Many rural communities believe in trails.

What they often lack is not vision or volunteer energy, but capacity. Professional planning. Technical expertise. Strategic direction. The kind of groundwork that helps trail projects move from good ideas to fundable, buildable realities.

That is exactly where the 2026 Trail Accelerator Grants from the International Mountain Bicycling Association come in.

Trail building is evolving, and Volume 3, Issue 2 of Trail Builder Magazine reflects that shift through six feature stories on trail building, technology, tools, and global trail communities. From long-term stewardship to new jumplines, from digital design tools to remote trail networks, this issue explores how trails are being planned, built, and cared for today.

Sean Benesh, editor of Trail Builder Magazine, shares insights from his upcoming talk at the Spirit World fundraiser in Patagonia, Arizona. The event supports the Arizona Trail and highlights how gravel cycling can spark rural revitalization, strengthen communities, and build momentum for trail-based tourism and economic growth.

When I first started Trail Builder Magazine, the vision was simple: create a platform where the people shaping our trails could finally have their stories told. Riders, racers, and brands have always had a voice in mountain biking, but trail builders, the ones in the dirt, behind the tools, rarely did. That’s the gap this magazine was born to fill.

Our new free guide, Trail Towns from Scratch, walks you through the first steps … from building community support to putting on your first gravel event. Packed with real-world case studies and actionable insights, this is your starting point if you’ve ever looked around and thought, “We could build something here.”

A newly released report from the Trust for Public Land (TPL), developed in partnership with the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA), shines a spotlight on something trail builders have long known: mountain biking trails don’t just create smiles—they create jobs, tourism, and opportunity.

Storytelling isn’t just about recounting events; it’s about creating connections. For Trail Builder Magazine, the stories we tell are purposefully crafted to resonate with you. As we roll out our new subscription model, we want you to understand the heart behind our content—the reasons why we do what we do.

At Trail Builder Magazine, we’re not just publishing a magazine—we’re building a community. Our new 2025 Media Kit is about more than advertising; it’s about connecting your brand with the passionate, dedicated trail builders who make mountain biking possible. Not only that, but as I shared from the outset of launching this magazine, my goal is transparency. Even if you’re not a potential advertiser, you can see what our rates are.

For the past year, we’ve been laying the groundwork for something new—something built for the trail builders, advocates, and industry pros who shape the places we ride. After countless conversations and feedback from our community, we’re excited to finally say: Trail Builder Magazine subscriptions are almost here!

We're thrilled to share this press release not only because Old Man Mountain is a proud sponsor but also because it celebrates the incredible intersection of trail building, mountain biking, and bikepacking—communities and disciplines that embody the spirit of exploration and adventure.