Pinkbike Poll: Do You Do Trail Work?

Feb 21, 2015 at 19:19
by Mike Levy  
As any builder will tell you, trails don't make themselves. That sweet ribbon of singletrack, rocky downhill course, and burly jump line were very likely made by relatively few people who were armed with a couple of shovels, some buckets, and a few other hand tools, and it probably took a lot longer to get the job done than most riders would assume. Their hard work is appreciated by all of us, no doubt about that, and many towns have a solid turnout of volunteers at their trail days to lend a hand. Nevertheless, it's probably fair to say that the number of riders who regularly pick up a shovel is pretty small compared to the total number of mountain bikers out there.

Building andShaping Process

Shovel work on a new line in Sun Valley, Idaho. If you build it, they will come.


In a perfect world, all riders would contribute to building in some way, however small, but that whole ''life'' thing can get in the way. If you've got a proper adult job, travel often, have a family to spend time with, or other grown-up responsibilities that only let you get on the bike a few times a month, how eager are you going to be to spend one of those days moving dirt? Intimidating trail bosses, not knowing what you're allowed and not allowed to do, or simply being lazy can also conspire to see you do more critiquing than constructing. But shouldn't you contribute to the very thing that make those few days on the bike every month so damn fun? I'm the absolute last person to shame anyone when it comes to building given that I only get out to a couple of trail days each year, and I can't stand the holier than thou attitude that seems to radiate off of some builders, but anyone who's spent a few hours helping the cause by carrying buckets of dirt or clearing bush knows how rewarding the feeling can be, not to mention that you get to leave tire tracks on your work soon after.

With all that in mind, I'm genuinely curious what the numbers look like: how many who answer the poll do weekly trail work? How many never pick up a shovel?



Author Info:
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Member since Oct 18, 2005
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248 Comments
  • 196 1
 I cannot believe that that is the top answer! i am constantly building/repairing tracks all over the country and i could definitely count on one hand the amount of times over the past ten years i have seen other people trail building i wanna go where all the guys are that state they build every week sounds like heaven to me!
  • 27 0
 We build mainly in the winter when it's too shitty to ride, then none during the summer unless something's been trashed. We built shit loads just before xmas but haven't ridden it. Just waiting for the weather to improve, and we can make the finishing touches. Not long now...
  • 50 2
 I don't know about everyone else in the survey, but 95% of all the building i do is in my back yard. I would imagine it is similar with other people, maybe not in their backyard but atleast private trails.
  • 48 1
 Yeah in agree that top answer can NOT be right. Its just the people who lay in bed thinking about going to build but never do then go on social media and talk about a million ideas for the trails, and again never following up tue words with any action. I CANT stand these people.
  • 3 0
 As a local to my local trail centre with a very close committee made up of mates, I know where the shovels are and what they can and cant be used for. Every time I go up I try do an hour of fixing before riding. We all do and generally that lets us keep on top of it all but I fully understand people coming up to use an abuse, just make sure you keep your local spot tip-top when we come across to do the same!
  • 11 0
 Anyway here in Russia we have huge lack of parks. No dig-no ride. Literally. No ecxeptions.
  • 28 1
 or it could be a large number of pinkbike users are active in their local trail community. Maybe not building brand new features, but maintenance of existing features is a never ending process especially if the trails are ridden hard and often.
  • 3 0
 well i pretty much love to build. but here it is sand... so i need to bring in the dirt by HAND. you see that demotivates. also i try to ride everyday. so in winter that means never stop digging. other peoples work inspire me. and i would love to be part of a crew and have a place. expl nangles place looks so dope. anyways if i can work with pure dirt for me that like so cool. you shape it and its done. costructing you own stuff. is just part of the game. and dont forget only the real riders will do efforts to get things done.
  • 25 0
 We also have to remember that we have seasons in our lives when we can build and some when we can't. When my kids were babies I maybe had 30min to an hour once a week to get away and ride and I was thankful for those who could build while I couldnt. Now I have more time and I pay it back with building.
  • 3 1
 Yah I'd say its accurate. You're average PB'er is more involved then the weekend warriors that dont care to build or are not as interested to the same degree in riding.
  • 10 1
 I build for a living, sometimes, I can't believe they pay me to build trail, but it's happening! I build in my back yard and for fun at work as well though, it's just a habit. I DON'T do much building with our local organization, because they have an extremely limited mindset on what ppl are looking for and pretty much everything I have tried has been shot down, because it's "too extreme". Then again I don't ride the local trails much, I ride the ones I built, and when I do start riding them again, then I'll show up to a couple work days and do my time. I very much believe in the "No dig, No ride" policy, and I do have a family, I understand the priorities, but at the same time, the trails don't build themselves, and the few trail warriors who have put in countless hours to make it happen need to be reminded that not everyone takes them for granted all the time. Ride three weekends out of the month and build one or two days on the other weekend, that's how it should be.
  • 28 0
 in our area 10% of the people do 100% of the work.
  • 2 0
 Petty much build every week all year long really , not many others can be bothered to build or maintain so it's pretty much a full time job. I really don't think people realise the amount of thought , effort and emotion that goes into building or realise that there could be many more trails if they could be bothered to build too , but at the same time it's good that many don't build as it's more space for me to wedge more lines in !
  • 6 23
flag Smell-The-Glove (Mar 6, 2015 at 6:49) (Below Threshold)
 The poll is way off. Look at all the excuses here: "i dont have time, i barely have time to ride". But you have time to ride so you have time to build. Im fn sick of 10% doing 100% and this year ive been pretty demotivated. Still, i do my part unlike all you "im so busy" wankers.
  • 10 1
 I wouldn't say I go out w/ shovel and rake each week, but I clean up trails just about every time I get on my bike. Moving down logs, sticks, protruding branches, packing dirt on cut-up features, ect. It's an easy way to balance those "life" responsibilities while still giving back to the trails that I love riding. I still answered this poll to digging only a handful of times each year, aka full dig days.
  • 13 0
 We have a spot 2 minutes from us with jumps and a pumptrack. When we first started digging there, not many people knew about it and not many people rode there. After a year and a half of working multiple times a week after classes are finished, the jumps and pumptrack are in the best condition they've ever been in, and yes, you guessed it, people decide to show up and ride everything like it just appeared there magically. It's pretty frustrating that some of the people just show up and start riding WHILE we are digging. That's probably the most disrespectful thing you can do. It takes all of my self restraint not to flatten their face with my shovel. "Woops, didn't see you there. I was busy working on the jumps you are riding...". Unless you have spent tons of time on your own spot, you'll never fully understand what goes into building a set of trails.
  • 15 0
 TRUTH "Unless you have spent tons of time on your own spot, you'll never fully understand what goes into building a set of trails."
  • 5 0
 i have two years plus logged into an exclusive two miler downhill
  • 9 1
 moving sticks or logs on the trail is definitely needed while people are out riding, but that's hardly doing work on trails, that's just something everyone should do whenever they encounter it.
  • 9 2
 We have to understand that some people do actually have no time to dig, most of these guys (not all) have full time jobs or newly born kids, what one can do in that case is ask'em to cooperate with money to rent equipment then, you will do your job much faster with heavy duty equipment and both will have a sense of accomplishment and ownership. One day the 16 years olds that build will be in the same situation, they wont have time to build but they will have the money to cooperate and so the cycle continues.
  • 5 0
 This poll is so wrong! I'm out 3 to 4 times a week building. I only a couple other people building who I'm working with from time to time lol. In this town no one builds...
  • 5 1
 @makripper not all bikers are in Pinkbike, I live in a town where there is approximately 1000 riders, only my crew of 10 know Pinkbike exists and I am the only one that has a Pinkbike account. Under that logic only 0.1% of riders have the possibility to answer the poll. This is using the info I have handy.
  • 3 0
 We can't dig on our trails in Boise. Pretty lame.
  • 4 0
 Digging is my sport as riding my bike. I have my own spot. I always like to see people come and ride, enjoy my work. And honestly, I don't need helps. No one can shape like I want, like I imagine, this is my trail, and I prefer to keep my enjoying to dig for me. They can do what they want on other trail, not mine Smile
  • 4 0
 @wizido that's the attitude man, seems selfcentered but it isn't at all, you share and enjoy sharing, the problem with building is that people focus too much on people that don't work, rather than enjoy the time building and if possible with the people that do help to build. People that don't to the any building will always exist, why bitter oneself because of that?
  • 1 2
 @jesusrendon did you take a poll to see how many people in your town use Pinkbike? I don't care who uses it and who doesn't use it. I see some maintenance from other people a couple times a year, but that's it.
  • 6 0
 Top answer is wrong, you can count on one hand the amount of guys putting work into our local network
  • 4 0
 Never seen you out markbe.... so you can't be one of the top answer by your logic and I build all the time. Smile
just because you don't see us does not mean we don't exist. Just means we are stealth ninja builders.... well I am not. I post everything on a closed group on Facebook. We have 269 members currently.
  • 1 0
 @wizido I wish it were that simple. Unfortunately, some people have a sense of entitlement when they show up at the trails. That's what I have a problem with the most. If you show up to someone else's spot and they are digging, you ALWAYS ask if they need help digging before you hop on your bike. No matter what.

