As I ride my mountain bike, taking to the trails and enjoying the natural environment around me. I can’t help but think about how much work it takes to maintain these trails and how much effort goes into it. Trail maintenance is a critical part of ensuring that trails remain safe and enjoyable for all riders. It is also important to advocate for ongoing trail maintenance so that we can ensure that trails are in the best condition possible and we will have continued access. In this blog, I’ll discuss why trail maintenance is important, the benefits of getting involved in trail maintenance, and how you can get involved and make a difference in the trails around you.
Benefits of Trail Maintenance
Trail maintenance is the process of keeping trails in good condition and free of hazards. This includes clearing debris, maintaining the trailbed and addressing any potential risks. It can also include activities such as building Technical Trail Features (TTFs) and Ladder Bridges, removing invasive species, and rerouting trails. In addition, trail maintenance also includes activities such as TTF and bridge maintenance, signage installation, and erosion control. Trail maintenance is an essential part of keeping trails safe and enjoyable for all users.
In addition to keeping trails safe, trail maintenance also helps protect the environment. Trails are often located in sensitive areas and can be easily damaged by erosion and other environmental factors. By regularly maintaining trails, we can help protect the environment and ensure that trails remain in good condition for years to come.
Trail Advocacy Groups
In addition to trail maintenance, it is also important to advocate for our trails both in regards to maintenance and continued access. This includes supporting local trail advocacy groups both financially and by volunteering to ensure continued access to the trails we all love. Trail advocacy groups work to promote and protect trails and are an important part of the trail maintenance process.
By supporting local trail advocacy groups, we can help ensure that we retain access to fun and enjoyable trails for all levels of riders. In addition, we can also help to raise awareness about trail maintenance and encourage more people to get involved. Bonus, trail advocacy groups often do other great community bonding activities to help keep everyone stoked!
The North Shore Mountain Bike Association (NSMBA)
The North Shore Mountain Bike Association (NSMBA) is a local trail advocacy group dedicated to protecting and promoting trails in the North Shore area. The NSMBA works with local governments, land managers, and other stakeholders to ensure that trails remain in good condition and open for all user groups. The NSMBA also works to raise awareness about trail maintenance and encourages more people to get involved in trail maintenance.
The NSMBA has been working to protect and promote trails for over 20 years and is a vital part of the trail maintenance process. The NSMBA works to ensure that trails remain in good condition and are safe for all users.
Local Bike Shops and Trail Maintenance
Local bike shops are also an important part of the trail maintenance process. Local bike shops rely on the local trail network as part of their income, if we don't have trails why do we need mountain bikes? Many local shops support the trails by way the of NSMBA Trail Adoption Program (TAP) and/or supporting their local trail builders.
The Essential Cycles team has a long history of contributing to trail maintenance and advocacy, we support local trail builders and advocacy groups. We’ve also hosted a number of trail maintenance days over the years and encourage more people to get involved. I personally have been maintaining trails on the Shore for around 15 years and am currently the recognised trail builder for Executioner my partner theprettiestmuddbunnie is also the creative trail builder for Upper and Lower Crippler.
How to Get Involved in Trail Maintenance
If you’re interested in getting involved in trail maintenance, there are a few ways to do so. You can volunteer with local trail advocacy groups or bike shops to help maintain trails. You can also contact your local government or land manager to inquire about volunteer opportunities. Additionally, you can contact local trail builders to see if they’re looking for volunteers to help build and maintain trails.
How to Advocate for Trail Maintenance
In addition to getting involved in trail maintenance, it is also important to advocate for the trails. This includes supporting local trail advocacy groups and working with them to make sure that trails remain in good condition. You can also contact your local government or land manager to let them know how important trail access is to you and to make your voice heard about the importance of trail maintenance.
Conclusion
Trail maintenance is an essential part of keeping trails in good condition and ensuring that they remain safe and enjoyable and accessible for all users. It is also important to advocate for trail maintenance and to support local trail advocacy groups.
By getting involved in trail maintenance and advocating for trail maintenance, we can make a difference in the trails around us. We can help to keep trails in good condition and ensure that they remain safe, enjoyable and accessible for all riders. So if you’re looking to make a difference in your local trails, get involved in trail maintenance and make your voice heard!
