BLUF (Bottom Line Up Front)
The study, Doubles, Drops, and Ditches: Deconstructing the Art of the Mountain Bike Trail-Builder by Taylor & Sand (2021), investigates the design principles and philosophies behind mountain bike trail construction. Through semi-structured interviews with professional trail builders in Scotland and Germany, the research highlights key aspects of trail design, such as flow, sustainability, risk management, and rider experience optimization. The findings underscore the delicate balance between creating exciting and challenging trails while ensuring environmental sustainability and minimizing conflicts with other trail users.
Key Discussion Points
Purpose of the Study
With the rise in popularity of mountain biking, purpose-built trail centers have emerged to provide riders with structured, well-maintained routes. However, little research exists on how trail builders design and construct trails to optimize rider experience. This study sought to explore:
- How trail builders balance safety and thrill in trail design.
- The principles of flow and how they enhance rider experience.
- The impact of environmental sustainability on trail-building decisions.
- The differences in trail-building approaches between Scotland and Germany.
- Strategies to reduce conflict with other outdoor user groups.
By interviewing experienced trail builders, the study provides insight into how trails are crafted to cater to different skill levels while remaining challenging, natural, and engaging.
Trail Design: Balancing Thrill, Safety, and Sustainability
Understanding Flow in Trail Building
A central theme of the study is flow, a term commonly used by mountain bikers to describe a trail that allows for smooth, rhythmic riding with minimal interruptions. Flow is essential for creating an enjoyable riding experience and reducing the need for excessive braking, which in turn minimizes trail maintenance requirements. The study found that:
- Trail builders design trails to encourage natural speed control, using terrain features rather than artificial obstacles.
- Sight lines are crucial—riders should be able to anticipate turns and obstacles without abrupt surprises.
- Flow-focused trails lead to a more immersive riding experience, allowing bikers to feel “in sync” with the terrain.
Safety Considerations in Trail Design
While mountain bikers seek thrills, trail builders must ensure a balance between risk and rider safety. The study found that experienced builders use subtle design elements to control speed and reduce the likelihood of crashes:
- Berms and natural features are strategically placed to encourage safe cornering.
- Drops and jumps are designed with progression in mind, allowing less experienced riders to bypass or roll over technical features.
- Trail grading systems, adapted from ski resorts, help riders select trails suited to their skill level.
The findings suggest that trail designers influence rider behavior without making them feel overly controlled, creating an engaging experience that still prioritizes safety.
Sustainability and Environmental Considerations
One of the most pressing challenges in trail building is sustainability. Poorly constructed trails can lead to erosion, habitat destruction, and increased maintenance costs. The study highlights several best practices employed by professional trail builders:
- Trails should fit the landscape rather than being imposed on it.
- Local materials (e.g., soil, rock) should be used to maintain a natural aesthetic.
- Drainage planning is essential to prevent erosion and reduce maintenance needs.
- Minimizing tree removal and integrating trails into the natural environment reduces ecological impact.
While sustainability is a major concern, the study notes that recreational trails also serve to concentrate use in designated areas, potentially reducing damage to more fragile environments.
Trail Building in Scotland vs. Germany
The study compares trail-building approaches in Scotland and Germany, revealing distinct challenges in each country.
| Country | Trail-Building Landscape | Challenges | Solutions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scotland | Well-established trail centers with government and private investment | High rider expectations for diverse and challenging trails | Extensive planning, structured maintenance programs |
| Germany | Fewer official trail centers, reliance on unofficial trails | Legal barriers, land-use conflicts, negative public perception of mountain biking | Advocacy for designated trails, efforts to legitimize trail networks |
In Scotland, trail centers have been embraced as a key part of the outdoor recreation industry, leading to formalized trail networks with clear funding and maintenance structures. In Germany, however, mountain biking often conflicts with existing land-use policies, leading to issues with trail access and legal responsibilities.
Trail builders in both countries emphasized the importance of community engagement in overcoming these challenges. In Germany, where trail building is less formalized, builders advocate for better cooperation between landowners, governments, and bikers to create more sustainable, legal trails.
Trail Builders as Experience Engineers
The study positions trail builders as co-creators of the mountain biking experience, carefully crafting trails that shape how riders interact with the landscape. The findings suggest that trail design plays a crucial role in defining how riders experience the sport:
- Natural vs. Engineered Trails: While some riders prefer “natural” trails, purpose-built trails allow for greater control over safety, sustainability, and experience.
- Rider Progression: Trail builders design features to help riders develop technical skills over time, ensuring long-term engagement with the sport.
- The Psychology of Play: Many trails are designed to evoke a sense of freedom and play, allowing riders to escape from everyday life and embrace the thrill of movement.
Trail builders, therefore, act not just as environmental designers but as experienced engineers, shaping the way riders engage with the sport at both physical and psychological levels.
Managing Conflicts with Other Trail Users
A significant challenge in trail building is reducing conflicts between mountain bikers and other outdoor enthusiasts (e.g., hikers, horseback riders). The study found that successful strategies include:
- Dedicated bike trails to separate users and reduce collisions.
- Clear signage and education to promote trail-sharing etiquette.
- Community engagement to ensure that trails meet the needs of all outdoor users.
Trail builders in Scotland and Germany agreed that collaborative planning with landowners and local communities is essential for reducing conflicts and promoting sustainable trail networks.
Conclusion
The study Doubles, Drops, and Ditches provides valuable insights into the art and science of mountain bike trail building. The research highlights how trail builders must balance thrill and safety, integrate trails with the landscape, and ensure long-term sustainability. The findings emphasize that successful trail design is about more than just constructing a path—it’s about shaping experiences.
My experience as an intermediate-level mountain biker in Montana has led to a greater appreciation of the art and science of trail-making. Over the last year, work has been underway to build several new routes at one of my local trail areas. I’ve been amazed at how the routes are scouted and constructed out of nothing but forested hillsides. How do they figure out how to read the terrain to make the trail so damn fun? As with many things, having a basic understanding of the challenge makes you appreciate the process of finding the solution.
As mountain biking continues to grow, trail builders will play an increasingly important role in defining the sport’s future. This article provides a glimpse behind the curtain of considerations and processes that drive the trail-building process.
Bibliography
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Taylor, S., & Sand, M. (2021). Doubles, drops and ditches: Deconstructing the art of the mountain bike trail-builder. Journal of Outdoor Recreation and Tourism, 33, Article 100364. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jort.2020.100364