Trail Builder Magazine
@trailbuildermag.bsky.social
A magazine dedicated to mountain bike trails and those who build, maintain, and advocate for them. trailbuildermag.com
Here is something worth celebrating. Our next print issue is completely ad-free.
That only happened because subscriptions are growing. Your support gave us room to focus on the stories and the people doing the work. https://bit.ly/44fVkOt
That only happened because subscriptions are growing. Your support gave us room to focus on the stories and the people doing the work. https://bit.ly/44fVkOt
November 28, 2025 at 7:46 PM
Here is something worth celebrating. Our next print issue is completely ad-free.
That only happened because subscriptions are growing. Your support gave us room to focus on the stories and the people doing the work. https://bit.ly/44fVkOt
That only happened because subscriptions are growing. Your support gave us room to focus on the stories and the people doing the work. https://bit.ly/44fVkOt
Trail Builder Mag is growing in slow and steady ways. Our next print issue is a milestone, with every feature written by someone outside the US. In this month’s editor’s note, I share how rising subscriptions made it possible to publish our first fully ad-free issue.
What Happens When Trail Builder Mag Starts to Grow Up? — Trail Builder Magazine
Trail Builder Magazine is finding its rhythm. In this editor’s note, Sean shares how the publication is growing, why the next print issue is fully ad free, and how global contributors, rising subscriptions, and a clear mission are shaping its future. A behind the scenes look at how the magazine is e
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November 26, 2025 at 4:54 PM
Trail Builder Mag is growing in slow and steady ways. Our next print issue is a milestone, with every feature written by someone outside the US. In this month’s editor’s note, I share how rising subscriptions made it possible to publish our first fully ad-free issue.
November 24, 2025 at 8:49 PM
If trail work happens and no one sees it, the community never understands its value. That makes it harder to secure sponsors, donors, and partners who believe in your mission.
Social media is not hype. It is how you show the real work happening on the ground and invite others to invest in it.
Social media is not hype. It is how you show the real work happening on the ground and invite others to invest in it.
November 21, 2025 at 7:41 PM
If trail work happens and no one sees it, the community never understands its value. That makes it harder to secure sponsors, donors, and partners who believe in your mission.
Social media is not hype. It is how you show the real work happening on the ground and invite others to invest in it.
Social media is not hype. It is how you show the real work happening on the ground and invite others to invest in it.
Trail organizations do world-class work. The problem is that most people never see it.
Our new article breaks down why social media is essential for trail stewardship and how small volunteer-led groups can use simple storytelling to make their work visible.
Our new article breaks down why social media is essential for trail stewardship and how small volunteer-led groups can use simple storytelling to make their work visible.
The Missing Piece in Trail Stewardship: Why Social Media Matters More Than You Think — Trail Builder Magazine
Trail organizations do incredible work, but much of it goes unseen. This article explains why social media is essential for volunteer-led and small nonprofit trail groups, and how simple storytelling can boost visibility, attract volunteers and sponsors, and strengthen relationships with land manage
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November 19, 2025 at 4:56 PM
Trail organizations do world-class work. The problem is that most people never see it.
Our new article breaks down why social media is essential for trail stewardship and how small volunteer-led groups can use simple storytelling to make their work visible.
Our new article breaks down why social media is essential for trail stewardship and how small volunteer-led groups can use simple storytelling to make their work visible.
Every trail organization has to communicate the value of its work, and today, most of that happens online. So here is the question we are asking the trail community: What has been the most effective way to communicate the importance of your work on social media?
November 18, 2025 at 8:29 PM
Every trail organization has to communicate the value of its work, and today, most of that happens online. So here is the question we are asking the trail community: What has been the most effective way to communicate the importance of your work on social media?
When towns invest in trails instead of waiting for a mine to reopen, something powerful happens. Trails create direct & indirect jobs, support builders and local businesses, and attract new residents. Trail building is recreation and economic development.
Trails That Build Jobs: How Rural Communities Are Finding New Life Through Trail-Based Economies — Trail Builder Magazine
Trails are more than recreation—they are catalysts for rural economic growth. From Northwest Arkansas to Colorado, Idaho, and West Virginia, trail systems are creating direct and indirect jobs, driving tourism, and revitalizing small-town economies once dependent on extraction industries. Discover h
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November 12, 2025 at 5:58 PM
When towns invest in trails instead of waiting for a mine to reopen, something powerful happens. Trails create direct & indirect jobs, support builders and local businesses, and attract new residents. Trail building is recreation and economic development.
