Introducing a New Series on Unsanctioned Trails
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.
Every semester, I teach an undergrad course called Advanced Information Literacy and Research. Yes, it’s a course focused on learning how to research, complete with annotated bibliographies, research proposals, and literature reviews. However, it juxtaposed against the backdrop of online content we’re bombarded with on social media daily: conspiracy theories, misinformation or “fake news,” confirmation bias, etc. It grounds the conversation of why research is essential. As a result, throughout the semester, we talk about all kinds of controversial topics: politics, COVID-19, Donald Trump, vaccines, Israel and Gaza, Russia and Ukraine, online algorithms, conspiracy theories, fake news, and so much more. No, we don’t argue and yell. We talk. You know what? It’s actually a lot of fun.
Inevitably, at the end of the semester, I hear from students how much they enjoyed the class. Why? We discussed many critical topics in a safe space, regardless of what one believes. Most often, outside the classroom, people tend to shy away from these conversations because there’s seemingly mostly yelling, finger-pointing, and name-calling. We need to create a safe space to talk about unsanctioned trail building. No, not to promote it. I can already hear the rebuttal about how when we talk about it, it will only promote it. Not true. As discussed in my class, we all have our own filter bubbles or echo chambers. If you’re part of a non-profit trail stewardship organization, you’re not hanging out with rogue trail builders. Conversely, rogue trail builders are not showing up to vote and participate in their local non-profit trail stewardship organization.
So let’s talk.
One of the oft-repeated themes is that unsanctioned trails result from unmet needs. Again, that is the origin story of mountain biking. Truth be told, for many, this storyline still rings true today. How do I know? Because of all of the DMs and emails I’ve received. Many are out there in secret building trails because of that unmet need. For some who’ve reached out to me, they tell me in their country, it is the only way trails can be built. There is no other way.
This topic stirred up again within the past week as we’ve been giving away a free PDF of an article written by Travis Reill in Volume 1, Issue 1, titled “Do Unsanctioned Trails Hurt Mountain Biking?” That social media post announcing the free PDF last week generated lots of comments, DMs, and emails. [download HERE]
So let’s talk.
The goal of this series is to be educational. At Trail Builder Mag, we straddle the line relationally with many connections and friendships with those who work for non-profit trail stewardship and advocacy organizations, bike brands, tool and equipment companies, government agencies, professional trail builders, and so much more. Yet, we also attract those who would self-identify as rogue trail builders. Some wear that as a badge of honor, whereas others are almost embarrassed by it and feel a tinge of guilt as they stash and hide their tools after digging all day.
As a media platform, I want to create a space where we can have these conversations, though they can be uncomfortable. I want rogue trail builders to be heard and understood. My hope is that it would provide valuable insights for all of the non-profit trail stewardship organizations and government agencies. Why? Often, out of frustration, rogue trail builders don’t join trail organizations as card-carrying and paying members, or they do but give up when things are moving too slowly for them. As a result, they can viewed as trolls on social media (some are pretty vocal).
How will this work? To make it simple, I’ll do this as a Q&A that we utilize with our other series. I’ll send off a series of questions to be answered. Those who participate will remain anonymous and be free to share their stories. At the end of the day, I want this to be educational, fun, and a safe space to have difficult conversations.
So how do we start? I need to hear from you. Please email me if you’re building unsanctioned trails and want to chat more. I’ll send you a list of questions to respond to. Your privacy will be protected, and you will remain anonymous. Let’s try this and see where it goes …
Words: Sean Benesh Photos: Sean Benesh
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Sean Benesh
Sean is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Trail Builder Mag. He is also the Communications Director for the Northwest Trail Alliance in Portland, Oregon. While in grad school, he worked as a mountain biking guide in Southern Arizona. Sean also spends time in the classroom as a digital media instructor at Warner Pacific University.
