Why Trail Builders Need Their Own Platform ... And Why It’s Working
Mountain biking celebrates the elite. Trail building celebrates everyone else. You show up early. Haul tools. Shape berms. Drain puddles. And most days, nobody notices. I started Trail Builder Magazine because I wanted to change that.
You’ve Been Overlooked
Let’s be honest. In mountain biking media, the spotlight is usually reserved for the racers, the influencers, the big brands. Meanwhile, you’re out there doing the hard work. Often behind the scenes, often unpaid. You do it because you care. Because trails don’t build themselves.
But for too long, trail builders like you haven’t had a place at the center of the conversation. That’s the gap I saw. That’s what I wanted to fix.
So I Created a Magazine Just for You
From day one, Trail Builder Magazine has been about you. Your stories. Your passion. Your work. Whether you’re volunteering a few weekends a year or running a full-time trail crew, this platform exists to inspire, inform, and connect you with others who share your love for trails.
Since launching, I’ve heard from builders all over the world: Argentina, Portugal, British Columbia, Arizona, New Zealand. You’ve told me how excited you are. That this is what’s been missing. That you’re glad someone finally built something for you.
And It’s Working
What started as a simple idea has grown into a global community. Our newsletter open rates are over 50%. We’ve shared stories from unsung trail heroes, featured the grit of nonprofit crews, and tackled real issues like unsanctioned builds and land access. Builders like you have shared, commented, subscribed, and most importantly ... felt seen.
This isn’t just a publication. It’s a movement. And you’re part of it.
When You Subscribe, You Get More Than a Magazine
You’re not just getting stories and sweet trail photos (though there’s plenty of that). You’re joining a community of people who get it. People who love the smell of fresh dirt, who know the difference between a bench cut and a back slope, and who believe that building trails builds something deeper.
You’ll also get exclusive discounts, early access to features, and a front-row seat to the evolution of the trail building world.
Help Me Keep This Going
I’m asking you to subscribe. Not just to support the mag, but to help grow something that belongs to all of us.
Let’s keep digging.
Subscribe today and join a global community of builders who share your passion.
Sean Benesh
Sean is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Trail Builder Mag. He is also the Communications Director for the Northwest Trail Alliance in Portland, Oregon. Sean also spends time in the classroom as a digital media instructor at Warner Pacific University.
Email: sean@trailbuildermag.com
Instagram: @seanbenesh