Why Trail Builder Magazine?
Mountain biking celebrates its top riders, influencers, and brands. We believe that trail builders, the unsung heroes, are integral to mountain biking. Our mission is simple: Inspire. Inform. Connect. We celebrate the people shaping trails around the world.
Mountain biking celebrates its top riders, influencers, and brands. We believe that trail builders, the unsung heroes, are integral to mountain biking. Our mission is simple: Inspire. Inform. Connect. We celebrate the people shaping trails around the world.
November 11, 2025 at 7:41 PM
Why Trail Builder Magazine?
Mountain biking celebrates its top riders, influencers, and brands. We believe that trail builders, the unsung heroes, are integral to mountain biking. Our mission is simple: Inspire. Inform. Connect. We celebrate the people shaping trails around the world.
Mountain biking celebrates its top riders, influencers, and brands. We believe that trail builders, the unsung heroes, are integral to mountain biking. Our mission is simple: Inspire. Inform. Connect. We celebrate the people shaping trails around the world.
Want to grow your volunteer base? Start with what people see.
In our research, one message came through clearly: when people see themselves represented in trail-building photos, videos, and stories, they’re more likely to join in.
In our research, one message came through clearly: when people see themselves represented in trail-building photos, videos, and stories, they’re more likely to join in.
November 10, 2025 at 4:51 PM
Want to grow your volunteer base? Start with what people see.
In our research, one message came through clearly: when people see themselves represented in trail-building photos, videos, and stories, they’re more likely to join in.
In our research, one message came through clearly: when people see themselves represented in trail-building photos, videos, and stories, they’re more likely to join in.
We've been exploring the economic impact of trails on rural communities. There will be more to come.
Here's a question I've been reflecting on lately, and I'd love your feedback: "How do you encourage visitors to spend more money in your town before and after riding?"
Here's a question I've been reflecting on lately, and I'd love your feedback: "How do you encourage visitors to spend more money in your town before and after riding?"
November 6, 2025 at 11:49 PM
We've been exploring the economic impact of trails on rural communities. There will be more to come.
Here's a question I've been reflecting on lately, and I'd love your feedback: "How do you encourage visitors to spend more money in your town before and after riding?"
Here's a question I've been reflecting on lately, and I'd love your feedback: "How do you encourage visitors to spend more money in your town before and after riding?"
Grants Pass, Oregon, is emerging as the state’s next trail town. The new Dollar Mountain Trail System is a story of collaboration between city leaders, Visit Grants Pass, and RVMBA, and a glimpse at how trails can shape a community’s future.
The Anatomy of a Trail Town: How Grants Pass Is Building Its Future on Dollar Mountain — Trail Builder Magazine
The new Dollar Mountain Trail System is transforming Grants Pass, Oregon, into a trail town. Learn how local partnerships, small businesses, and 11miles of new singletrack are helping this southern Oregon community grow its outdoor recreation economy and redefine its identity around trails.
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November 5, 2025 at 1:44 PM
Grants Pass, Oregon, is emerging as the state’s next trail town. The new Dollar Mountain Trail System is a story of collaboration between city leaders, Visit Grants Pass, and RVMBA, and a glimpse at how trails can shape a community’s future.
We hear it all the time: trails create jobs. But what does that actually look like in practice? What kind of jobs are we talking about?
November 4, 2025 at 3:46 PM
We hear it all the time: trails create jobs. But what does that actually look like in practice? What kind of jobs are we talking about?
This week I'm working on an article exploring the "anatomy of a trail town." In other words, what are the components or ingredients that are needed for a town to be alluring to mountain bikers?
What are your trail town essentials?
What are your trail town essentials?
November 3, 2025 at 6:07 PM
This week I'm working on an article exploring the "anatomy of a trail town." In other words, what are the components or ingredients that are needed for a town to be alluring to mountain bikers?
What are your trail town essentials?
What are your trail town essentials?
Trail building works best when for-profit builders and nonprofit orgs collaborate. One brings precision and equipment. The other brings people and community trust.
