It's Passion, Not Work...

[m33p]

Who else feels the same about trail work? I been working a trail for the past few months and I have really found out that I love working on trails. If I didn't have school or work I think I would be working on the trails everyday, I sometimes enjoy it more than riding my bike. Even if it's the most boring thing to do like fill in a mud hole, I get a great feeling of appreciation from riders passing by and I feel great myself for helping the sport. Nothing feels better than having finished off a section and have someone riding down and give you major praise for the work. Just fills amkes you feel like a god in some ways. I love the feeling you get when you are all alone on a mountain and you are just in complete awe of the beauy of the forest, the sounds the serenety and the sweet smell of the near cedar trees.

Just a happy little rant from a local trail worker.

[LostBoyScout]

It's...

-A chance to use your creativity
-Taking pride in something to call 'yours'
-Working with nature in a way you can appreciate it
-Doing something for others and yourself at the same time

Trail work is certainly rewarding in many ways. I think a lot of bikers decide to do trail work because they want that pride, but then realize how much work it is to actually make something GOOD, and then stop - and I really respect those who put in the work to finish what they start. KUDOS!! I know I have a hard time sometimes finishing sections where I get in a little over my head.

[billop]

Do you build alone? I find that when I/we finish something that it's not only fun to ride but it's also a beautiful site. I'd go a lot more often on biulding trips but no one else goes. Thats why I wanted to know whether you go alone or not.

[trail worker]

I often enjoy building trails more so than riding...it's a shame that more people don't do more maintenance/building. Living in a beautiful place where nature is free is wonderful, and to not take advantage of our surroundings would be inane.
long live trail building..the worlds best relaxation technique seconded only by riding itself.

[m33p]

Originally posted by Szymon
Do you build alone? I find that when I/we finish something that it's not only fun to ride but it's also a beautiful site. I'd go a lot more often on biulding trips but no one else goes. Thats why I wanted to know whether you go alone or not.

I build alon and with friends, but building alone is really peacefull, although building with another person you get more done faster.

[switch]

Trail work is indeed both fun, and rewarding. But you need to have the right tools or it can be frustrating. Fortunately, wood, rock, and sand/gravel are in abundance on the north shore, which makes it a lot easier. I'd hate to be packing in wood or rocks to any trail.

[LostBoyScout]

Sometimes building alone is nice - being able to do what you want and when you want to, being in full control. But sometimes it's kinda lonely and boring, if you're doing something tedious.. and you're more likely to get freaked out if you hear something in the bush :D

[ATN]

Originally posted by LostBoyScout
Sometimes building alone is nice - being able to do what you want and when you want to, being in full control. But sometimes it's kinda lonely and boring, if you're doing something tedious.. and you're more likely to get freaked out if you hear something in the bush :D

The best thing is having someone on the same wavelength as you.

[Pat T.®]

I really enjoy trail building, prolly why I drive so far to do it. We did some work on 7th and when we were done Jay came down and rode it a few times while Digger filmed him....that was pretty cool. But even just diggen some nice rocks to fill in a hole is rewarding at the end of the day. And meeting new people everytime I come up. This year I am going to "try" and hit all the traildays and maybe get in some riding on the shore this year, since I only rode it once last year (which was in the snow, way cool btw).

[Putty]

one word:

Therapy!

and I love the smell of cedar/pre-mix

Lately, I have been enjoying building more than biking, mind you I have not yet ridden anything I built, so that may change once I do.

I agree, fun all around.

[Sharon]

Its a part of riding...

When you've ridden in the same area long enough and you see how the trails change, not necessarily for the better, you have to do something about it.

That and its very rewarding.

[switch]

Originally posted by Sharon
Its a part of riding...


Yes, and I also feel a little guilt when I'm using something that someone else has worked hard on and I've not contributed. When I found out how much effort/time trail builders put in, it made me feel like a trail whore. Giving back something - anything - has been redeeming.

[barry]

i actually enjoy building more than riding, i got a place i go to, where theres an XC trail, and 5-20 foot cliffs littered below it, i could just go up there and chill makin rock drops all my life:love:

it is actually what i plan to do after graduation as well, but i plan to upgrade myself to the BIG mountain:D

[tazzmenn]

There are alot more trails then people willing to work on them. I have seen the volume of traffice increase greatly. More then most trails can handle. And heavy rutting is occuring on the best lines. Most trails are starting to widen from riders avoiding rocks that are placed to fill holes. what to do