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This set of posts covers the basics for anyone wanting to get started into trail building. It could be you are looking for a local group and want to get a heads up on where to find them and what would be expected, or you have noticed a prime location and want to know what to do to start building. 

 

It could be you are building already but not in a structured group and without the knowledge of what can and can not be done and would like to find out more. 

 

This first post in the series of trail building covers getting involved with a local club.

 

Firstly,ibikeride is an affiliate of the International Mountain Bike Association (IMBA). This is an organisation well worth checking out and joining as individuals. They are dedicated to keeping our trails open and of course to opening new ones. Key is not just the immense guidance they can give on how to build trails but the guidance on how to work with landowners, forestry commission representatives and local organisations is invaluable. Their ethos is simple i.e. to create sustainable, natural trails that cause minimum disturbance to the landscape and give maximum and safe fun on the bike taking into account the environment, the wider community and the rider. http://www.imba.org.uk

 

So..Getting Involved With A Local Club

Maybe you are riding some local trails and notice that trail building / maintenance is going on or are new to an area (or biking) and  would like to find out where these local trails are and just get involved. Many of you will be thinking I've ridden trails for years and just feel it is time to put something back. Whatever the reason we are all I guess also driven by the fact we want the trails we love to remain and want to ensure there are always new virgin  trails to ride.

 

OK, So the easiest way is to check out your local club or go to your local bike store and ask around. Alternatively often on the trails themselves you will see signs for trail building and trail maintenance days. So slow down a little and take a look;). Most clubs organise digs on weekends and will welcome your enquiry. Remember many hands make light work. The best thing about working with or joining a club is that they will already have formed relationships with the key players for trail building i.e. The Land Owners, The Forestry Commission, The Parish Council, The Local Residents and so on. They will also be able to guide on 3rd party insurance and what to bring. Most importantly is that you will gain invaluable experience, meet new riders and have fun working with an organised group. 

 

This link gives a list of all those clubs that are affiliated to the IMBA. This would be a great place to start your search.  http://www.imba.org.uk/index.php?page=Affiliated_Clubs 

Alternatively do  a search on Google for local mtb clubs.

 

A word of note. Trail building is not all building new exciting trails.  It is often just  trail maintenance which is not quite as glamorous (if trail building can be referred to as glamorous anyways I'm not sure!) but just as essential.

 

3rd party Insurance is key when trail building, as is boots, packed lunch, lots to drink (it is hard work) and waterproof clothing.. But don't let this put you off.  Most clubs will advise you or may be able to invite you as a guest. Often clubs have memberships to cover insurance and also to cover the cost of tools etc. The IMBA currently can't offer insurance (they are looking to rectify this and they make alternative recommendations on their site).

 

The are other articles here (or being posted shortly) on building trails from scratch, forming your own club, trail building techniques and so on and you will see that although the rewards are priceless when doing this, the best way to get started is to join an established club if not just for the invaluable experience you can take elsewhere and onto to virgin land.

Also here are some direct links for some renowned sites organising trail-building activities:

 

http://www.singletraction.org.uk/index.phpThese folks are a great contact for digging all across Yorkshire. Also affiliated with the IMBA they are pivotal in the great work going on in Wharncliffe Woods (Steve Peats training ground). They are the official Yorkshire mountain biking point of contact for Forest Enterprise, North York Moors National Park, Yorkshire Water, British Horse Society and English Heritage

 

http://www.chasetrails.co.uk/trailbuild.php  . Cannock Chase (the midlands) organise trail building every Sunday at 10.00 am. 

 

http://www.redlandstrails.org/ Redland Trails (Surrey). Local group working with the IMBA and landowners to build and maintain trails. 

 

Don't forget the IMBA website keeps an up to date list of clubs and sites looking for help trail-building.  

That's it for now. So if you have a good mental attitude are prepared to roll your sleeves up and get dirty, the reward are immense.  Enjoy