When Was the Last Time You Did Trail Work?

No guilt here; we're just looking for an honest answer! Trail building and maintenance takes time, but it's also necessary.

By Jeff Barber
September 25, 2022

15 comments

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No guilt here; we’re just looking for an honest answer! Trail building and maintenance takes time, and for many it’s a chore. I know for me, mountain biking is the thing I do to avoid my chores, at least the ones waiting for me back at home. Still, we all benefit from trail work and it’s absolutely necessary.

Bonus question for the comments: What do you think is an appropriate ratio of ride time to trail work time? Or put another way, how many hours do you think mountain bikers should dedicate to trail work each year? And if someone can’t do trail work for whatever reason, is it OK to contribute financially instead?

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15 Comments

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Sunspot Colorado // 2019
Sep 25, 2022

Frankly, the past year has not included trail work days, as I was in a fight with cancer.
Will be some time before I will be in form for such a pleasurable deed.

Over 20 years of snowmobile trail and MTB trail work under my belt. Have to say, I have missed the endeavors. The comradery on the work detail is second to none.

4 reply

enduroexpert78 Virginia // 2019
Sep 25, 2022

Ideally, I'd like to commit to one trail maintenance day per month for an annual total of 40 hours. In reality I commit to half of that. For what I can't commit to maintaining trails, I compensate financially with an annual membership to my local IMBA-recognized trail advocacy group.

2 reply

grantos Hawaii // 2021
Sep 26, 2022

I have been lucky enough to ride 1000's of miles of trails around the world that people have taken care of. Kept pristine. I work on my local trails minimally once a month. It just takes that much work to clear all the downed trees, clear the overgrowth. I enjoy riding clean/cleared trails just as much as anyone else so I get to enjoy the fruits of my labor. And thankfully I get to share these trails with visitors from all around the world.

1 reply

c_flew Texas // 2022
Sep 26, 2022

I put in a minimum of 50 hours of trailwork each year & work by myself most of the time due to my work schedule. I own a weedwhacker, hedge trimmer, loppers, etc and bring my own equipment w me. There are a few trails I volunteer with on a regular basis but I try to help as many different trails as possible.

If someone can’t volunteer for work days I think any type of donation is appreciated. Money, equipment, etc.

I also support our local club (DORBA) by paying an annual membership and volunteer for one or two events.

Robert Dobbs New York // 2016
Sep 25, 2022

Unfortunately, my local IMBA chapter is well-intentioned but unorganized, uncommunicative, and unmotivated. They only have one, maybe two, trail work sessions a year and they announce them with only 48-72 hours advanced notice, giving those of us with work and family schedules no time to reschedule and participate - sigh :(

Steven Hambleton Queensland // 2022
Sep 27, 2022

I'm doing some trail maintenance this weekend for the upcoming Crankworx event :)

0 reply

MNwayne Minnesota // 2022
Sep 30, 2022

I try ro do some trail service each time I ride and always attend trail work days. Occasionally I'll take on a larger project on my own, like mowing or weed whipping.

Steven Hambleton Queensland // 2022
Oct 1, 2022

Good on ya!

thebadpixel Delaware // 2022
Oct 3, 2022

I've got 3 miles of rolling singletrack that I'm "in charge of" keeping buff for my local State Park. I showed them I knew what I was doing and they gave me a nametag and license to do whatever is needed to keep the trail 100% - drainage, trimming, blowdowns, whatever.

I was just out on Thursday doing some de-berming and making sure nothing would block the flow when Ian's rains finally reached my area. After it's done, I'll be back in to see if anything moved around or fell over the trail.

It's a great feeling to ride that trail after all the work I put into it. All I had to do was call the park office and ask.

WilliamDsolar Michigan // 2022
Sep 27, 2022

Myself and another avid rider from Northern Michigan do trail work every week during the summer. It is irritating to us to not keep the trials as clear as possible.We always ride with clippers or a folding saw. We sometimes get texts as to where there is a problem. We invest about 1 hour a week on maintenance. Today there are 2 huge tree on our local trail that need to be cut up. This year we have cut 121 trees from the trails. Our local conservancy (GTRLC) has a trail day usually once a week. I believe it is the responsibility on all riders/hikers to improve or clear any hazards from the trail.

RetiredVTUPSer 2014
Apr 23, 2023

Once a week(or more) during riding season. Always had a folding saw in my Camelbak to cut small trees. If a chainsaw is required will use a chainsaw to keep trails cleared. Plus organize and run volunteer days and groups in Pine Hill Park. Trail maintenance does not sleep. If you frequent an area try giving back to that trail network once/month. Learn how trails come to life and stay in good shape. Contributions are fantastic but means someone is still doing the hard labor of keep trails in great shape for everyone to enjoy.

JohnnyBoyG Florida // 2022
Sep 25, 2022

Our usual trail work is second and fourth saturday every month.

OhioFatBiker Ohio // 2016
Sep 27, 2022

The team I coach replaces one practice per month with a trail work day. The kids bring a shovel, wheelbarrow and or weed whacker instead of their bike. The results have been pretty good and it seems to have inspired others to get out there as well.

Called2RideMTB Maryland // 2017
Apr 21, 2023

We (MTBMD) schedule regular trail work days based on the park we support. Right now it is twice a month (preparing for an event). Usually this time of the year is once a month, then it settles into "as needed" (but at least once every two months), and if a storm hits the park, it is "all hands on deck" until it is cleaned up.

John Finch 2016
Sep 26, 2022

I due trail improvements when I see a spot that needs to be fixed to allow lesser skilled riders to ride the spot without having to walk their bike.

-1 reply

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