When those align, trails flourish. What does a great partnership look like to you?
When those align, trails flourish. What does a great partnership look like to you?
October 30, 2025 at 2:22 PM
Trail building works best when for-profit builders and nonprofit orgs collaborate. One brings precision and equipment. The other brings people and community trust.
When those align, trails flourish. What does a great partnership look like to you?
When those align, trails flourish. What does a great partnership look like to you?
When do you stop waiting and start your own trail org?
If you’ve built something from scratch in your town, what pushed you to do it?
Reply and share your tipping point. Let’s talk.
If you’ve built something from scratch in your town, what pushed you to do it?
Reply and share your tipping point. Let’s talk.
October 29, 2025 at 4:47 PM
When do you stop waiting and start your own trail org?
If you’ve built something from scratch in your town, what pushed you to do it?
Reply and share your tipping point. Let’s talk.
If you’ve built something from scratch in your town, what pushed you to do it?
Reply and share your tipping point. Let’s talk.
Just got back from Arizona after speaking at the Spirit World fundraiser for the Arizona Trail. I tossed the script and made it a convo instead. The topic? Gravel as the gateway to becoming a trail town. Here’s what I would’ve said if I stuck to the speech ...
Gravel as the Gateway to Becoming a Trail Town — Trail Builder Magazine
Discover how gravel races can spark trail-based tourism and community renewal. This story-driven piece explores rural towns like Douglas and Patagonia, AZ, showing how low-cost events build momentum, foster belonging, and lay the foundation for vibrant trail economies without losing local identity.
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October 28, 2025 at 10:25 PM
Just got back from Arizona after speaking at the Spirit World fundraiser for the Arizona Trail. I tossed the script and made it a convo instead. The topic? Gravel as the gateway to becoming a trail town. Here’s what I would’ve said if I stuck to the speech ...
Trail builders deserve a platform built for them.
Every subscription to Trail Builder Magazine funds writers, research, and a community that’s shaping the future of trails.
Subscribe now + get industry discounts ... https://bit.ly/44fVkOt
Every subscription to Trail Builder Magazine funds writers, research, and a community that’s shaping the future of trails.
Subscribe now + get industry discounts ... https://bit.ly/44fVkOt
October 27, 2025 at 9:23 PM
Trail builders deserve a platform built for them.
Every subscription to Trail Builder Magazine funds writers, research, and a community that’s shaping the future of trails.
Subscribe now + get industry discounts ... https://bit.ly/44fVkOt
Every subscription to Trail Builder Magazine funds writers, research, and a community that’s shaping the future of trails.
Subscribe now + get industry discounts ... https://bit.ly/44fVkOt
Trail building is about connection and resilience.
The same creativity that builds flow and beauty will help us adapt to a changing climate.
Trails cannot be built for the climate we remember. They have to be built for the one we have.
Read more: https://bit.ly/49dGdat
The same creativity that builds flow and beauty will help us adapt to a changing climate.
Trails cannot be built for the climate we remember. They have to be built for the one we have.
Read more: https://bit.ly/49dGdat
October 23, 2025 at 9:11 PM
Trail building is about connection and resilience.
The same creativity that builds flow and beauty will help us adapt to a changing climate.
Trails cannot be built for the climate we remember. They have to be built for the one we have.
Read more: https://bit.ly/49dGdat
The same creativity that builds flow and beauty will help us adapt to a changing climate.
Trails cannot be built for the climate we remember. They have to be built for the one we have.
Read more: https://bit.ly/49dGdat
What’s your go-to fix for wet or high-erosion areas?
October 22, 2025 at 4:18 PM
What’s your go-to fix for wet or high-erosion areas?
Trails are changing because the weather is.
Builders are learning to design for erosion, heavy rain, and unpredictable seasons.
Here’s how they’re adapting ...
Builders are learning to design for erosion, heavy rain, and unpredictable seasons.
Here’s how they’re adapting ...
Building for the Storm: Designing for a Future of Extreme Conditions — Trail Builder Magazine
Extreme weather is putting trail builders to the test. From erosion control to storm recovery, today’s crews are adapting designs and maintenance practices to build trails that can stand up to a changing climate. Here’s what’s working—and what still needs to change.
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October 21, 2025 at 7:51 PM
Trails are changing because the weather is.
