Pilot IMBA Trailbuilding Crew Inspires New Trails in UK

IMBA Trail News
Volume 14, Number 4
Fall 2001

This summer IMBA launched a pilot United Kingdom Trailbuilding Crew to help clubs develop and improve riding opportunities in England, Wales and Scotland. Many UK mountain bikers must travel great distances to find high-quality trails. One goal of the pilot Trailbuilding Crew project was to teach individual riders how to organize clubs and work with land managers to build sustainable mountain biking trails close to home.

The pilot Trailbuilding Crew was a joint effort of IMBA and Forest Enterprise (FE), Britain's counterpart to the U.S. Forest Service. FE is one of the most bike-friendly land agencies anywhere, and they are working hard to create new opportunities for mountain biking. Their positive outlook on our sport is tied to the success of Coed y Brenin, an FE-managed recreation area that includes great technical trails. Coed y Brenin has breathed new life into the UK bicycling industry and the North Wales economy.

The pilot Crew's first event was a Trailbuilding School at Coed y Brenin. IMBA members came from as far away as Scotland to attend the school and ride the renowned trail network. Among the two dozen participants were leaders of the Welsh Cycling Union, the Cyclist's Touring Club and local groups like the Snowdownia Downhill Collective. This new club is taking a leadership role by working with Forest Enterprise to build authorized DH routes.

One of the highlights of the tour was working in Dalby Forest, an FE recreation area in North Yorkshire. On the way, the Crew stopped by Pace Bicycles to meet Adrian Carter, the company president who has been building trails in Dalby since the late 1970's. Inspired by the Trailbuilding School, Adrian and a group of riders launched the Singletraction Mountain Bike Club. They immediately put their new-found knowledge to work building new, sustainable trails. This is just the kind of club that IMBA wants to support; these guys are doing great work.

The Trailbuilding Crew roadtripped through England, Wales, and Scotland, visiting old friends, making new ones and teaching people how to build durable and fun mountain bike trails. We fueled new advocacy efforts and developed partnerships that will help build new trails throughout the UK.

In 2002, IMBA hopes to support UK mountain bikers with even more member benefits and a full-fledged Trailbuilding Crew as well as a continuation of our existing UK Trail Development grants. For more information on any of our activities in the UK, or to start a new IMBA-affiliated club, please contact Judd de Vall, .