The world of trail building is changing. Traditionally seen as a male-dominated space, the industry is beginning to evolve, thanks in part to growing conversations around continuing to make the space welcoming for all. But how far have we come, and what still needs to be done? That’s exactly what our new Women Trail Builders Research set out to uncover.

Trail Builder Magazine conducted an in-depth study exploring the perceptions, barriers, and experiences of women in the trail building industry. The findings? Eye-opening. While progress is being made, significant challenges remain, and strategic communication is key to making trail building more inclusive.

On any given dig day, you’re hauling more than just dirt. You’ve got tools, snacks, and maybe a partially consumed coffee in a sealed flask precariously balanced somewhere it shouldn’t be. If you’re like me, you also want to have a camera on hand—because, let’s be honest, a well-crafted berm deserves documentation. The last thing you need? A pack that shifts,bounces, or gets in the way while you’re building or riding. That’s where the Fernhill Co. Flow Finder Waist Pack and LTL Frame Bag come in—two pieces of equipment built for those who live and breathe trail building … oh, and photography, gravel riding, mountain biking, and more.

Adventure tourism and trail building share a deep, often unspoken connection—one that extends beyond singletrack and technical descents to include the broader landscape of outdoor recreation. Gravel racing, like the Apacheria Gravel event in Douglas, Arizona, exemplifies how adventure tourism breathes life into rural communities, sparking economic growth and renewed interest in forgotten or overlooked landscapes. While it may not be a traditional trail-based event, its success underscores a vital lesson for trail builders: the more we invest in creating and maintaining spaces for outdoor adventure, the greater the opportunities for sustainable tourism and community revitalization.

In the demanding world of trail building, where safety and comfort are paramount, the Studson SHK-1 Full Brim Vented Safety Helmet emerges as an essential piece of equipment. This helmet is meticulously designed to meet the unique challenges faced by trail builders, offering a blend of advanced safety features and user-centric design elements.

The ØN3 Single Seat Organizer by ØNWRD Supply Co. is a game-changer for trail builders and mountain bikers who demand efficiency and organization at the trailhead. Designed to fit most driver and passenger seats, this organizer ensures that essential tools and gear are within arm’s reach, streamlining pre-ride preparations and post-ride cleanups.

The team at ØNWRD Supply Co. kindly sent me the ØN3 Single Seat Organizer and even participated in our recent giveaway. As the owner of a 1995 Chevy Sportvan (affectionately called Nacho the Van), I had the perfect vehicle to put the organizer to the test.

When the package arrived, I was immediately impressed by the exceptional quality. Before this, I’d been exploring plastic storage totes to organize essentials like tools, cleaning supplies, and my jump starter battery pack. The ØN3 Single Seat Organizer proved to be the perfect solution for managing my gear. So, what can you expect from it?

When it comes to building trails that flow like poetry and ride like a dream, you need tools that don’t just work—they inspire. Enter the Helmetor Trailblazer, a tool that stands as a testament to design, durability, and the unyielding spirit of the trail building community.

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 …

Trail builders, advocates, and stewards from across the nation gathered in Tucson, Arizona, for the 2024 National Trails Workshop, packed with hands-on learning, cutting-edge insights, and invaluable connections. Against the breathtaking backdrop of the Sonoran Desert, attendees explored innovative techniques, shared expertise, and delved into field workshops that emphasized everything from trail accessibility to cultural storytelling. The workshop wasn’t just about trails—it was about building a stronger, more collaborative trail community dedicated to preserving and enhancing America’s landscapes.

Alan shares the journey of how his childhood love for BMX and skateboarding evolved into a full-fledged career, his philosophy on sustainable and inclusive trail building, and his vision for Todo o Nada, the groundbreaking freeride mountain bike event he created in South America. Through his innovative approach, Alan is redefining what it means to build for the biking community while fostering growth and access for riders of all levels. Our Marketing Director sat down with Big Al for a candid conversation about his journey of trail building and what drives his passion for creating spaces where riders can connect, grow, and push their limits.

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.