2010: The Year of the Trail

2010 is going to be a good year.

Two major initiatives have been launched in the past twelve months that are going to put trail building, maintenance and general awareness in the forefront of mountain bikers throughout New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.

Amidst controversy over usage of the Hillsborough trail area a group of individuals dedicated to the creation and preservation of the trails has been formed. These individuals took the time to approach the proper officials in their community, did their research and proposed a management philosophy that will undoubtedly allow mountain bikers to enjoy the trails in the Hillsborough area for years to come.

In Nova Scotia, a provincial trail association has been formed to monitor and assist in the maintenance, creation and protection of trails throughout the province. A few years ago the Annapolis Valley Mountain Bike Association was formed and made headway in reaching Department of Natural Resources personal and securing a lease on the land that arguably one of the best trail systems in the province is located on (the Links). The provincial association is aiming to achieve similar goals throughout Nova Scotia.

If we look back there have always been trail heroes who worked diligently to ensure we had trails to ride on. Now we are recognizing that a stronger voice is necessary to make sure the hard work is protected for the masses. As cities and towns grow larger, the number of land users grow as well. With the right people listening to the bikers and trail builders, then advocating on their behalf, groups like the one in Hillsborough and Nova Scotia will help retain our trails.

Just as important they will also showcase our responsibility to the trail systems we design and build, eventually gaining the proper respect amongst our political leaders and fellow trail users.

Of course, the most important piece of the puzzle is the local trail builder: the person who would rather spend a day by themselves or with a few good friends building kilometers of sweet singletrack. One person I know aptly calls trailbuilding therapy, and I tend to agree with him.

These newly formed associations, as well as, the many that currently exist are vital to the sustainability of our sport. We may play different roles towards the common goal but together we will have more trails to enjoy in the future.