Do you ever wonder who built the trail you’re about to ride? More often than not, the answer is usually a mystery. Despite the sheer joy these trails bring to mountain bikers, the creators behind them are frequently forgotten. Let’s talk about trail builders, the silent architects of the trails we love, and why they deserve greater recognition for their tireless efforts.

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Why Don’t Trail Builders Get the Recognition They Deserve?

Whether it’s a technical downhill run or a secret switchback in the woods, every trail has a creator. Yet, when we ride, we rarely consider the effort it took to bring those trails to life. Trail builders often work in secret, crafting masterpieces that leave riders happy for years and years.

Why don’t these creators get the spotlight they deserve? In many cases, it’s because trail builders prefer to remain anonymous, and in some regions, the legality of their work may require them to operate discreetly. This secretive approach is driven by a combination of passion for the sport and, unfortunately, a lack of appreciation for their work.

The Silent Crafters of Trails

Trail builders are not just ordinary individuals; they are the backbone of the mountain biking community. It takes skill, dedication, and creativity to turn an untouched plot of land into a world-class mountain biking trail. Here’s a closer look at the different types of trail builders:

1. The Underground Builders

Some builders prefer to work away from the public eye. Their motivation? Creating trails for a select group of like-minded riders, without the interruption of others who might damage or alter their work. This secrecy allows them to maintain the integrity of their trails and avoid the destructive habits of some riders who fail to respect the work that goes into trail building.

The appeal of working under the radar is not about ego but about preserving the quality of the trails. It’s a labor of love that keeps these riders dedicated to building, maintaining, and improving trails in their local area.

2. The Renowned Builders

On the other end of the spectrum are trail builders who work in high-profile locations, such as Whistler, a mountain biking mecca. Unlike the underground builders, these builders’ work is front and center, with trails like A-Line becoming iconic names in the biking world.

While trail builders in well-known areas like Whistler may receive more recognition, the core motivation remains the same: to create something that riders will enjoy for years to come.

3. The Artistic Builders

Then there are the trail builders at the Red Bull Rampage, whose motivation stems from a deep-rooted passion for creating features that challenge riders to take their skills to the next level. The perfect trail combines technical features, steep gradients, jumps, and berms, creating a ride that offers challenges for riders of all levels.

The Golden Rule: Ride, Enjoy, and Keep It Quiet

While some trail builders don’t mind recognition, others would rather keep their work hidden to preserve the sanctity of the trails they’ve worked so hard to create. The Golden Rule isn’t about keeping secrets for selfish reasons but about protecting the trails from being overrun by riders who don’t respect the work that goes into maintaining them.

When riders treat trails with respect, contribute to their maintenance, and follow proper etiquette, it creates a healthier relationship between the builders and the riders. Unfortunately, many riders take the trails for granted, making shortcuts or altering features without understanding the hard work that goes into creating and maintaining them.

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Thank You, Trail Builders

The trail-building culture is something that we as riders should nurture and celebrate. Riders should remember that it costs time, effort, and sweat to build every trail they ride on. Whether it’s maintaining an existing trail or creating a new one, the responsibility lies with both the builders and the riders to ensure that these trails remain in good condition.

It’s time for us as riders to acknowledge the trail builders who make our sport possible. When you hit the trail, take a moment to appreciate the hard work and dedication that went into creating it. And if you’re in the position to do so, why not grab a shovel and contribute to the mountain biking community yourself? As the saying goes, “No dig, no ride.”

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