Get Involved: Trail Building

Mountain biking is a great, fun sport. Ripping through downhill trails is always fun. But all that begins with trail building. Trail building is a great way to get involved in the community, as well as building new trails. It's always fun to go back to a trail you worked on and ride it. 

Getting Started

First, you have to find a trail to work on. Its easiest to work through an organization, such as Northwest Trail Alliance, which organizes work parties. These are the easiest way to get involved. Additionally, its a great chance to learn and meet new riders. 

You could also email whatever organization manages your local trail system and see if you can work individually. For example, you could email some authoritative person and ask to build a new trail in the area. If you provide a plan or outline, they would likely be happy to have someone build a new trail. And you get to design it however you want!

Equipment

There's tons of MTB building equipment, but for most people, common tools should work just fine. If you're working with an organization, they should provide basic tools for you, such as rakes, shovels, and axes. It wouldn't hurt to throw in an extra shovel in your car though. If you're building something yourself, tools depend on where you live. In the northwest, the most important tools are shovels, axes, rakes, and buckets. 

As far as clothing, pack for the weather. Additionally, bring food and water, appropriate shoes or boots, and work gloves, not bike gloves. 

Work

Organizations should tell you what they want worked on. If you're working by yourself, planning is key. Walk where you want to put the trail and be sure to account for erosion, water drainage, and possible hazards. Imagine where you want jumps and berms, and work from there. 

As a jump person myself, building jumps is my favorite part of trail building. What's even better though, is sending a jump you built. Trail building is a rewarding way to give back to the community and a fun alternative when you need something else to do on the weekends.