We are all familiar with the phrase, “Trails don’t build themselves.” While every reader here knows that all too well, the consensus is that most mountain bikers are not always aware of who builds and maintains the trails they enjoy. In a social media post this week, we asked what obstacles you face regarding trail building. “Finding and recruiting volunteers” was one response.

So, how do we get more mountain bikers to park their bikes for a day and instead pick up a shovel, rake, or McLeod and work on trails? One possible solution is to capture the hearts and imaginations of the youth …

It’s been a few months since we last published an interview in this series. In the rapidly changing world that we live in, especially as professional trail builders with projects constantly starting and finishing, even if we wait only a few months between when we get responses back from an interview to publishing it, so much has changed. I say that as a backdrop for posting this interview with Uriah Steber of Benchmark Trails.

One of the realities apparent in trail building is that it takes everyone for trails to happen. It's literally "all hands on deck." The "everyone" ranges from trail stewardship non-profits, policy and advocacy organizations, professional trail builders, and a multitude of volunteers, but what about for-profit companies like bike brands, component makers, coffee roasters, breweries, apparel companies, bike shops, and so many more? Without the backing and involvement of these brands, where would trail building be?

I'm excited to introduce a new series called "Brands that Build." In this series, we'll take a peek behind the curtain of a wide range of companies and hear about how and why they put money and time behind trail building, not only in their neck of the woods but, for some, globally as well. What better place to start than with a brand with quite a buzz ... Chris King.

I set out to launch a magazine and create a media platform to celebrate and elevate trail building. Early on, I came up with this statement, "We believe that trail builders, the unsung heroes, are integral to mountain biking." While this includes everyone who builds and maintains trails, I especially had volunteers in mind. That's why I am starting a new series to celebrate you.

I'm calling it Trail Heroes. To kick off this series, I tapped Lars Romig, who lives, rides, digs, and adventures in one of the most iconic mountain bike destinations: Sedona.

Unsanctioned trails. Those two words combined can cause a firestorm of emotion, debate, and consternation. That’s why I am launching a new series to explore this topic …

Why explore this topic? Some argue that unsanctioned trails represent a shady and dubious past from which we’re finally breaking away. For some, there’s a level of shame to talk about what took place “back then.” While that is the origin story of mountain biking, many are quick to push it aside and talk about how or why we’ve moved on. Yet, others are tired of the bureaucracy and tortoise-like pace of building “legal” trails. I told you this is a controversial conversation. However, we need to have these difficult conversations.