Trail Riders

May 1, 2012 at 13:28
by Paul Snyder  
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Something is rotten in the state of Denmark.

Luckily, there is a group of dedicated trail builders trying to put things right. They are called Trail Builders Copenhagen (TBC), and though still relatively new, they have had some noteworthy successes to date. Prior to their inception, all trail features had to be natural; that is to say no unnatural materials such as nails were allowed by the forestry ministry. Trail work consisted of trimming back branches in the summer months when they grew out over the trail at face level, and not much more. Trail days were far and few between, and the idea of building structures like ladder bridges was unheard of, despite the pleas of a select few. That has all changed now.

Photo by Niels Ramm


The sport of mountain biking has exploded exponentially the last few years in Denmark, meaning not only an increase in revenue for mountain bike related businesses, but also an increase in erosion of the trails in this flat country with sandy soil that turns to mud at even the threat of rain. This has been a mixed blessing. A Sunday ride where you and your friends once had the trail almost to yourselves is now cluttered with other riders. Braiding is a major problem, increasing what was once singletrack to several meter wide quadrupletrack. On the other hand, the scarred landscape has finally got the attention of the forestry ministry. With success stories and examples from advocacy groups such as IMBA and NSMBA, TBC finally got through, and the first ladder bridges began to appear in the local forests just north of Copenhagen. Trail days have now become more frequent and more organized, and not just those arranged by TBC. Others have followed suit from the local clubs, and the need for sign-ups on trail days only attests to the number of willing volunteers who want to come out and make a difference, and perhaps take some pride in their own contributions the next time they are out riding a new or refurbished section of trail with their friends. It's been a real positive turn, and it seems people have not only seen the benefits concerning trail conditions and sustainability with ladders and rock work as compared to massive mudholes, but how much fun they can be to ride, as well. (The bridge pictured below is an old one, and not one of TBC's.)

Photo by Niels Ramm

Photo by Niels Ramm

And it's not just the local riders that have seen the light. The forestry ministry is so on board, that they asked TBC to make a video showing one of the local trails to promote mountain biking on their website. Naturally, they said yes! The video, entitled simple "Trail Riders", represents a major breakthrough for trail advocacy and the spirit of cooperation between government bodies and mountain bikers here in Copenhagen. We can all look forward to a summer full of fun and exciting trail days with great improvemnets to our trails!

Photo by Niels Ramm

Photo by Niels Ramm
(Photos by Niels Ramm)

Something is awesome in the state of Denmark, and Trail Builders Copenhagen are stoked to be a part of it!

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