For years, mountain bikers have had to tell land managers exactly what type of trail we like. For those who’ve never ridden a mountain bike, it would be reasonable to assume a wide doubletrack with gravel or wood chips is good enough. But anyone who has ridden a mountain bike knows the amount of fun that can be had on narrow and twisty singletrack.
So, now that we’ve had success in this arena, are we doing an injustice to the wide variety of different types of mountain biking? Furthermore, do all mountain bikers like the same type of trail or experience?
The answer to both of these is no. Past successes with land managers allow for future dialogue about different types of trail to suit different users needs and help prevent rogue construction. In order for the voice of mountain bikers to grow, it needs to encompass the wide variety of different styles of mountain biking that have evolved over the decades. This includes freeride, DH, dirtjumps, and all mountain. It also includes a network of beginner friendly trail that helps bring families and new riders to the sport.
The Kimberley Trails Society, who represents all trail users to land managers in the Kimberley area, knows it needs to cater to a variety of user types to be successful. Not only are they advocating for the many types of mountain bikers in the area, but also a plethora of other non-wheeled use types.
With the help of 31 (!) dedicated volunteers during the snowy build, 140 meters of sustainable, multi use singletrack was built to avoid a loose, steep section of fall line trail. Not only was the build successful because of the new trail built, but it also had representation from all aspects of the trails community: from freeride and DH to hikers and naturalists.
A great big thank you to everyone who took part in the weekend visit, to all the local businesses who donated food & lodging, and to all the folks with the KTS who organized the visit!