A blue trail in one mountain bike destination can feel suspiciously like a black trail somewhere else.

For experienced riders, figuring out those differences may simply be part of visiting somewhere new. But inconsistent trail ratings create a larger challenge for riders, trail builders, land managers, and destinations trying to communicate what someone should expect before dropping into a trail.

What if there were a common language?

That is the problem Mischa Crumbach and Edoardo Melchiori are attempting to address through the International Trail Rating System, or ITRS.

Trail building can take people in unexpected directions. For Zelzin Aketzalli, the path to working on trails stretches from the streets of Mexico City to mountain bike racing, thousands of miles of long-distance hiking, the jungles of Mexico, and trail projects across the United States.

Growing up in Iztapalapa, Mexico City, Aketzalli learned early how determination, sport, and time outdoors could shape a life. She went on to study engineering, race cross-country mountain bikes, complete the Pacific Crest Trail, and eventually become the first person from Mexico to complete the Triple Crown of Hiking.

Along the way, trail building became another part of that journey.

When Marcos Groenenberg left Patagonia for Whistler, British Columbia, he never intended to stay forever.

Instead, he viewed the world-renowned bike park as the ultimate classroom. For years, he immersed himself in one of the most respected trail building programs on the planet, learning not only how to build exceptional trails but also how successful trail systems can transform entire communities.

The goal was always to return home.

Today, that vision has become Patagonia Trail Evolution, a company helping shape the future of mountain biking across Argentina.

Get to know Ama Koenigshof! Ama grew up in Niles, Michigan, tearing around on go-karts and motorcycles, and roguing seed corn fields at just 11. With a fierce ‘prove you wrong’ attitude, she’s embraced every challenge, including taking up mountain biking in her thirties to stay connected to the evolving trails industry. She’s not hitting big jumps, but you’ll find her putting in the work creating and designing trails with a smile.

In a forested region in East Africa, a small group of mountain bikers is quietly building trails. There are no press releases, no grants, no signage. Just machetes, shovels, and a deep respect for the land and the communities who live alongside it. In this installment of our Unsanctioned series, we spoke with one of the builders behind these efforts. What follows is a rare window into what it means to build trails when the rules are unclear, the forest is contested, and success isn’t measured in Strava segments but in schoolchildren crossing muddy paths and reforestation crews finding safe passage.

In this interview, trailbuilder Willard Bruce reflects on his journey from BMX roots in the U.S. to shaping trails across Europe. Now based in Barcelona, he shares insights on Spain’s growing MTB scene, the challenges it faces, and why more local trailbuilders are urgently needed.

Cathy Naveaux, a DIRTT Tutor and trail advocate, shares her journey from dedicated volunteer to professional trail builder. Driven by her passion for the sport and commitment to environmental protection, she advocates for education, funding, and community collaboration to create sustainable trails.

Every week and weekend, tens of thousands of heroes trek into the woods with shovels, rakes, and mattocks to work on trails. Some are paid to do this as it is part of their livelihood and careers. Others are leading non-profit trail advocacy organizations. Most others are volunteers giving back to their local trails and communities. Each group and each person is a hero in the truest sense … courageous, noble qualities, and so much more.

Around here at Trail Builder Mag, we believe that trail builders, the unsung heroes, are integral to mountain biking. You are the heroes in the story of mountain biking.

I’m excited to share our next article in the Trail Heroes series. Even more so because we get to highlight and celebrate Stephanie Jagl-Posch from Austria. Let’s jump into this …

Tom Cole, CRC Trails’ Lead Trail Designer and Project Manager, has dedicated his career to creating some of Scotland’s most beloved mountain biking trails. From grassroots beginnings in rural Scotland to designing iconic routes, Tom’s passion for sustainable, rider-focused trails shines through every project. In this interview, Tom shares his journey into professional trail building, the challenges of creating with nature in mind, and how innovations like adaptive bike trails and e-bike networks are shaping the future of the sport. Whether it’s hand-cut paths or machine-built flow lines, Tom’s work embodies a commitment to creating unforgettable riding experiences.

We are all familiar with the phrase, “Trails don’t build themselves.” While every reader here knows that all too well, the consensus is that most mountain bikers are not always aware of who builds and maintains the trails they enjoy. In a social media post this week, we asked what obstacles you face regarding trail building. “Finding and recruiting volunteers” was one response.

So, how do we get more mountain bikers to park their bikes for a day and instead pick up a shovel, rake, or McLeod and work on trails? One possible solution is to capture the hearts and imaginations of the youth …