Mountain bike to increase stewardship. You read that right. Mountain bikers are the single largest group of volunteers who conscientiously build and maintain sustainable trails. Because many of these trails benefit other recreational users, mountain biking has thus increased awareness of the importance of stewardship of the land for us all.
Chris & Mac
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Mountain bike to increase stewardship. You read that right. Mountain bikers are the single largest group of volunteers who conscientiously build and maintain sustainable trails. Because many of these trails benefit other recreational users, mountain biking has thus increased awareness of the importance of stewardship of the land for us all.
SUSTAINABLE TRAIL BUILDING GAINS ACCESS
With greater awareness of the impacts users have on trail systems, mountain biker groups are on the forefront of responsible trail building.
With the support of the IMBA (International Mountain Biking Association), mountain bikers are leading the charge to build sustainable trails which follow the contours of the land and have erosion prevention and user management as priorities. Sustainable trails mean minimal impact by all user groups. Volunteer mountain biking groups take responsibility for building and maintaining such trails, creating access to trails and nature. Through their efforts, mountain bikers demonstrate the dual importance of sustainability and access as they work tirelessly to show how sustainable trails for mountain biking do not degrade the land. Their efforts are exceptional and applauded, however it also takes people acting responsibly to not only gain access, but to keep trails open.
RESPONSIBLE CARE AND USE KEEPS ACCESS
In 1988,the IMBA revived the Depression era Civilian Conservation Corps philosophy of contour design, applying it to building and maintaining mountain biking trails.
With low impact and sustainability as the primary focus for trail building, old trails are re-routed to different areas and re-built. Elevated wooden “bridges” span sensitive areas so they will not be degraded by trail users. Areas subject to trail “spread” get rock and tree limb borders to keep riders on single track. Signage at trailheads asks bikers to “keep single track single” by keeping their bikes at all times on the trail, or to not ride after a rain if soils don’t drain well. Mountain bikers get it, and they work to educate the community for the benefit of all, making these “requests” in a sincere effort to protect the trails and the surrounding areas.
Mountain bikers understand their role, and are on the forefront of conservation efforts through sustainable trail building. Sadly, the community is an underappreciated and often maligned steward of the land. This perception needs to change. Happily, as more people are exposed to mountain biking this change is taking place.
Gear We Use for Mountain Biking
To see descriptions of the gear Chris & Mac use for mountain biking, as well as links to manufacturers and retailers offering the gear for sale, please CLICK HERE.
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