This is a good read for folks who are not familiar with their local scene. bmx.transworld.net/features/10-things-trails
  • 3 0
 Yeah this poll is fun, but on a full scale, it is a complete misrepresentation of what actually goes on. In Aus the council builds registered trails, there is build days but they get pretty small turn outs. If you wanna build yourself, you have to have private land or build illegally. I'd say for at least 80% of riders, the thought of picking up a shovel doesn't seem to occur to them.
  • 11 0
 en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_desirability_bias
Voluntary response samples are always biased. 1000s of PB users will simply ignore this poll. Of those who ignore the poll, they will disproportinately fall into the 'never' or 'rarely' categories. People who do trailwork are for more likely to take the poll, in order to give information that reflects well on them.

Polls on PB are clickbait. Nothing wrong with that. It's good social media content. Just don't use the data for anything.
  • 3 0
 I will admit that I have never been out to a trail build day for my local trails and I reflected that in my poll response.. There are a ton of reasons: All the build days are on Saturday and that's one day I never have free. I am a stay at home dad with two little girls and one more on the way...I barely get to ride let alone build anything. Lastly, you can't even think of touching a trail around here with a tool if it's not on a designated trail work day unless you want a fat fine and your bike confiscated. Still, with all those reasons I still feel guilty and I hope the situation changes so I can put in my time.
  • 4 3
 i read the same b.s. all the time,it go's like this,i have a job no time to dig,i have a wife and kids no time to dig,i go to school no time to dig,i got a bike i got time to ride sorry can't help you on trail got no time.HEY if you got time its your choice,we all make are own time so think about it next time you have time cause we all have b.s. in are life.
  • 4 0
 i built a trail last year, an official project from my mtb club.
the trail was not open to ride, but everybody was using it already. so i had to start maintaining, before the trail was even finished.
it's cool to get some positive feedback and see stoked riders, but damn it sucks when you stand on the trail for 8h or so and 40-50 riders pass by!
20 of them tell you they'll help next time for sure, 5 stop for half an hour and stop you from work, 20 just ride by greeting and maybe shouting a 'thank you' and 5 neither greet, nor stop, sometimes they ride over your not finished stuff, even when you tell them not to.
if 5% of those who promised to come help, actually picked up a shovel, thats already a lot. i can't believe the polls result aswell Frown
one day, i closed the trail with some sticks and red-white construction work tape, because i worked somewhere, where you couldn't see me. some *beep* moved away my blockade and the next group nearly crashed into me. imagine working with a chainsaw at that moment... man, it can be frustrating sometimes.
but anyways it's good fun, you don't need a fitness center, you're out in the woods all day and can create the sickest things that come to your mind! i love it.
  • 3 0
 ..rarely do I see a new face sweating with a pikaxe and shovel!! or at least taking the risks...
  • 4 0
 Only people who dig answered the poll. Everyone who doesn't dig didn't even wana feel guilty about it and everyone who digs wants to brag about it as much as possible.
  • 2 0
 I dig almost every day. well I try. I cant drive so ought to make do with the woods I have.
  • 2 0
 @GinjaCal i agree that people riding while you are digging is unacceptable, but the fact that more people are riding there means you guys must be doing something right. Why not approach some of the riders and ask them to help, or even organize trail days. New people bring new perspectives and that could mean a new sweet line that you couldn't have envisioned. Many people on pb are quick to trash people who don't build, but im willing to bet that most dont actually ask for help. I know that if i found some sweet trails i wouldn't even think about building anything without permission from the original builders.
  • 3 0
 @FlowMasterO I agree, I would never build at another persons spot without permission, and I'm glad that people don't come and randomly build some weird shit. Still, when we send out a text to all the dudes that ride around us about a dig day, out of the 10+ dudes we text, maybe 1 will show up. If we're lucky, 2. For like 40 minutes. Oh well, my buddy and I are fine with just riding our jumps on our own. We'll just tell the others that they're still under construction, hahaha.
  • 3 1
 I build more than I ride, and sometimes I feel that trail building is a lost art. Nowadays anyone can just take a short drive and find some trails to ride. I build for a living and sometimes it kills me to see a group of people trashing a trail, whether it is riding it when the trails are super soft, or some hack who shows up after you have been building a line for weeks and cases all your jumps. Still, I think there is pretty good support in the mountain bike community and people are beginning to realize that trails don't just build themselves. I just wish people would figure that out sooner than later. Respect the trails, respect the builder!
  • 3 0
 I can happily say that i never dig and instead donate to the organizations that do maintain the trails i ride. Not to mention many of the trails i do ride you are not allowed to touch except when authorized by said organization. I'm lucky if i can make time to get on my bike once or twice a week, digging isn't an option.
  • 9 8
 Didn't take long for the i-am-holier-than-thou-have-a-higher-moral-ethical-order-than you trail builders/workers to comment (not limited to this first thread). Look, fellas, if you choose to spend your free-time to maintain and/or build trails then be the heavy-handed charity donor who remains anonymous. I choose to not trail work/build for several reasons, none of which are anyone's business on this thread. It shouldn't matter why one chooses not to participate, and ones that do should be humble enough to just do it and accept the fact that other people don't have to do what they think they ought to do. There are plenty of things that I do on a regular basis that that I think other people ought to do because it is the right/polite/neighborly/justly/honest thing to do, but people are people. The exercise of virtue (or in this case, trail building/maintaining) should be its own reward;expecting other people to do it because you do, in my book, makes you worse than the ones who outright admit that they don't give 2 sh!ts about it.
  • 4 1
 ^preach it bro.... On the grand scale of volunteerism, trail building can't quite stack up against serving at your local shelter, soup kitchen or salvation army.
  • 7 1
 @CaliCol I see your point, but you have to be respectful of those who build the trails you ride, and more importantly, the trails themselves. However I can vouch for almost any dedicated trailbuilder that they do not do it for recognition, or for some sort of complex. They do it cause they love the sport, and they love to build. Nothing is better than to finally ride a trail or feature that you spent days building, and to see the enjoyment that said trail brings to other people. Now most people don't have the time to build and that is more than ok. Others on the other hand don't have the money to donate to their local chapter and that too is ok. However, trail users need to recognize the amount of effort that does go into not just building but maintaining the trails that you ride.
  • 1 0
 i agree, i don't think i have ever scene anyone building on the trails i ride i basically maintain the trials i ride 99%
  • 4 9
flag CaliCol (Mar 7, 2015 at 12:21) (Below Threshold)
 alright Mr. Syndicate, you are the first of probably a few responses that are going to assume that you have to tell people (or in this case, myself) to do something. In this case it is respecting trail builders and the trails. Your second mistake (your first was believing that you can tell people what they ought to do) is that you assume that people who don't build are tire skidding vandals who do what they do only in-spite of trail builders and maintainers. Knock off the politically correct BS talk about respect and bringing smiles to faces, etc. read what I wrote and respond accordingly, not telling me what I ought to believe, respect or anything else otherwise. I can't remeber the last time I destroyed any part of any trail, or was rude to a person working on a trail.

