6 replies to this topic

[ThomasReynolds]

I'm pursuing a Senior project in my English class centered around trails and trail building; not just for biking, but for hiking, horses, etc as well. I'd like to know, from one's specific personal perspective, why you volunteer to help build trails, and why you enjoy going out to ride trails. A very important part of the question is personal benefits.

 

Once again, here's the question:

What are some specific personal benefits of building and riding trails?

 

I'd appreciate any thoughts you'd like to provide towards my project. Thank you!

[sniker]

Personal benefit: I love to ride my mountain bike and the ability to ride what I build is so satisfying. Riding on a section that you personally built makes you proud. "I built that!"

It is a Pay It Forward type of act as well. I give back to my sport of choice and I call it good trail Karma.

Just my random thoughts.

[seamonkey]

I would echo what Steoh is mentioned. There

[KevinG]

I'm on the same page as Matt and Steph.

For me, I really enjoy the thought process that's involved with trail design and building.

There are many factors to be analyzed in designing a fun, safe, sustainable and challenging trail.

It takes time building the relationships with the land managers that ultimately allow you to build the trail.

When it all comes together and you get to ride something that you played a major part in creating and it rides just like you envisioned,  it's just plain cool!

When someone else compliments you on how much they enjoy it, that's the best.

[rockbreaker]

Another thing to add. You build some nice Trail for multiuser groups to see the smile on the Trail user's face when they realize they are on fresh built Trail is pretty special. To see a rider ride the Trail right where you intended them to ride you realize you designed the Trail perfectly.

[The Krackheads]

In no order:
Giving back, Leaving a legacy that many generations will use including my own. Karma, The opportunity to teach people, to generate interest in our sport, to get people outside and disconnect from the digital-electronic world. .

Spending time with great people who share my passion.

Seeing other trail users enjoy our work, Nothing was more reawarding today than to hear people high above us hooting and hollering while they were riding,

Gooey butter cake!!!!! Post work

[MTBKona22]

I am relatively new to GORC, but would echo many of the sentiments posted in this thread.

 

Riding a mountain bike is definitely a great way to stay in shape, but it's fun and doesn't really seem like exercise in the way that say, going to the gym is exercise.  To get the chance to ride on a trail that you built definitely increases that enjoyment level.

 

I would say that building trail allows you to give back to the biking community and in general the outdoor community in St. Louis.  There is also the added social benefit of meeting other trail users at workdays and hanging out afterwards.  Furthermore, the more miles of trails in St. Louis will lead to either more trail users or less congested trails and I would be happy with either outcome.

 

It is a pretty awesome feeling to hear people (who might not even know you helped with the trail) talk about how awesome the new Zombie trail is in Eureka and how much fun they have riding it.  It's nice to know you directly added to the enjoyment.

 

I would add one more comment for a personal benefit that I have not seen yet and wasn't necessarily seeking when I joined GORC, but it totally increases your general appreciation of trails that you might have not even helped with.  Whether it's riding out in Colorado, hiking out in Wyoming, or just riding the Ozark Trail in Missouri, all of those trails were built by the effort of trail builders.  Joining GORC has increased my appreciation of all trails, what went into them, and how fortunate we are to have them.

 

-Ben