During the winter season, we are constantly on the lookout for different ways to stay involved while the weather is not cooperating. Your local work parties are an incredible way to get involved and expand/maintain your favorite local trail.
A Quick Note from 198
I am probably one of the last people that should be preaching about trail work. I do not get out and work on the trails nearly as much as I should. This article is just as much as a kick in the ass for me to get out there as it is you guys. This also means I am not one of the “you have to work on the trail” riders. There are riders that have certain strengths in different areas and trail work may not be one of them. That does not mean that you are not a viable part of the sport of mountain biking in other areas…no matter what some people might try to tell you. Find your area of mountain biking that you feel you are the most beneficial in and get involved!
For those of you that give other riders a hard time for not working on the trails, remember…you will get more volunteers through attraction (or beer) than you do with attacking. These are volunteers that are doing the work…not prison inmates. Take it easy a little bit and realize that there are more opinions than just yours!
Work Parties
Trail work is done on a constant basis, but work parties are structured much differently than normal maintenance. The benefit of work parties is the larger quantity of people can get larger projects done in a shorter amount of time. Here are some answers to typical questions about work parties and how they function.
Where can you find out when work parties are being held?
Normally…your local forum site or IMBA chapter will be able to tell you. It is also a pretty good bet that it will be posted at the trail head somewhere. When all else fails…ask someone that looks like they know.
What should I expect at a work party?
Work parties are pretty structured, so expect to get assignments. This is not a show up and do whatever you want event. There are certain tasks that are going to have to be completed. That does not mean that your opinion does not matter. If you think of a different way to do the trail, suggest it to whoever is conducting the work party. Your ideas might be able to be incorporated in the overall design.
What if I know nothing about trail building?
Come anyway! Not only are there plenty of workers that can show you the ropes, but at some point…everyone knew nothing about trail building. Come with an open mind and you will be fine.
Should I bring tools to a work party?
Yes. I would also check with the leader of that particular work party to see if there is anything that is specifically needed that you might have. Tools are normally a shortage so every little bit helps.
What if I ride up on a work party?
Normal procedure is to get off your bike and walk past the workers. This is for your safety and that of the workers, so please respect the group as you walk by. It always helps to say thank you or talk to the people involved…they are mountain bikers after-all!
I’m hungry…is there going to be food?
Check with the chapter/group putting on the work party, but a lot of times there is food afterwards. You still need to bring your own water for during the work. A hydration pack normally works out perfectly for these…just like when riding.
Get Involved!
The big thing to remember is getting involved. Whether it be a work party or some other aspect of riding, get involved with the community of mountain biking instead of just being another random rider that everyone sees at the trail head. Just like with most sports, there is a lot more to mountain biking than just riding.
Here are some shots from the last work party in my area…