And, yes, you just displayed the holier-than-thou attitude I mentioned in the first post. Be the heavy-handed donor to charity who remains anonymous,......
  • 1 3
 Just because you haven't doesn't mean other people don't. Lots of people go ride trails when its muddy/soft in spite of signage at the trail head specifically asking them not to.

Your response is also completely out of proportion to his comment.
  • 4 0
 I build/maintain because I want the best possible session all the time, and I want nothing less than dialed trails and jumps. Everyone else benefits from my needs, I could care less. I have friends who have much more extensive roles in life be it family or career related, so I understand not everyone can be slingin a spade.
  • 9 2
 @CaliCol you're just starting to sound like a douche. Like I said before, unless you've built your own trails, you will never understand what kind of effort gets put in. Trust me, we don't build trails for people like you. We build for ourselves, and people that will be appreciative of the time we put in for their enjoyment. If you're not going to help build, which is totally your decision, you should at least be appreciative of those who do chose to build. Don't bite the hand that feeds you. You may get hit in the face with a shovel.
  • 2 3
 @calicook,its guys like you that think you no,u don't,go park your bike,to come here and think trail build is not your deal,well thats your deal,you think small mind,you ride your bike think next time you drop your plastic water bottle in the trash.IS IT magic it go's away,no so think.SOMEONE made it so you can be all that on your bike,just like the things u careless about,we all have a choice to help or not,,,.o put that cow bell back or is it on your bike from the last ride!
  • 4 1
 @CaliCol grow up man. I don't know what your deal is but you are beginning not only to sound like a complete douche, but a hypocrite. In one hand you criticize trail builders and all those who volunteer to keep up the trails we ride, saying they do it for some "holier than thou" complex and to gain recognition, and in the next you state yourself as a "heavy handed donor to charity who remains anonymous"... but by saying this, you are not anonymous.. but honestly it doesn't matter what one person thinks, sorry if I offended you Mr. Col, I was merely exercising my 1st amendment rights and giving my broad opinion which isn't just directed at you, as I do not know you or what you do on the trails. But before I go, I want to get something through your head. IF THERE IS NO TRAILBUILDERS, THERE IS NO TRAILS. IF THERE IS NO TRAILS, THERE IS NO MOUNTIAN BIKING, AND NONE OF US WOULD BE HERE IN THE FIRST PLACE. Even if you chose to donate instead of trailbuild, someone out there still has to build the trails... its not a hard concept... and if you don't like that, maybe you should take up something else, like football. Anyways, good day to you, look out for shovels, they tend to hurt.
  • 3 0
 where I ride, the trail was built by goats passing, years after years, not a single shovel was used.
  • 3 0
 jesusrendon... we have huge beavers that nibble through trees and these mad sheep that escape from the local fields and eat all the vegetation down to the best dirt on the hill. Its amazing what beaver / sheep can do.

To those who never lift a shovel... you are riding, keep up the shreddin.
To those who lift a shovel... you are digging, keep up the good work
To those who think everyone should build... build some roads to drive your car along, only dive on roads you have built.

To everyone else, whoever that may be... shred, skid, straight line the corners, whatever, just have fun dooin-yer-thaing Smile
  • 3 0
 @CaliCol, you sir, are the one displaying an aggressive, holier than though attitude. You mad bro? None of the builders I know have any desire for public recognition. They do it because they love creating/building. I understand that not all people are going to pick up a shovel, but for the love of god, please participate in some manner!!! If you don't want to dig, then why not donate some time to your local advocacy group in whatever your expertise is, be it law, photography, marketing, accounting etc. And if you don't want to do that then how about a monetary donation so they can buy insurance, tools, etc. so you can ride more trails. As with society and community in general, if you don't participate your dead weight. Just another "taker" selfishly enjoying the hard work of others...
  • 1 0
 dont forget the opposite excist too. builders that think they can afford some bad manners because they have builded it and riders are there to ruin[ride] it . ive experienced this once. dont forget that selfishness is only one of bad habits there are other bad habits too. not because you are a builder you can afford yourself the i am better attitude... but still i understand this. its a hard work and if others just keep riding without thining that can be frustrating. especially when you pick up a shovel in front of their nose and they keep riding... still we should try to respect those who are there for the good vibes. its not about its mine its from everyone. and indeed everyone should try to participate on his way. but we cannot expect this from everyone you know... not everyone is born with the we share attitude.
  • 2 2
 Wow, can't believe all the emotional responses! I only have one response to syndicate: the heavy-handed donor comment was an analogy. I have never donated to a charity in my life. For the rest of you all: Jesus, I have never read so many responses that were based off of assumptions of.......I don't know what. Been away a while due to work, would have been better to address these asap but I don't think that would have mattered, some of you are extremely very lost in some way or another.
  • 1 4
 As far as the shovel comments: if you ssa was standing in front of me face-to-face I assure you that you wouldn't say such foolish things. Okay, little 20 year-old syndicate boy.
  • 1 1
 @CaliCol, how irresponsible of you, you damn Spade Dodgers, Wink

cheers man
  • 4 0
 @CaliCol Hey man, if you ever come down to the southeast to ride the trails down here, little 20 year old syndicate boy would love to show you the kinds of things he can make with a shovel. All 6'4" 225 pounds of him... once again man, I think you're in the wrong sport. I've never once seen this much hate from someone who claims to be a rider...

cheers,
"Little Syndicate Boy"
  • 2 0
 @santacruz-syndicate lol don't feed the fat troll anymore. Just keep up the hard work man!
  • 2 1
 you can see whos the dedicated rider: calicol shared pics vids. : 0
syndicate santa : 100 +
  • 55 7
 No dig, no ride!!!
  • 9 3
 Damn straight. Every week out with a shovel in my hand stacking dirt. Spade dodgers can go have fun at the filmed to death public places.
  • 17 0
 lmao @ spade dodgers
  • 7 0
 I only ride park...and they don't let you dig.
  • 1 0
 What about clearing bush? I clear and rake more than I dig. I would dig more if I could find some decent clay. For sure I agree to no dig no ride on jump lines and trails especially if you tear up the lips landings or berms. Regular trails, as long as you help keep them clear of debris, I think that is enough. I am always trying to turn game trails and feral trails into bike trails just for fun though. Its awesome when you see the first set of other tyre tracks or meet people riding on something you made.
  • 1 0
 We dig our Dirt Jumps almost daily here in Austin, Texas
  • 36 2
 "Do You Do Trail Work?"

