Investing time, money, or support in the parks department/system -- even if it has nothing to do with mountain biking -- can pay dividends in the long-run. Three years into a six-year effort to gain access in a county park system my club spent some money to purchase a table at a parks' foundation dinner. That evening allowed us to show some "big hitters" in the community that mountain bikers were genuinely interested in the park system, and that we were committed to improving the parks for everyone. We now have singletrack in our county parks. Similarly, our club recently committed to fund non-mtb improvements in a city park, shortly thereafter we (with the help of an IMBA Flow Trail School) built the the first gravity assisted trail on public property in our area.
Ok guys gregg was nice enough to stick it, but here's what he asked of pa9k
Hey, Lee...I've stuck it, but it could use some work. From the top down, it reads kinda messy. If the OP could state clearly the main purpose better, that would help.
Cannot echo the "gain permission" and "build relationships with local land managers" suggestions loudly enough. Our group has been doing this for the past few years now and it has opened countless doors and opportunities for us!
That, and it feels great to be building legit' trails -- especially the part where you never have to worry / wonder about "the wrong person" catching you in the act of trail-building!
has anyone working on building a trail in another country or one that has sections in multiple countires? how did that go - visa wise and just logistics?
thanks!
One of the best tools out there is a book written by IMBA. Guide to building sweet single track. Its around 20 bucks and you can find it on amazon. It will take you through the entire process and explain how to build sustainable trails and how to present a project so that you have the best chance of getting a positive result. If you really want a look at what goes on behind the scenes, spend another 20 buck on imbas managing mountain biking. Look for IMBA workshops and projects in your area so that you learn the basics of creating a durable, sustainable and wicked awesome trail.
I have done all the reading, own equipment, got permission and been busy walking the property. This is my first true build from start to finish with no existing trails. Is there anyone or any website that helps you plot or plan trails? I am open to any and all help or tips. That you for your time. I can post my property once I find out how from google earth.
Walkabout and scan for fall lines, flow lines etc, features to incorporate if any. Once I tentatively establish a loop I then walk in reverse too iron out any anomalies mostly not to choke DH flow.
I have done all the reading, own equipment, got permission and been busy walking the property. This is my first true build from start to finish with no existing trails. Is there anyone or any website that helps you plot or plan trails? I am open to any and all help or tips. That you for your time. I can post my property once I find out how from google earth.
Walking it backwards is a great idea. I've got a rough layout in my head and found the land features and I would like to showcase. How much turning and trail merging for extra mileage is too much?
Big yes to get permission and building trust is super critical. This all takes time. Most people have the misconception that you can just hop out in the woods and build rad trail. The permission and paperwork phase can sometimes take as long or longer than the build. Sometimes it is months just finding who is the right person or entity to gain permission from.
Don’t let this discourage you just know it is part of the process. From there start slow and do solid maintainable work. Like any relationship trust is much easier to keep than it is to get back. Be upfront and clear about the work you want to do. Under promise and over deliver can be a good motto just make sure everyone is on the same page and clear before any dirt is moved.
Enjoy the process! It is super rewarding and really cool to get to ride something you built and even more rewarding to watch others really enjoy something that came from you.
So I'm considering doing some trail work at my local place of riding. It's a county park, but they don't have anyone who maintains the trails. The trails I would like to work on are already created. They receive a lot of foot traffic as well as bikers so they need to cater to both. So my question is what's the right way to start working on the trail. Should I just show up and go to work? Or should I contact the park office and try to get approval (not too eager to go this route)? Any advice is appreciated.
A buddy and I do maintenance on our local trails in a sp. We usually construct water bars to prevent rain from messing up the trail. A docent caught us and thanked us. If we would have gone to the rangers, they would denied permission.The docent told us the state is very slow doing anything
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