for our upcoming Summer 2024 issue (Volume 2, Issue 1). What kind of content can you expect when our next print magazine is released in June?

Inside Volume 2, Issue 1, there are six feature articles and one product review:

1️⃣ Women Trail Builders Spotlight: Zelzin Aketzalli by Emily Williams

2️⃣ Pedals and Paperwork: Cilenca Trails’ Journey to Mountain Biking Paradise by Sara Todorović

3️⃣ There are Dinosaurs on the North Shore by Sam James

4️⃣ Singletrack Communion by Solana Kline

5️⃣ Warpaint Magazine is Building Trails for All by Sean Benesh

6️⃣ Camelot Tools LLC Rake Review by Carrie Johnston

7️⃣ Rock Breaking for the Trail Builder by John Norman

Preorder: https://bit.ly/3wzeBfj

05/22/2024

If you're in the area ... (Wyoming is also kind of a big state too ...) 🙃

Send a message to learn more

05/22/2024

Last week, we announced that we're launching a new series exploring unsanctioned trails and those who build them (read: https://bit.ly/4aCy9gR). We've already had an outpouring of trail builders reach out to us who want to be interviewed for the series. The interest is HUGE, and this is where we need YOUR HELP.

We need your feedback and input for questions to ask in the interviews. Why? We want this to be a series that is helpful and educational, whether you're a volunteer trail builder, working in government, or leading a non-profit trail stewardship organization. Here are the questions ... please give feedback (via comments, DMs, or email).

1. What prompted you to begin building unsanctioned trails?
2. What is the process in your area for building sanctioned trails? (what is the legal process for building sanctioned trails?)
3. What is the ratio of sanctioned vs. unsanctioned trails in your area?
4. Whose land are you building on? Have you ever been caught?
5. Do you work with your local trail organization? Why or why not?
6. Any crazy stories you want to tell?
7. We have all kinds of readers here at Trail Builder Magazine ... those who work for city, state/provincial, and federal governments, non-profit trail stewardship and advocacy organizations, professional and volunteer trail builders, and more. What message do you want to share with them?
8. What is one thing that is important for our readers to know about what you do and why?

05/21/2024

YES!!! It’s that time! Time to release our next print issue into the wild. We’re excited to announce the upcoming release of Volume 2, Issue 1 of Trail Builder Magazine. It is set to release in June. As we continue to expand on the kinds of content in each issue, here’s what you can expect for the Summer 2024 issue and how to preorder …

Read more: https://bit.ly/3KaQAhH

Preorder ($13.95): https://bit.ly/3wzeBfj

YES!!! It’s that time! Time to release our next print issue into the wild. We’re excited to announce the upcoming release of Volume 2, Issue 1 of Trail Builder Magazine . It is set to release in June. As we continue to expand on the kinds of content in each issue, here’s what you can expect fo...

05/20/2024

If you're not wearing a bike helmet when out trail building, what's your go-to type, style, or helmet brand?

05/18/2024

As we prepare to release the Summer 2024 issue of Trail Builder Mag, we're dropping the price on our last issue to $8.95. If you haven't snagged Volume 1, Issue 2 yet, this is a great time!

Purchase here: https://bit.ly/3GuebrZ

Inside Volume 1, Issue 2, there are five feature articles and one product review:

1️⃣ When Sanctioning Trails Benefits Everyone by Mathew Wanbon
2️⃣ Price & Purpose by Dillon Osleger
3️⃣ Washoe County Builds Sustainable Trail Program by Hiring Its First Trails Coordinator by Helena Guglielmino
4️⃣ Uganda, the Home of Runners, Not Cyclists … Yet! by Sam Mutton
5️⃣ Dakine Builder Pack Review by Alexis Brown and Heather DeChoudens
6️⃣ Why Trail Building Needs Rezduro by Sean Benesh

05/18/2024

This is the kind of content we're here for!