Sure, 5 out of 10 riders will tell you that they do. They've probably even convinced themselves that their magical tyres contribute to the trail shaping on their "only-ride-never-dig" visits to the mountains. The truth is that on dig days less than 1 out of 20 turn in.

Oh... and let's not forget the riders who come to dig days but constantly chit chat doing no work at all. Their palms are always softer than a baby's skin.
  • 6 0
 honestly if EVERYONE went out once a month to a dig day, and the digs were in different area every week, then the trails would look incredible, it doesn't take a lot of time if you split it amongst everyone, and everyone gives it an honest effort
  • 1 0
 It's funny that on dig day's everyone goes to ride skatepark...
  • 17 0
 I am often out building, I love it.
Recently purchased a Chillington hoe to make the simple mattock work easier... wow, what a tool.
I work on the regional (Scottish) downhill race tracks, will be setting many of the race tracks this year, including some "light" maintenance, I am about to become the responsible trail inspector for my local purpose built trails, including doing the required qualifications. Also responsible for maintenance plans, maintenance and upgrades.
I have a normal full time job, wife, son etc. and ride in my spare time too... haha.
I don't believe in "No dig, no ride"
I believe in (not for official trail center tracks of course) "I choose to dig, just don't ride what I am digging until I have, I earn the right to test my build. You choose to ride, enjoy the ride, just don't complain at my digging on my tracks, build your own if you don't like it"
  • 1 0
 Chillington hoes are the business I couldn't live without mine haha. What are the qualifications that you do? If you dont mind me asking. Id love to do trail building as a career but not sure where to start. I worked up in Glen Coe ski resort last season and loved it got so much experience.
  • 2 0
 My Chillington hoe is my fav tool by miles , makes my mattock pretty much redundant unless i'm stump removing. Also agree that the no dig no ride rule is not some thing I believe in , sure it would be nice to have more help but I'm not interested in forcing people that probably don't have the skills or enthusiasm to do the job properly , also when to many help on a project some people take it upon them selfs to dig when I'm not there and totally lose track of my original plans.
  • 1 0
 Hi stuart.
I don't know the qualifications yet. I have done maintenance on my local purpose built trails for years. The Woodland Trust were in the woods when I was taking out fallen trees with my trusty axe and saw. They asked if I wanted to get involved. Of course I do. They mentioned the course. It covers them for their insurance etc. To have a "qualified person" inspect etc. Will know more later this year.
  • 1 0
 Excellent work betsie, are your local trails close to Forres or nearer inverness. I've never ventured over that way much as in my head it always seems flatter. I'm currently digging at least once a week. If my house renovations wouldn't get in the way it would be a whole lot more.
  • 1 0
 There is loads over here. look up north east races on Facebook and ask to join. Smile
  • 1 0
 Check these bad boys out: goo.gl/IsSlZ1

If you want time to dig, don't buy or build a house, or breed. I've no regrets, but did both and only make it out once a month if lucky.
  • 17 1
 Based on some of the stuff I see locally I wish less of you would do trail work.
  • 1 0
 True, have seen decent trails hacked to death. Lines crossing lines with no disregard.
  • 1 0
 for sure i remember riding at a well known spot in norcal as a kid and an old guy was "fixing a lip" on the big line and my buddy hit it after he finished and said that feels like shit and rebuilt it right in front of him.
  • 11 1
 In Europe (at least for my country I know it (Austria)) every Mountain is full of walking tracks that are good fun to ride down with your bike and here nobody can say that they´ve built it and you are not allowed to ride it.
But when it comes do our dirt park/pump track it pisses me off when people skid all over the place and destroy take offs and then refuse to pick up a shovel to repair it again . Not wanting them to build, just repair what they´ve damaged.
  • 2 0
 over here it's the same, there are lot's of trails, no need to build new ones
and it's allowed to ride most of the trails
but I am waiting for the day it'll be forbidden -> because of rear tyre SKIDDING
  • 10 0
 All of you who say "I always do an hour of building before I ride" I say to you two things:

1- Thank you, without people like you there wouldn't be any trails to ride.

2- Count yourself lucky, if I have a whole hour to ride then it is because I have pushed something else aside, ducked out of work early etc.
  • 5 20
flag Smell-The-Glove (Mar 6, 2015 at 6:37) (Below Threshold)
 Yeah me too im so busy blah blah blah... bs excuse
  • 10 0
 ^ dude, must be hard to dig trails considering you seem to spend most of your time working on your Troll Hole
  • 9 0
 I dont think no dig no ride is fair. I/we have built loads locally and 95% of the people who ride the trails dont dig, in fact its not an issue - i enjoy other people enjoying the work. If you build on public land its the publics trails and they can ride and walk on them, you have to accept that. The only problem is when people deceide to change or add features the trail you've built. Then its a case of go and build your own elsewhere. bad show that!
  • 1 0
 you obviously don't have people casing jumps front wheel, rolling over some of them, skidding over the back of berms and taking out landings because they cant clear it.
  • 1 0
 Yeah we do! Riding far too wet trails, Leaving ruts in jumps blowing through berms, putting berms one of camber corners .....................
  • 14 1
 Does it count if you get paid?
  • 12 0
 You've got the dream life my friend!
  • 1 0
 I was thinking the samething, haha, we're just the lucky ones!
  • 10 0
 Maybe you should add another poll selection:
I don't dig, but I support my local club in other ways (donating money, supporting fundraising events, etc).
  • 5 0
 Or "I work all week and have to drive two hours to get to trails, but I help out when I can!"
  • 12 1
 No. In Finland we have this thing called riding natural. Walkers and those dogging people tread the trails. And bears.
  • 14 0
 >those dogging people

www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=dogging&defid=1070506
  • 3 1
 I'll second that for natural trails. My locals have come about by just being ridden. Once you've ridden a regular route through the trees a few times the ground lays up nicely. Slide the back end around some tight corners and a natural berm will slowly appear. I wouldn't have it any other way. No locals can wreck your 'work' because you haven't done any, and it doesn't matter if 'that turn' gets a bit cut up, cos it's only happened through use.
  • 7 0
 Highly sceptical about the post results already! I hear a lot of talk and good intentions regarding construction and maintinance, but little to no evidence of others work in my area. Just as well though. Too many people creating would get messy! But a hand with maintinance is always welcome...
  • 6 0
 When I was a student I used to build more than ride but as there's no legal trails within in hours of my house that was all a bit dodgy, now being a 30 something with career and family I cant risk getting in trouble for digging on private or public land without permission, I mostly end up driving to managed trail centres several hours away or just riding local natural stuff.
  • 11 0
 only ryd park
  • 10 0
 People are blatantly lying in this poll.
  • 4 0
 Maybe the people that really don't care aren't on PinkBike. Maybe the ones that don't dig, don't click on an article/poll about digging.

