Over the past several months, I’ve had numerous conversations with trail builders from around the world. What is remarkable is that while there are similarities in the actual craft and building trails, many of the differences lie in local governance. Not only is each country different, but the nuances of each local state/province or city/town are also unique. That’s why I enjoy this series, where we interview trail builders from around the world. We all learn something new. In this next interview, we feature and chat with Kim Christian of Natur-Projekte in Germany.

Welcome riders, builders, and readers alike. My name is Sean Collins, and I am a full-time employed trail builder here on Vancouver Island, where I was born and raised. I am excited to announce that I have teamed up with Trail Builder Mag to give readers valuable and relatable content that hopefully will provide insight into the trail building world. Maybe you just want to learn about the industry and current trends or tools being used. Or perhaps you are a rouge backwoods builder, a weekend warrior, or a full-time pro builder. I think you will find value and entertainment in this series.

Who doesn’t love free stuff? More importantly, who doesn’t love a free hand tool? We’ve partnered with Helmetor out of the UK to do a giveaway. Helmetor created the Trailblazer. On top of that, this is a custom tool with our very own Trail Builder Magazine logo laser-etched onto it.

Ok, here’s how to win …

One of the benefits of attending the International Trails Summit last week in Reno was the opportunity to connect with so many different trail builders who started their own companies. I talked with those who’re mere months into their startup and have no other employees, all the way to those who’ve now been doing it for years with numerous office staff and dozens and dozens of hired trail builders. Whether you started three months ago or eighteen years ago, everyone has an origin story. Our latest interview is with Max Van Wie of Backslope Trail Building LLC, based in Johnson, Vermont.

To say that today was amazing would be an understatement. Maybe it’s because we went outside and got to play in the dirt. Maybe all the food trucks awaiting our arrival at the Hidden Valley Regional Park had something to do with it. Was it the sunshine? Perfect weather? Or was it that breakfast burrito I had or the cortado?

Most often, as events like the International Trails Summit move forward each day, new acquaintances become friends, and conversations pick up where they left off the day before. Relationships deepen. Community forms. It almost starts to feel like family.

I didn’t get into Reno for the International Trails Summit until last night (Monday). That means today was my first full day which is perfect because it was the first full day of all the festivities starting at 7 am. Knowing there were too many great workshops and speakers to listen to, I spent my first day simply connecting and meeting people. Before I left Portland, Greg Mazu of Singletrack Trails asked me if I’d be interested in serving my Loam Coffee at his booth. I thought, why not? That was one of the best decisions I had ever made. Why?

Ok, long title. Trust me, it wasn’t my first title idea … Trail Builder Mag Invades Reno? Trail Builder Mag Occupies the International Trail Summit? Nah, we’re just showing up and hanging out with everyone there. Some of you may be wondering …. what is the International Trails Summit (ITS)? In recent conversations with several trail builders, some hadn’t heard of it. Here’s what it’s about …

These professional builder profile interview series have been a blast! We get to hear from trail builders from all over the world who are making a go of it as professionals doing this for a living. Seemingly all professional trail builders start as volunteers. Along the way, they begin wrestling with questions like … “Can I do this full-time and make a career of it?” This series is to inspire you and share their stories. Hopefully, some of you will realize this may be the nudge you need to turn your dream into a reality.

Life has a way of throwing curves at you. Most often, these unintended intrusions become enormous shaping influences on our lives. An illness … cancer … a disability … a job loss. These are all pivotal moments in our lives. As we emerge from them, we’re simply not the same. No longer can we view life and the world around us the same way. The same goes for me, mountain biking, trail building, and sustainability.