Send a message to learn more

05/15/2024

Unsanctioned trails. Those two words combined can cause a firestorm of emotion, debate, and consternation. That’s why I am launching a new series to explore this topic …

Why explore this topic? Some argue that unsanctioned trails represent a shady and dubious past from which we’re finally breaking away. For some, there’s a level of shame to talk about what took place “back then.” While that is the origin story of mountain biking, many are quick to push it aside and talk about how or why we’ve moved on. Yet, others are tired of the bureaucracy and tortoise-like pace of building “legal” trails. I told you this is a controversial conversation. However, we need to have these difficult conversations.

Read more: https://bit.ly/4aCy9gR

Unsanctioned trails. Those two words combined can cause a firestorm of emotion, debate, and consternation. That’s why I am launching a new series to explore this topic … Why explore this topic? Some argue that unsanctioned trails represent a shady and dubious past from which we’re finally

05/14/2024

Are you a member of a local non-profit trail stewardship organization? Why or why not?

05/10/2024

In Volume 1, Issue 1 of Trail Builder Magazine, Travis Reill wrote, "Do Unsanctioned Trails Hurt Mountain Biking?" His article explores how these kinds of trails can damage the mountain biking community and their relationships with various land managers.

We're giving away a free PDF of this article straight from Issue 1. Click here to download your free copy (if you're a current email subscriber, we'll send this out in our next newsletter): https://bit.ly/3sz5kPo

Here's an excerpt:
Whether the trails are crossing boundaries from private to public land, going through owl nesting habitats, or traversing too close to watersheds, unsanctioned trails seem to hurt mountain biking the most through their public perception and relationships with land managers.

“When an unsanctioned trail is found and grows in popularity, people get attached and a battle begins because the trail is inevitably running through some protected habitat, and the Forest Service has to shut it down,” Brieger explained. “They tear it out, it gets rebuilt. They tear it out again, it gets rebuilt again.” This obviously doesn’t help in maintaining the relationship the trail organization has worked so hard for.

(Central Oregon Trail Alliance)

05/09/2024

I’m big on “why” questions. In this case, why Cedar City? Why did a room full of people come together to talk and learn about trails? Because we each had a problem. Specifically, those in attendance faced challenges related to trails back home that prompted them to sign up, make the journey, and show up. Welcome to the Foundations Trail Lab, taught and led by the International Mountain Bicycling Association.

Throughout the few days together, each participant or group talked about some of the challenges they faced back home regarding trails. Some talked about funding. Others needed skills and expertise to design and implement new trails.

Read more: https://bit.ly/4a7pfHH

05/07/2024

Cedar City, Utah, is not the easiest place to get to. For me, it was about a two-hour flight from Portland to Las Vegas. Then it was hopping on a shuttle to the rental car center … and another shuttle to the OTHER car rental place. After more lines and waiting, I finally got my rental car (a Jeep Wrangler). But my journey wasn’t over, as I had another two-and-a-half-hour drive from Vegas to Cedar City. I actually had a quick and easy trip to get there compared to others.

So, why Cedar City? Why did a few dozen people descend on this small town in southwest Utah? Since this was last October, you might’ve thought we were there for the Annular Solar Eclipse as countless sun watchers migrated to that part of the state. While driving from Vegas, I saw signs along the interstate warning me about traffic congestion during the eclipse. However, we weren’t there for what was up in the sky. We were there instead for the opposite, what’s on planet Earth. Dirt. In particular, trails.

Read more: https://bit.ly/4a7pfHH

International Mountain Bicycling Association

So, why Cedar City? Why did a few dozen people descend on this small town in southwest Utah? Since this was last October, you might’ve thought we were there for the Annular Solar Eclipse as countless sun watchers migrated to that part of the state. While driving from Vegas, I saw signs along the i...

05/06/2024

When it comes to wooden vs. fiberglass handles on tools, trail builders have STRONG opinions and preferences. Considering all factors (climate, soil type, rocks, etc.), do you prefer wooden or fiberglass handles (and why)?