I mean, there are 5 comments on this page "I get paid to dig". Do you really think this accurately reflects the entire mountain biking demographic? Hell no...

The 1000 people right now that have answered the poll that say they dig weekly, are probably 10% of the people in our sport that actually dig. The 650 that have said they never dig are probably 0.01% of those that don't actually dig.

That said, I agree with your sentiments. In my town we have hundreds and hundreds of riders, but a core of maybe 10 trail builders/maintainers. Plus the couple dozen or so people that sometimes show up on trail maintenance days. But we also have an awesome group of people dedicated to keeping access open. It's great!
  • 6 0
 I started building when i moved to an island with practically zero mtb, now i have two trails that make me proud and trust me when i say that the rainforest demands a LOT of maintaineance!!

btw I call bullsh#t on that poll above !!!
  • 1 0
 You're forgetting that pinkbike users are representative of the more dedicated, hardcore demographic of mountainbikers who are more likely than casual users to build and maintain trails
  • 10 5
 Going to be honest, I have never picked up a shovel to dig or maintain a trail. I'm have no objection to doing so though, If I won the lottery the first thing I would do is buy a piece of woodland and build a maze of trails. My local area doesn't have much in the way of trails. For every 30secs of trail riding you have about 15mins of road riding to do. So I see no point in trying to progress something that will eventually be built on. as I generally travel at least an hour or more to ride, it seems a bit much to travel that far to spend a few hours digging.
  • 4 1
 Agreed. My 'local' spot is nearly 2 hours drive away, I'd love to help out on dig days, but they only do them on days when I'm working.
  • 2 0
 That is rough to drive that far to ride. I am fortunate enough to have 5 spots within 20-30 minutes, and when I forgot my axle the other day I almost blew a head gasket. Hopefully you boys come prepared!
  • 2 0
 always try to spend half hour getting my stuff together the night before so I know I've not forgotten anything. There's a few times we have got 30mins down the road and realised somebody has forgotten a helmet or their shoes.
Biggest problem I find is the weather. 2 hours down the road the weather can be completely different so half the time I take various gloves/jackets etc so i can decide what to wear when I get there.
  • 2 0
 I'm with you there. For those of us who don't have trail centres on our doorsteps and live in city centres, trail work in urban areas is more often than not illegal without permission, and if you get permission to dig there is the health and safety dudes to deal with. It can be very difficult if not impossible for many people to go and dig a full trail. I try to add features to areas that are public rights of way, but have to be careful not to get in the way of other users. Digging up my local park would not go down well!!!
  • 8 13
flag Smell-The-Glove (Mar 6, 2015 at 6:35) (Below Threshold)
 So youll drive an hour to ride but not to help dig? Thats a fn weak excuse. Leave the bike at home one day and pack a shovel.
  • 4 1
 I have no objection to putting in the hard work, I just don't see a situation where my help is needed. The majority of trails I ride are trail centres that are maintained by the forestry commission or natural terrain in places like the dales where you are riding on well established bridleways. You can't just turn up one sunday afternoon and start digging.
  • 1 0
 Hey J, one of the points about digging is that you can have something local that didn't exist before, that you don't have to drive a couple of hours away to ride. Imagine the 4 hour round trip with you and a mate in the car. That's 8 man hours of hard labour you could put in. I'm certainly not saying your lazy. But trail building is almost another sport in itself, if that makes sense. You either love it or don't. I swing a pick because I love to create something new. Once you start building you look at the hill as a giant canvas and never look at it the same again.
  • 1 0
 I see your point. Do people find they have a lot of 'spare' land locally to them to start a trail?
Unfortunetly from my flat Window I see 8 takeaways and a weatherspoons there's not much in the way of open land. A few miles down the road is greenbelt but virtually every inch of that is farmland full of crops
  • 1 0
 Quite the opposite about the spare land. When I used to live in manc, you wouldn't believe the number of trails and jumps on the smallest slither of land next to a motorway. Let's face it, how far can you cycle from your flat? Pretty far in just an hour. I bet you could find some amazing scrap of land. Which brings me to the next point. What happened to the excitement of adventure and exploration? Go and find new places. Remember the days when your friends would knock on the door, coming out to play? Go and play dude!
  • 5 0
 bunch of fibbers on this pole. even in my home town there a few people that claim to be builders but you never see them anywhere or result of their hard work. the general mix I'd say is most riders go out a couple times a year and do some basic maintenance. Which is enough to keep our trials clear and runnin, so no complaints here. Thats better than everyone expecting only a couple people to do it all.
  • 2 0
 True. If a trail is well thought out it should require pretty minimal maintenance. The REAL work is in starting from scratch, which not many do. This might actually be a good thing though, in a way, because it takes a significant amount of experience to route a trail the right way the first time, both to minimize impact and to make it fun. If I headed out into the woods by myself with a shovel the results would likely be a muddy disaster that isn't even fun to ride. The best bet is to hook up with a local trail organization.
  • 4 0
 For you guys that say 'I can't believe you are not in the bush daily'. You're lucky. Why? I live where it's flat and every inch of land is owned by someone. Anything area that's taller than a house is owned by a ski hill. I help out with local trail days with a club but they are more interested in making the trails accessible for mom and the kids, change anything and you'll be hung. Two of the closest ski hills don't really want anything to do with mtb'ers. It's a real pain in the ass living around here...the mtb parks don't want help, even at the beginning of the season thanks to our good old friend- Liability. If this is not the case where you live, consider yourself lucky.

On a side note, if I built a line like the one in the picture at the top I'd be on the 6 o'clock news live with a helicopter hovering overhead. "Tonight at 6, terrorist training camp or crop circles, Channel 2 investigates"
  • 3 1
 Just grab a can of spray paint and write in big letters on the ground "it's ok, just another man cave".
  • 5 0
 Hard to believe the results. Guessing there are some long noses out there. I can say locally here in Sedona it is a small percentage of people who show up to build and seems the same story is true at the surrounding areas.
  • 6 0
 Trail work with the rear tire Big Grin
Joke aside, I you've never used a shovel you definitely missed something !
  • 3 0
 I mostly ride natural stuff that has public access so i cant really get away with any building on those trails other than the occasional sly 'improvement'. There's a few projects starting up nearby which i should probably help out with though.
  • 3 0
 Mike Levy, thank you for writing about this topic. There is no doubt in my mind that every regular user of a trail or trail network should contribute in one manner or another. It's just not fair to all those who dedicate a tremendous amount of their time building rather then riding. I'm not sure the "no dig, no ride" mantra is the right approach. But if you don't dig then you can certainly help pay for your local builder's tools either directly, or through a local advocacy group. Tools are expensive, and once again it's not fair that builder's have to carry the cost for them. I would say that's the minimum a person should do. But a simple gesture like offering to carry buckets of dirt for 10 minutes (or offering a beer!) is also appreciated. The way I see it, if you've got enough cash for a 5k bike you can afford to donate $15/month to your local advocacy group. And, if you've got enough time to ride a couple of times a week you can spare a few minutes to help a guy out.
  • 3 0
 I certainly wish the 1000's of riders that use and enjoy all the Santa Cruz/UC trails would pick up a shovel now and then to help out now and then... If we all could give up a ride once in a while for trail duty our trails wouldn't be so torn up & blown out... I seem to meet Soooo many riders that take pride in the "Fck" trail work Im a shredder brah Attitude.. Sickens me
  • 2 0
 I was part of a solid trail building crew in Tokai South Africa, lots of red tape just to get the smallest thing done... but we tried our best. A few days ago our entire mountain burned and all our hard work went up in flames... I am hoping that this will galvinize the riders to band together and once we get the go ahead from the government (mountain is currently not safe) we can go an d create new lines with better features. Peace from Cape Town, South Africa.
  • 6 0
 I just do what needs to be done.
  • 2 0
 I used to build pretty regularly - my degree/master's and full time work on top of this have meant I rarely even get out on the bike, let alone have time to build, sadly. I'd like to be at a point some day where I can earn enough to live comfortably whilst having more time for digging/riding, but for now I'm just going to have to slog it out and earn enough money to pay the bills.
  • 2 0
 I want to do some digging on the Quantocks (triscombe) as some of the trails are in a real $h1t state with no flow but when I ask about who to talk to, how to close off (one run at a time) a trail so it can be re-worked all I ever get is a leave it alone reply and for that reason I have never picked up a shovel at my now local trails.