Builders are learning to design for erosion, heavy rain, and unpredictable seasons.
Here’s how they’re adapting ...
Builders are learning to design for erosion, heavy rain, and unpredictable seasons.
Here’s how they’re adapting ...
How has the weather changed in the past 10 years where you live? How has that impacted trail building and trail maintenance?
October 20, 2025 at 1:13 PM
How has the weather changed in the past 10 years where you live? How has that impacted trail building and trail maintenance?
Next week, I’ll be in Patagonia, Arizona, speaking at the Spirit World fundraiser for the Arizona Trail. It’s a special event that brings together riders, organizers, and trail advocates to celebrate community and support one of the most iconic trails in the country.
From Gravel to Trails: Speaking at the Spirit World Fundraiser for the Arizona Trail — Trail Builder Magazine
Sean Benesh, editor of Trail Builder Magazine, shares insights from his upcoming talk at the Spirit World fundraiser in Patagonia, Arizona. The event supports the Arizona Trail and highlights how gravel cycling can spark rural revitalization, strengthen communities, and build momentum for trail-base
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October 16, 2025 at 10:11 PM
Next week, I’ll be in Patagonia, Arizona, speaking at the Spirit World fundraiser for the Arizona Trail. It’s a special event that brings together riders, organizers, and trail advocates to celebrate community and support one of the most iconic trails in the country.
Calling your town a “trail town” is easy.
Living up to it takes work. Before you claim the title, ask: Are our trails visitor-ready? Is our community on board? Do we have infrastructure? Are we planning ahead? Is this our identity or a slogan?
Read: https://bit.ly/3KKu5Us
Living up to it takes work. Before you claim the title, ask: Are our trails visitor-ready? Is our community on board? Do we have infrastructure? Are we planning ahead? Is this our identity or a slogan?
Read: https://bit.ly/3KKu5Us
October 15, 2025 at 2:15 PM
Calling your town a “trail town” is easy.
Living up to it takes work. Before you claim the title, ask: Are our trails visitor-ready? Is our community on board? Do we have infrastructure? Are we planning ahead? Is this our identity or a slogan?
Read: https://bit.ly/3KKu5Us
Living up to it takes work. Before you claim the title, ask: Are our trails visitor-ready? Is our community on board? Do we have infrastructure? Are we planning ahead? Is this our identity or a slogan?
Read: https://bit.ly/3KKu5Us
Which do you love more: trail stories or gear reviews?
Some of you dig deep for the behind-the-scenes stories of builds, advocacy wins, and unsung heroes. Others want the nitty-gritty on tools, gloves, and gear that can handle the gnar.
We’re here for both. But we want to hear from you.
Some of you dig deep for the behind-the-scenes stories of builds, advocacy wins, and unsung heroes. Others want the nitty-gritty on tools, gloves, and gear that can handle the gnar.
We’re here for both. But we want to hear from you.
October 14, 2025 at 1:22 PM
Which do you love more: trail stories or gear reviews?
Some of you dig deep for the behind-the-scenes stories of builds, advocacy wins, and unsung heroes. Others want the nitty-gritty on tools, gloves, and gear that can handle the gnar.
We’re here for both. But we want to hear from you.
Some of you dig deep for the behind-the-scenes stories of builds, advocacy wins, and unsung heroes. Others want the nitty-gritty on tools, gloves, and gear that can handle the gnar.
We’re here for both. But we want to hear from you.
Should your town market itself as a trail town?
Not every place with a trailhead is ready. In our latest article, we break down the benefits, risks, and five key questions every community should ask first.
Not every place with a trailhead is ready. In our latest article, we break down the benefits, risks, and five key questions every community should ask first.
Should Your Town Market Itself as a Trail Town? — Trail Builder Magazine
Wondering if your town should market itself as a trail town? This article breaks down what it really takes to earn the title—from quality trails and infrastructure to community support and long-term planning. Learn the benefits, risks, and five key questions every town should ask before embracing th
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October 13, 2025 at 12:14 PM
Should your town market itself as a trail town?
Not every place with a trailhead is ready. In our latest article, we break down the benefits, risks, and five key questions every community should ask first.
Not every place with a trailhead is ready. In our latest article, we break down the benefits, risks, and five key questions every community should ask first.