The biggest p1$$ take is when you talk to people they all complain that the drainage is rubbish and the trails are in poor condition!
All it takes is a couple of good weekends and 20(ish) people and you can have a great well maintained, safe network for all skill levels!!!
  • 1 0
 i do ride and work on little bits of triscombe! drainage is a never ending battle there as the rain makes the ruts/holes deeper and it fills with the black slop again! all i do is sort out one little bit at a time make sure you are well visible so riders can see you on approach and slow down!
  • 3 1
 I built atleast 3 times a week after work and almost one full day on the weekends and everyone sucks cause they never wanna help. I live at the bottom gate way to virgin and work on every trail , that every one in this word just shows up and rides and thrives and then they leave well I want to see people who come to virgin and southern utah that come more than 2 times a year to show up with out a bike for aweekend and just trail build and help. For example ME And Some Homies Spent About 50 Hrs Fixing flying MOnkey and king kong. Then rampage weekend 100plus people rode it theN It was destroyed again. People need to come show there love
  • 1 0
 Haha. Good one!
  • 2 0
 I have put in loads of time digging over the years. Since starting a family, I find myself volunteering when I can, but it's more of a stewardship thing these days. Fixing and repairing. Keeping things sustainable. Cleaning up. I owe it to the trails that have given me so much.
  • 2 0
 I build for my own fulfilment. Building sustainable trails in Jamaica is my deal. Trails anyone can use not just cyclists but I expect farmers with loads on their heads or a donkey carrying a load. Riding trails I build is FAR more enjoyable than having a rider going out and finding existing paths and walking trails and claiming them to be THEIR trails. The only thing I do not want to see is any motorized vehicle on them. Massive respect to all builders and trail stewards out there with a rake or shovel.
  • 2 0
 We build. Durham Forest Mountain Biking Association
And this is going to be our biggest trail build. If you live/ride in the GTA
Come out and help us build 12km of new singletrack
durhammountainbiking.ca/news/dagmar-grant-announcement
  • 2 0
 It's hard to build trails In California because of fish and game, rangers, and the general population known as stupid f*cks who ruin everything. Why spend days or weeks building something that some hiker is going to report, or sabatage; that will just be torn down anyway?
  • 2 0
 I would love to see a study done to determine how many and how often people lie on questionnaires and polls... but then you couldn't very well trust the results of that study, now could you?

For the record, I've never done any trail maintenance or building, ever...

But at least I'm not lying about it.
  • 2 0
 Not all trail work is digging, there is shop time when saws and tools need sharpening and such. Logs turned into lumber on portable mills for use on future projects. Contacting and organizing folks for workdays. Stomping the brush for days looking for proper trail alignments. This all adds up. Imo, everyone says they have built trails, in reality very few have, it's too much work. I believe not everyone should build as so many people are hacks and butcher the landscape.
  • 2 0
 Up until very recently I admit I have never done any trail work , working 6 days per week with a family has made my riding time very precious. But now I am separated from my wife , I have way more time on my hands and I am digging my local woods a few times per week. I have built a sweet 45 s run dh track right by my house, I hit it 3 times today after I got home from work and some other trails I am working on , really enjoying riding my own lines. I 'm sure most of would dig if we had the time.
  • 2 0
 I do my part to help clean up existing trails in the Santa Cruz,Northstar,Downieville area when i ride them. Not building but maintaining. But about a year ago i moved to a property above Soquel. I have been building my dream trail. Very,very satisfying! Will be riding my line 1st time this weekend! Whew hoo!
  • 2 0
 For those that havent built fir a long time and living in a little mountain village with no much of a local group tjat can get together so much. Get a dog. You'll be lonley on the slopes. Here we got a huge amount of bears so i hot me a alarm dog with me Smile
  • 1 0
 I get paid to build trails. It's pretty freaking fantastic. I get to spend my work week in some of the most beautiful places, working with great people, to accomplish a common goal. It makes up for the fact that the pay is shit and government bureaucracy is shittier.
  • 1 0
 I build my own yard almost daily. And if not I'm using a shovel anyways to do other things like gardening and cleaning up the yard. Unfortunately I'm recovering from knee surgery so no shovels for at least 6 weeks and pretty bummed about it
  • 1 0
 The trails my wife, some friends and myself maintain are under ~10 feet of snow for 6 months a year so that limits the amount of time we can do work on them. That said we are in there every month or 6 weeks when the snow is melted. The 5-6 hour drive to the trail head also limits the number of days we work on them.
~~~~~
We also do maintenance on trails in a local park.
  • 1 0
 I'm out every week - and unfortunately, where I dig, there are around 5-10 of us who do it regularly with maybe 3-4 volunteers turning up each month. There are over 100,000 visitors per year (that's total visits - so if someone rides once a week, that's 52 visits).

Still, it's a lot of people and very few volunteers. If you turn it into a percentage...it's 0.01%.
  • 1 0
 At our trail more people will donate $ but not time.
  • 1 0
 I would love to be able to build more and am working on that actually, but for now it is more important to work and support my family than build trails. I always built when others were building when i was a teen and had time now i work 55+ hours a week and only have the weekends to ride and catch up on everything else i dont have time to do during the week, so ATM i dont build anywhere near as much as i want, but i have found an amazing spot for a jump/slopestyle type line that a friend and i will work on as soon as the snow is gone and another spot for a shuttleable DH trail that another friend and i will be working on when the snow melts. And when i win the lottery and can build a bike park like my dream has been for the last 14 years that i have been riding a bike my job will be building Smile
  • 1 0
 Two friends and I are going into our forth year building and about to finish a down hill trail that includes a climbing trail. It has been a lot of hard work and the payoff for us is riding and enjoying it ourselves and seeing and hearing of others also enjoying it. I don't give two s&@ts if they also build, who cares. To me all my time and effort is worth it when I get the high fives from other riders after riding our trail. Also not everyone can build a proper trail.
  • 5 1
 Not as much as I'd like to working a 60 hour week Few years ago I developed back problems from digging my trails!
  • 2 0
 Every week/month I spend a lot of time to build or renovate singletracks that I usually ride. Sometimes I'm alone to work, therefore the work is very long to finish but when all is completed, satisfaction pays!
  • 1 0
 I used to do a lot more. Upstate NY doesn't have much so when you can build or maintain you should. Since moving out here I just haven't had the time or inclination. I should find a local trail crew to work with and make some time.
  • 2 0
 I am so busy with work and school that I never have time to build. I wish I could, and it is one of my bigger regrets. Maybe this spring I will head out. I think the local trail is adding an additional section.
  • 5 9
flag Smell-The-Glove (Mar 6, 2015 at 6:41) (Below Threshold)
 But you have time to ride and post on pb?
  • 2 0
 I have 2 feet of snow outside. I have a good excuse.
  • 2 0
 Unfortunate thing about trail building are the riders who ride the trail before it's open, leaving the trails less perfect and you not being the first to ride them, making your reward that less special.
  • 1 0
 I used to build trails all the time, probably more hours spent digging than I actually riding at times. Legit trails, secret trails, the lot. But now I don't live near trails and have a grown up job that doesn't give me much time to ride and/or dig. I have to travel almost an hour to ride now and have started using trail centres more often and pay to use their facilities. It's not the same but art least I'm sti supporting the builders.
  • 1 0
 I usually build a few times a month, usually working on neighborhood trails to add more bike features to them and fix up other issues. It makes you respect the people who build massive bike parks and the amount of work it takes. If you count working on backyard trails though I work almost every day!
  • 1 0
 I wish I had more opportunities to dig. The majority of trail work on the Front Range in Colorado consists of de-berming, smoothing "eroded" sections and lame re-routes. I would jump at the opportunity to build a new, bike specific trail.
  • 1 0
 Like many, I build weekly Spring and Fall. The reason you don't see me is that I work on pirate trails and jump lines I don't want you to know about. Hardcore riders will build something they can get to quickly. I try to stay away and off of XC trails built by trail groups. Too many joeies and self righteous trail builders.
  • 4 0
 Its fun and rewarding to build, until some strava/youtube dork ruins it for everybody else.
  • 1 0
 At the moment, no. But a couple of years ago i did help establish some local DJ trails over several seasons, put on some events and so on, so like to think that I did my service to the community. If it was mandatory to do trail work for a couple of seasons, 3-5 times a year, I think there would be a lot more trails out there.
  • 1 0
 I live in a national park where the network is strictly controlled and building trail can come with a hefty fine. We have organized trail build days and if you are unable to attend on those specific times then you roll the dice going it alone. The way the trail is built is organized by a single body and then approved and having built trail elsewhere where you get more input, it definitely kills the magic a bit... Dont mistake this for complaining- I love where I live and love my local scene. It is just a comment.
  • 1 0
 Is there a difference from a "trail builder" and a "trail cleaner after a big ass storm"? If so, I would be the trail cleaner! I come from a time where the original trail builders in an unspotted area where the motocross riders laying ground with their rear tire and then following it up with consistent laps on our mountain bikes. Made for really tight and technical single tracks! Props to those who build currently! Personally I don't have the time to get out there and build and then ride. I have to choose one and that is riding!
  • 1 0
 Ive been digging on the same spot for a long time. We have a descent DH track a sweet flow trail and a huge jump line and a huge xc single track system. Over the years a lot of people have come and gone as far as help digging goes. I can say that a local biking association keeps most of the xc stuff rideable and maintained. As far as all the man made cool buff out stuff....well lets just say you can count them on one hand. We get loads of traffic from the locals but no one shows when its time to dig but they will ride on the trails with their groups when its wet ruin the place but never show up to repair.
  • 1 0
 Imagine the trails we would all be riding if this poll was accurate. People have very different perspectives or definitions of 'trail building' in their minds, so I guess you need to be more specific to get a more accurate poll. It is a bit disrespectful to the people truly out there devoting countless hours for your riding pleasure to claim you are out there every week. If you mean that you stop and clear down trees or spot maitenance when you see it, then a heartful thankyou for your efforts, but my interpretation of 'building' is the actual visualization, walking lines, digging, raking, cutting of the lines you are helpng maintain. Imagine the trails we would all be riding if people were even doing this type of maitenance 'weekly'. thanks again to all those people putting anything into the trails. you have made my life better no matter how much, or how often. chapeau to you.
  • 1 0
 My observation (which is completely unscientific) is that some of the popular bike areas (esp. Rotorua) have had a massive increase in the number of riders but these are from mainly from outside the region. However, because the pool of trail builders are locals this hasn't increased to the same degree which is putting an unfair load on these builders. There is no easy fix for this I suppose but from my perspective when I go to Rotorua in particular I make sure I donate some funds to help the trail building cause.
  • 1 0
 In my area, there are trail days scheduled every second weekend. If I'm in town, I go. Sometimes it will be for an hour, sometimes half a day. I've brought my kids (7 and 9), too. It doesn't always make for the most productive "work day" for me, but I want to establish the concept of giving back early on, having a sense of community, etc.

I'm newly returned to the mountain, so it's a great way to meet people. The people that are out there building are the ones worth meeting.
  • 1 0
 I build all the time I'm the only builder, creator, trail fixer, chainsawer around. I do it for me and my community if people wanna come ride my trails they are welcome to. Since making my trails semi public I see about 100 user days on my trails and not by me so the more that ride them the more they get packed in. I wish i had more help but you dont always get what you wish for. Share the fun! Build trails! Ride trails!
  • 1 0
 I had a dirt jump park that took up almost two acres in high school. I had over 3000 hours into that park when we had to tear it down. I tried again with a public DJ park supported by the county, but I was late to the party (the project was two years old), and I was the only person involved that knew how to build a park. I tried, but I couldn't get enough done and attract the attention necessary during that summer to keep the board interested in the project. I work six days a week, and when things are busy I put in about 100 hours a week. I've been touching up a little pump track in the next town over lately. There isn't much else to ride up here at school, plus it gives me an excuse to dig.
  • 1 0
 Where me and my mate dig. we do every Wednesday night and every first Sunday of the mouth so people can help out. But we only get one or to helpers. We try all sorts of things to get people to help life face book and Twitter but still the same old. no one wants to help. But they all say what a good job your doing and that they love the place
  • 1 0
 I feel like the people that answered "I'm often doing some sort of trail work at least every week." like the idea of this. but I am willing to bet that 75% of the people who say they do do not. I have been working on a trail for the past year, I always have people say they will come help and slang the dirt. I can count the people who have actually come out to help on one hand.
  • 1 0
 I find it is best to work on the trails with people who have the same idea as one. I see stuff and share with others to get input..To me comeing from a sk8brder mind I use the transitions in the trails for lines into hits and berms. love building berms and let me tell you it is way easier to have a escuvator than have to dig barrel by barrel and shovel by shovel..The Tarheeltrailblazers are great people to work with and Scott Hubbs is a legend out here...Anyway , the answer is yes ,, I love to build trails..Ride a Bike...
  • 1 0
 There are more people digging and building then there was a decade ago. Digging and building is contagious and riding your work is always more rewarding then someone else's.

Tons of people do trail maintenance and trail work. However there are way less people whom take on a commitment to scout and create entirely new trails from start to finish. Projects like those can take several years to complete and you find yourself only digging and rarely riding with out a saw in your pack.

I feel all aspects of trail work/building are good, but remember why we even picked up a shovel in the first place. We all learned to ride a bike before we started to build a trail or jump.
  • 1 0
 My local hill has a professional crew that build and won't let everyday hacks dig because we might stuff up their work. but there is a river near my house which is begging for a goat track to be dug into it
  • 1 3
 A little less talk and a lot more action
  • 1 0
 Picking up a shovel feels just as good as getting on my bike. And the feeling of riding what you've been involved in building feels even better. But I must admit, I can't pick up a shovel as much as I would like to Frown
  • 1 0
 Always ! Me, my bro and some friends keep digging every spring and summer at local trails in Narva, Estonia. This is hard work, but if you want to ride you must do this, so I love it.
  • 4 0
 At least15 hours a week. My back is usually ruined by the spring
  • 2 0
 Me too. After at least one day a week for the last 10 years my back's stuffed and I've had surgery on two hernias, but I'm addicted to trail building. I love creating, improving and maintaining the trails I ride. I've had a couple of willing hard working helpers along the way, but sadly most of the people who ride my work have never lifted a finger to help. Lots of promises, but no action. Too selfish to get off their bikes and dig.
  • 3 0
 I can definitely sympathise with that last bit; I've lost count of the number of people who've said they'd come down and help but never do.
  • 1 0
 I do some work since 2007 i do the best to keep the trail and still have to do more work on it as the season is just about to start soon but i got surgery now and need to recover first Smile
  • 2 1
 keep your own little spot private and only allow anyone near it if they are accompanied by yourself, that way they will appreciate the work you have put in and they can help maintain the trails
  • 3 0
 TAp & TORCA - they help me get out with their organized trail days. Thank you!!
  • 2 0
 became somewhat addicted to digging a few years ago and have come to prefer working solo.(no offence to riding friends and volunteers
  • 1 0
 I did do quite a bit of digging back in the uk, but since moving here none. There are so many trails already in existence ! Plus the dig days fell on a work day. This summer I shall try and rectify this
  • 1 1
 I've never built a trail in my life, it's difficult to do on forestry commission land, but if I come across a trail by chance I'll ride it and most probably appreciate the hard work that's gone into it because it's given me a bit of pleasure too. You can't just condemn those people who don't dig ...
  • 2 0
 My back feels well enough to ride daily at the moment, but won't hold up to spade work. Therefore, I donate $ to trail builders locally and nationally.
  • 3 1
 not a trail builder but a trail worker , i have worked on several mountains and several trails with a great group of people thru the FVMBA
  • 2 0
 It's illegal to work on my local jumps in sherwood park. The city does maintenance once a year and they charge you with vandalism if you try to work on the jumps at all.
  • 2 0
 I don't do trail work but I never ride trails in the mud either. I feel like I should help out more. People that ride in the mud should be required to do trail work.
  • 1 0
 I was really pleasantly surprised at the amount of people who offer up their free time to help. There's far more people out there willing to pick up a shovel than I first thought.
  • 1 0
 just recently been digging a jump and some one came along a knocked it down days of hard work ruined Frown and may i add no it wasn't private land.
  • 2 1
 Start over, show them your the trail boss
  • 1 0
 i used to dig but it got torn down, now im mostly street and park. when i visit someone else's master piece im there to help just as much as i am to ride Smile
  • 1 0
 The poll results don't mean much. Most of the riders you see on the trails that don't do anything else are mostly not on Pinkbike.
  • 3 0
 Definitely more work than ride the last couple of years.
  • 3 0
 No trail work per say, but I'll try to grab some litter while I'm out.
  • 2 1
 The most trail work I've done is pick up some branches that someone left in the middle of the trail. Does that count? I'm not into jumping so I just ride the lokal trails.
  • 3 0
 some people consider trail work pushing dirt with their foot
  • 1 0
 I started riding in socal, where you can not dig period. Now I'm in the north wet and look forward to picking up that shovel.
  • 1 0
 Once a week, depends on if i'm free. No dig, No ride, and what I'm currently digging is a new trail at my local spot, so I can ride something different.
  • 1 0
 I don't cut trail much anymore. But I'm always down to throw dirt on existing trails, usually maintenance. Repacking berms and lips, raking and post windstorm cleanup.
  • 1 0
 The results of this poll are such BS. First comment got it right, there is no way more people maintain trails than those who don't.
  • 1 0
 I dont do trail werk, hardly have time to ride. I hope one day that will change and I will do lottza trail werk and lottza riding
  • 1 0
 get a shovel and start building otherwise your riding time won't get any better !!!
  • 1 0
 I build my own trails by myself and all of my mates don't get how long it takes to build a jump.
  • 1 0
 Sad truth is hardly anyone in my area ever picks up a shovel. 15 years ago trail work was the only way to earn your ride.
  • 2 1
 If i'm not sleeping, I'm riding. And If I'm not sleeping, I'm digging, because remember, no dig means no ride
  • 2 0
 Hard when the entire region is filled wish overcrowded brush and thorns
  • 3 1
 Way to many responses of people doing nothing
  • 2 0
 Dig it. Send it. Dig more. Send more. Yeah... I can dig it.
  • 1 0
 Do I do trail work......... I bust my ass doin trail work, an than bust my ass on the trail haha!!!!!
  • 1 1
 If you're in the Tucson area, & want to dig more: torca.org www.facebook.com/TucsonTORCA EVERY pair of hands helps.
  • 1 0
 Does maintaining the trails on your personal property count?

anyone want to come help me?
  • 1 0
 There are very few organized trail workdays here, its pretty annoying and some of the trails definitely need work
  • 1 0
 I like shaping more than riding.... and the sensation when you ride your own track and jump is the best ever !!! !!!! !!!!
  • 1 0
 Lots of bullshitters on this survey obviously, the majority builds once a week? lol
  • 2 0
 i don't think the poll results are super accurate...
  • 1 1
 I never ever, ever dig any kind of Trail. I have no intention, no interest and am never likely to. Just want to post one of the few honest comments.
  • 1 0
 Had to answer no but that will change very soon, will help at demo flow and tamarancho.
  • 1 0
 im the only real trail builder in my town.
  • 1 0
 i've got some jumps in my field/garden that i work on occasionly
  • 1 1
 In spring I try and get in as much building as I can… sometimes 20 hours a week. Everything always needs work
  • 1 0
 Wow I´m work there a few months ago
  • 5 3
 no dig, no ride
  • 1 1
 Word
  • 1 0
 Wish I had some trails to work on or new ones to build.
  • 1 0
 I love cows. They make trails then we eat them.
  • 1 0
 i find it hard to do trail work when there is no trails to work on.
  • 1 0
 I've made trail work a career!
  • 1 0
 WE BUILD MORE THAN WE RIDE DIRT JUMPS ARE EFFORT
  • 1 0
 Build smaller dirt jumps they'll be less effort. Plus, then I'll be able to ride them. Love always Rainy day pump track lover Xoxo
  • 1 0
 Trail work is rarely legal around where I live.
  • 1 1
 I hate when there is a bad segment of trail and the builders don't hurry up and fix it.
  • 1 0
 Thats sad....
  • 2 0
 no dig, no ride !
  • 1 0
 I do trail work every single ride.
  • 1 0
 I will do trail work if a trail needs it
  • 1 0
 I invented mountain biking. As if I have to build the trails too.
  • 1 0
 HHa actually I do more building then riding hah.
  • 1 0
 I build trails. How many brownies do I win ?
  • 2 2
 Rogue Hoe ftw. Best trail tool imo
  • 1 0
 MORE RULES PLEASE!
  • 1 0
 Always digging.
  • 1 0
 it's my job...
  • 1 2
 Build it and they will come!!!
  • 7 0
 I already came. lets spoon.
  • 1 1
 #doyouevendig
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